Montreat Conference Center

Current Conferences

Pastoral Transitions: From “Doing it all” to “Getting it Done”

Many first call pastors gain their identity and understanding of ministry from the context of the smaller congregation where they function as a generalist working on multiple tasks. After gaining experience in a smaller congregation, pastors called to a larger congregation take with them their familiar ways of being and doing. However, they are very likely to discover that moving to a larger congregation requires them to make many other changes than the one recorded on a change of address form at the post office. They may be asking “How did I get here and what do I do now?” The focus of this event is more on helping pastors think and learn about making their personal transition to leading larger congregations, than it is in teaching them how to lead a congregation experiencing growth. Participants will have the opportunity to work with two experienced pastors who have successfully migrated to leading larger congregations.

Who should attend this event?

• Pastors considering a move to a congregation with pastoral and program staff
• Pastors of mid-size or larger congregations discerning a need to hone their skills as staff leader
• Pastors puzzled by experiences in serving a mid-size congregation
• Pastors discovering they can’t “do it all” by themselves

Participants will gain:

• An increased understanding of the relationship of size to congregational dynamics and leadership functions
• An expanding theological understanding of what it means to equip the saints for ministry
• Insights into the roles of pastors leading, directing, and supervising pastoral and program staff
• Practical skills for guiding leadership through the complexities of larger congregations

Event leaders will use a number of approaches to learning which presuppose that participants bring their own wisdom and experiences to the learning community. Opportunities for learning will include formal presentations by the leaders, small group discussion, use of case studies, and suggested reading as preparation for the event. Participants will examine their theologies for ministry, identify best practices for fulfilling leadership responsibilities, and gain skills in staff leadership. They will explore Biblical narratives as a major resource in discerning and living through a transition from a smaller to a larger congregation.

Key Leaders

Harris Schultz, Nashville, TN

Retired at the end of 2006 after serving small, mid-size, and larger congregations, the last five as interim pastor of program or corporate congregations. He is a member of the Presbyterian national faculty for interim ministry education and a member of the Association of Presbyterian Interim Ministry Specialists. He was awarded the D.Min degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in 1996, where he focused on pastoral care with attention to transitional ministries.

Deborah Fortel, Louisville, KY

Interim pastor of St. John Presbyterian Church in New Albany, Indiana. Deborah’s ministry for the past 25 years has included interim ministry in six congregations, directorship of an urban social service agency, 11 years as pastor and head of staff of an inner ring suburban congregation, and service to Committees on Ministry in the Presbyterian Church headquarters.

Program Fee

• On or before February 28: $280
• After February 28 and before March 27: $305

Registration closes on March 27. A $100 non-refundable deposit (for program and housing) is required at time of registration; balance due must be paid by March 27.

Scholarships are available for this conference.

Cost for Housing and Meals

Rates are per person and include all room and meal charges for the entire conference (Sunday supper-Friday lunch). No adjustments to package will be made except for extended stay. Meals for children ages 5-11: $72.50; under 5: no charge. No room charge for children under 12 in the same room with parent(s).

Assembly Inn

• Single, Private Bath: $587.50
• Single, Connecting Bath: $492.50
• Double, Private Bath: $392.50 per person
• Double, Connecting Bath: $367.50 per person

Registration Information/Childcare

Conference begins Sunday, April 26, with registration, 4-5:30 PM, Assembly Inn Lobby. Conference ends Friday, May 1, with lunch.

• Register online now! (registration closes March 27)
• Download registration information

If you would like conference information mailed to you via U.S. mail, please email carolo[at]montreat.org. Questions about registration? Email the registrar at susana[at]montreat.org.

Childcare is not available during this event.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation fee: $100 deposit is non-refundable, all other amounts paid will be refunded in full until April 15. No refunds will be made after April 15.

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