The Pastor as Leader: Week 1 of the Art of Transitional Leadership November 9-13, 2026 ONLINE
This training focuses on leadership in a ministerial context characterized by transition. This can be any ministry that is consciously seeking to work with the change they are experiencing or change that is anticipated (whether in leadership, culture, context, and ministry). We request that arrangements be made in advance for coverage of pastoral responsibilities so that participants can focus fully on this program for the sake of their own learning and that of their colleagues in the cohort.
Required to participate: There will be two assigned books to read as well as some exercises which will be used in the course of the days.
Schedule: We will meet each day from 9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. Central Time. A detailed schedule will be available for participants by October 22. Preparation information will be available in early June 2025.
This class is facilitated and taught by Rev. Dr. Jeff Japinga and Rev. Dr. Deb DeMeester, Director of Leadership Development for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies. They each bring experiences of transitional ministry, mid-Council work, and teaching to the class.
From former participants: "I have both an M.Div and D.Min. This ATM class has been the most helpful ministry training I have experienced so far." "I would strongly encourage others to take this course, whether they were planning on doing transitional ministry or not. The resources are helpful to pastors in any sort of ministry." "All pastors should take this course immediately. This was the most helpful and informative training I have ever engaged with in over 20 years as a professional." "I would tell future participants that this course is genuinely worth their time—not because it offers easy answers, but because it invites real growth. The material challenges you to think more deeply, reflect more honestly, and engage more intentionally with both the readings and your own experience. It’s the kind of course where you don’t just accumulate information; you come away with a clearer sense of who you are as a learner and a leader. I’d also emphasize that the course creates an environment where every learning style can thrive. The mix of readings, discussions, workshops, and small-group engagements gives everyone a way to enter the conversation meaningfully. If you’re the kind of person who learns through dialogue, you’ll find plenty of it. If you learn by reflecting quietly or wrestling with complex ideas on your own, the course makes space for that too."
