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Understandings Behind the Training

Outline of Phases

Phase II Overview

Phase III Overview

Trainer Biographies

Transitional Ministry Training 
Next cycle: April 30 - May 4, 2012

This two part training is a joint venture of the trainers and Amigo Centre, and is done in consultation with the conference offices of the four Great Lakes area Mennonite Church USA   conferences. It provides a theoretical framework for transitional ministry, and identifies helpful skills and characteristics.

The training is planned in two parts.  Phases I-II are one package.  The purpose of the two phases is to give opportunity for candidates for transition ministry to discern their fit for transitional ministry.  An interview with one of the trainers prior to the Phase II Amigo training is included.  The Phase II training builds on the interview and allows participants to consider the unique opportunities and challenges of transitional ministry. 

Phases III-IV are the second package.  The purpose of Phases III-IV is to give opportunity for participants to grow in both perspectives and skills helpful in practicing transitional ministry. 

Phases I-II are prerequisites for Phases III-IV.   Participants can elect to attend phases I-II in one year and return a year (or more) later to attend Phases III-IV. 

The trainers and presenters for this event include Gary Martin and Cliff Brubaker, who between them have served in more than 15 transitional assignments in the Indiana-Michigan, Central District , Ohio   and Illinois Conferences.

Pricing:

  Phase I-II Training is $400, and includes:

• the interview and written response;
• the training sessions of Phase II;
•  four meals and two nights lodging (if desired) in Amigo Centre’s Retreat Centre;
• One hour of follow-up coaching after the event. 

  Phase III is $400, and includes:

• The training sessions of Phase III; 
• Five meals and two nights lodging in Amigo Centre’s Retreat Center :
• Two additional hours of coaching (Phase IV) after the event. 

Conference Ministers and other conference staff members may audit either phase of this training for $250, which includes similar hospitality arrangements.

  Who should come? 

• People who are interested learning more about what transitional ministry is about;
• People who would like to test their leaning toward transitional ministry;
• People who know they are interested in doing transitional ministry and who want to be trained and coached; 
• People who are leading congregations through transitions that characterize our times. 

  Why is coaching emphasized?

• The trainers both have found ongoing coaching to be crucial to face the surprises and significant challenges inherent in transitional ministry. 

  If I know I want to do transitional ministry, do I need to take Phases I-II? 

• Yes.  Though the focus is discerning call to transitional ministry, the information and perspectives are foundational to Phase III.

  Can I take only Phases I-II now, and do Phases III-IV later if I wish?

• Yes!  You can come back to the next training without repeating Phases I-II again. 

  Why two trainers? 

• Learning transitional ministry is in part learning theory and skills.  In part it is learning how you can utilize your particular gifting and experience to pastor congregations in transition.  Though Gary and Cliff share similar theoretical perspectives, they each bring a personal touch to transitional ministry that will broaden the learning for participants. 

  Can I come if I am not a Mennonite?

• Absolutely!   Though some of the examples in the training will grow out of the trainers’ experience in Mennonite congregations, the broader challenges of transition times are shared by all congregations, making the training applicable in many places. 

We will need to have 6 participants to hold this training. Call or email for details.

Registration deadline is three weeks before the event.