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The Art of Transitional Ministry

August 29–September 3, 2021  AdultContinuing Education
Sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, in cooperation with the Interim Ministry Consortium.

Registration for Week One in-person is now full; Week Two in-person has one spot remaining.

Registration for both Week One and Week Two virtual are full.

Waitlists are being compiled for each option.

This information is updated on Friday each week. Updated 7/27/2021

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Leading a congregation and faith community through transition is challenging and rewarding. It is recognized both in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and in other denominations as a specialized ministry. It takes knowledge, skill, resilience, and spiritual strength to navigate the waters of transition in a way that allows a congregation and its leaders to be open to possibilities, go deeper, and thrive. The Art of Transitional Ministry offers education in the skills and understanding necessary for leading a congregation and faith community in transition.

 

Week One

Intro to Transitional Ministry

Week 1 is for pastors or congregational leaders serving or considering serving congregations in the midst of transitions in leadership, culture, context, and ministry. You will be introduced to best practices in transitional ministry:

  • Entering the congregation and community
  • Getting to know the church and community
  • Identifying the congregation’s strength and growing edges
  • Assuming responsibility for assisting the congregation in moving toward a vibrant future
  • Leaving the congregation in a healthy and appropriate way

Week Two

The Practice of Transitional Ministry

Week 2 is tailored for those wanting to learn more and focus on improving their own leadership skills, especially in the context of transition.

REQUIRED: Completion of Week 1, ordinarily between six months and six years prior (or by prior approval of the faculty team leader) and the completion of assignments provided upon registration.

Virtual Option

If traveling to Montreat is not the best fit for you right now, you can still experience the Art of Transitional Ministry from the comfort of your own home (or office). Participants will follow a slightly modified schedule from the participants who are in residence and will be required to do more advance preparation for the event. A faculty member from the team will be online with the participants to help field questions and support the conversations (or break-out rooms). We ask that you to consider this option if you have not been fully vaccinated, or if there are other reasons that travel and housing/meals with those outside of your immediate family are of concern.

In what time zone will the meeting be?

The webinar times will be noted in Eastern Time.

What is the cost for Virtual Participation?

The Virtual conference will cost $430.

After I register, how will I access the platform?

As we get closer to the start of the event, an email will be sent to all virtual participants. Included in that email will be instructions to join the Zoom Webinar on the days of the event. We will also send two reminder emails prior to the webinar. Those emails will include the Zoom log-in credentials as well.

What online meeting platform is being used for the webinar?

We will be using Zoom Webinar for this event. You can read about Zoom, its requirements, and how to download it prior to the webinar on the Zoom webpage. Once downloaded, you are able to test the Zoom application to ensure that it works properly on your device. The recommended browser for Zoom is Google Chrome or Firefox. If you are already a Zoom user, as a best practice, visit Zoom and click the download button prior to the webinar to update to the most current version of Zoom.

Technical Concerns

I am having technical issues with Zoom and I cannot join the webinar – what do I do?

If you experience any technical issues prior to or during the webinar, please email tracyb@montreat.org.

Can I connect from a mobile device?

The platform is accessible on a mobile device and formatted to that experience. The experience on a mobile device will look slightly different than the experience on a computer.

My video streaming is slow and I'm experiencing a bad connection - what can I do?

In general, if you’re connecting over wireless Internet and experiencing a poor video connection, constant rebuffering, or other issues during video playback, try the following:

  • Disconnect from any networks and close out of all other applications on your computer.
  • Move your wireless router to a more central location of your home or to an elevated surface or move your computer closer to the router.
  • Use a hardline Internet connection if available.

Spouse Track

Spouse Track

Note: the spouse track will not be offered this year because of possible limits to the number of people that can attend an indoor event. We invite spouses to come to enjoy free time, hiking, reading, etc. but they will not be able to attend any of the meetings.

This course is designed for individuals whose spouse may be considering or engaged in transitional ministry. Spouses learn in a retreat-like atmosphere with opportunities to understand the basics of transitional ministry while also providing ample free time to hike, read, and relax.

