By Keith Shields

I began my training with the Transitional Leadership Network (TLN) in 2018 when I was Interim Lead Pastor of a Calgary, Alberta church. I had been Executive Pastor beside a great Lead Pastor who shepherded for 41 years—21 as Lead Pastor and 20 as an Associate. After almost 50 years of continuity, this shift would be a shock to the congregation. The congregation was healthy but needed a transitional period to determine next steps. I was a leader and elder for about 20 years, so the congregation had comfort with me in an interim role. Wanting to serve them well, I sought additional training to strengthen my skills.

Transitional Leaders - More than a Place Holder

Through the TLN training, I realized transitional leaders are more than interim leaders holding a place until a new Lead Pastor is hired. Being a Transitional Pastor is challenging because you must do everything a Lead Pastor does (preaching, administration, pastoral care, evangelism, etc.) and guide the...

There continues to be a need for more harvest hands needs in all areas of God's kingdom harvest work. That includes the need for more quality transitional pastors. Where do you fit into helping to meet that need?

The Transitional Leader (TL) Designation program equips and supports both transitional leaders and their sponsoring agencies. Transitional leaders receive training and support for ongoing development and ministry effectiveness. Denominational leaders and other sponsors receive support and resources to find, train and designate transitional leaders for the harvest field.  

When churches experience a change in pastors, they go on a journey of transition. The diagram in this video will walk you through the stages of that transitional journey.

How do you know if you're a candidate for transitional ministry (also called intentional interim ministry)? Here are seven potential signs (feelings or thoughts) that indicate God might be trying to get your attention and calling you to be a transitional pastor.

This is an invitation to further your professional development in transitional ministry / intentional interim ministry. Develop your skills as a transitional leader or pastor and find a community to support you with TLN's Advanced Training. Find out more here.

In this video, Cam interviews four experienced transitional pastors and asks them, "What's the one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out as a transitional pastor." What advice would you give?

Is transitional ministry / intentional interim ministry for you? Or are you supporting churches in transition and need a more robust way to think about it? This training will give you all you need to start doing this work.

For more information on training dates and how to register, click here.

The transitional journey roadmap is a powerful diagram to help tie everything together as you think about dealing with transition. Whether in your own life or with a congregation in transition.