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...

By Hugh Fraser

There I was, engaged with a church floundering in transition.  A picture of a train came to mind. Their experience was so much like passengers struggling to board a train headed towards the future. Despite sincere effort and good intentions, the leaders could not get everyone to climb on board!

As I reflected and searched for direction in God’s Word, the Spirit led me to Hebrews 12:1-3. It had the feel of this train metaphor and some clues as to what was holding us back. The writer of Hebrews exhorted followers to “…run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Forward motion can be impeded by two barriers – anything that “hinders” or “sin that easily entangles.” 

This congregation had suffered a devastating split in the membership a year earlier. As we partnered in an assessment process, it became clear that unsettled emotion was a primary hindrance for this body.

One Transitional...

Just because a church has agreed to an intentional interim process does not mean they are ready for all that goes with it. 

It takes wise and thoughtful leadership to navigate the transitional process. Healthy transitions don’t just happen but require spiritual discernment, competency and wise leadership to navigate. 

As you and I work with congregations in transition, we need to keep in mind some basics. For many of you, these ideas are not new but if you’re like me, I need reminding because I forget things.

This is your reminder of some basic principles to keep standing on as you lead and work with congregations in transition. Please send me yours to add to this list.    

Five Enduring Principles that Help Us Navigate Transition and Change

1. Communicate a Compelling Transitional Vision

 Vision comes in all sizes. There is the long term overarching vision a church needs. There’s also the shorter term transitional vision.  This...

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.  

You can't live one second without hope. Here is a fresh take on an essential element during times of transition both personally and with congregations. 

TLN is excited to announce our Peer Coaching Triads. It's a place and space where transitional pastors will be able to stay connected, be supported and further develop as coach-like leaders.

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.

What is the difference between intentional interim ministry and traditional interim ministry? When do you need to consider a more intentional approach during pastoral transition? This video outlines the two models and how they can be used in your church.

The kind of change most churches today need is "ADAPTIVE" change not just "TECHNICAL" change. An opportune time to begin to make those changes is during pastoral transition. This video makes the case for adaptive change as necessary for most churches during transition.