Leading Through Change: Transitional Ministry Training Begins October 1
Pastors interested in intentional interim ministry—or simply becoming more effective leaders during seasons of congregational change—are invited to register for the Lutheran Transitional Ministry Association’s 2026–27 Basic Education in Transitions. The program begins online Thursday, October 1, 2026, with registration now open.
The two-phase program equips pastors and other ministry leaders to understand congregational systems, navigate conflict and grief, lead through adaptive challenges, and help communities discern the future God is inviting them to discover. As LuTMA emphasizes, all ministry involves transition, making the training valuable for both settled pastors and those discerning a call to intentional interim ministry.
Training begins online October 1
Phase 1: Congregational Dynamics & Transitions (CDT) begins October 1 and includes 13 live, 90-minute Thursday sessions at 12 p.m. Central / 10 a.m. Arizona time through January 21, 2027. Participants engage theology, leadership skills, congregational systems, conflict management, grief, self-care, spiritual resources and other dimensions of leading communities through change.
Phase 2: The Transitional Leader (TTL) is an in-person residential experience April 12–16, 2027, in San Antonio, Texas. Participants build on the first phase through collegial learning, case studies and deeper exploration of their own leadership within congregations and organizations facing adaptive challenges.
The full two-phase tuition is $2,000, with books, travel, lodging and meals additional. A limited number of scholarships are available.
Grounded in Scripture and Lutheran theology, the training approaches transition not simply as a problem to manage but as a time for discernment. Participants explore how leaders can accompany communities through grief and uncertainty while remaining attentive to God’s promises and the possibilities for new life.
Since 1997, LuTMA—formerly NALIP—has worked with thousands of pastors and ministry partners in transitional leadership. Participants who satisfactorily complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion.
Registration is open now. Learn more about the course, scholarships and registration at LuTMA’s Basic Education in Transitions page.
Questions may also be directed to director@lutma.org.