Registration and Accommodations

Registration and Accommodations

Note: the spouse track will not be offered this year because of possible limits to the number of people that can attend an indoor event. We invite spouses to come to enjoy free time, hiking, reading, etc. but they will not be able to attend any of the meetings.
Registration Procedure

Each seminar has limited enrollment. Please register early. Registrations for Week 1 must be postmarked by July 30 in order to be accepted. Registrations for Week 2 must be postmarked on or before July 16 in order to be accepted. These dates are required because of advance reading and papers which must be prepared before your attendance at the event. If you feel you can accomplish the work after the dates listed and before the event, please call for an exception at 828.419.9834.

Seminar Fee

Rates below include conference fee as well as a $5 community services fee per person for public services provided by the Town and the fire district. Housing & meals are not included in this rate. ($100 of this fee is a non-refundable deposit.)

On or Before July 16 After July 16
In Person Seminar $430
(clergy only)		 $455
(clergy only)
Online Participation $430
Accommodations

Rates for Assembly Inn include all charges for room and meals for the entire conference (Sunday supper-Friday breakfast. NO WEDNESDAY SUPPER). Additional charges will apply for any extended stay. Room check-in AFTER 3:00 pm on Sunday. Room check-out BEFORE 11:00 am on Friday.

  • Single Occupancy, Private Bath: $675
  • Single Occupancy, Shared Bath: $605
  • Double Occupancy*, Private Bath: $835.00 ($417.50 per person)

*Please note: If you reserve a room at the double occupancy rate and do not specify the name of your spouse/roommate, or if your spouse/roommate is a no-show, you will be charged according to the single occupancy rate for the room you reserved.

Scholarships

Limited scholarships are available for this conference.

Refund Policy

Registrations and housing cancellations for the Assembly Inn must be received by July 16 in order to receive a refund. The $100 deposit is completely non-refundable. All requests must be in writing and received via email, fax or US mail. Cancellations received by July 16 will receive a refund of all funds paid, minus the $100 deposit. Cancellations received between July 16 and August 12 will receive a 50% refund of conference fees and all payments made toward room and meals, minus a $40 service charge. No refunds will be issued after August 12.

Contact Us

Questions about the seminar?
Email Tracy Taylor Bailey at tracyb@montreat.org or call 828.419.9810.

Questions about housing?
Email Susan Akduman at SusanA@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829.

Schedule

General Schedule

Sunday
3:30-5:30 pm - Registration
5:30-6:30 pm - Supper
6:45-8:30 pm - Plenary and Worship

Monday
7:30-8:30 am - Breakfast
8:30 am-12:00 noon - Plenary
12:00-1:00 pm - Lunch
1:30-5:00 pm - Plenary
5:30-6:30 pm - Supper
7:00-8:30 pm - Plenary

Tuesday
7:30-8:30 am - Breakfast
8:30 am-12:00 noon - Plenary
12:00-1:00 pm - Lunch
1:15-5:00 pm - Plenary
5:30-6:30 pm - Supper
7:00 pm - PCUSA Board of Pensions presentation

Wednesday
7:30-8:30 am - Breakfast
8:30 am-12:00 noon - Plenary
12:00-1:00 pm - Lunch
Free afternoon and evening (no dinner served)

Thursday
7:30-8:30 am - Breakfast
8:30 am-12:00 noon - Plenary
12:00-1:00 pm - Lunch
1:30-5:00 pm -Plenary
5:30-6:30 pm - Supper
7:00-9:00 pm - Plenary

Friday
7:30-8:30 am - Breakfast
9:00-11:00 am - Plenary and Closing Worship

Child care is not provided during this seminar

Check-in/Check-out for Housing
  • Housing Check-in: Sunday, August 29, 2021 AFTER 3:00 pm
  • Housing Check-out: Friday, September 3, 2021 BEFORE 11:00 am