FROM TIIMSA ZOOM CONVERSATIONS TO…
“THE TRANSITIONAL SPECIALISTS PODCAST”
The new year of 2022 brought a shift in the monthly media offering from TIIMSA for intentional interim ministry resourcing! We have replaced the TIIMSA Conversations Series with a new endeavor called “THE TRANSITIONAL SPECIALISTS PODCAST” hosted by former TIIMSA Board member Rev. Bill Kemp and produced by TIIMSA Communications Coordinator Rev. Keith Head. These podcast episodes are now available on our website at tiimsa.org/podcast/. However, the TIIMSA Conversations continue to offer wisdom and resources for Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists. Check out the 11 free videos below!
TIIMSA CONVERSATIONS on Zoom!
A series of TIIMSA-sponsored
informative Zoom workshops
with topics relevant
to interim and transitional ministry
These one-hour video conference calls on Zoom are offered to maintain connections with one another and enhance our ministry toolbox during this time of social distancing. Our Conversations are the first Thursday of each month, beginning with a half-hour presentation of the topic, followed by Q&A and sharing of insights from participants.
The last TIIMSA Conversation #11 was:
“Interpreting Congregational History”
with Jane Sautter
on November 4, 2021
This TIIMSA Conversation took a look at considering the past to understand the path to the future. One of the early tasks for a TIIMS trained interim or a clergy person being assigned to a conflicted congregation is to make a full, honest, and unbiased assessment of the congregation’s history. Past events often play outsized roles in current dysfunctions. Once the TIIMS has a grasp of the congregation’s history, they will need to find creative and nonjudgmental ways to interpret that history to the current lay leadership. The hope is to find healing. Jane presented a case study that sheds light on this challenge.
TIIMSA Conversation #11 Presenter:
Rev. Jane Sautter is a retired elder in the Upper New York Annual Conference. She graduated from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio with a dual degree, MDiv and MTS in Church History. For part of her career, Jane served in a missionary appointment on the Yakama Reservation in White Swan, WA. Jane has served in two Intentional Interim Ministry appointments since her retirement and is a Lead Trainer for TIIMS. In her spare time, Jane can be found gardening, reading or spending time with her four grandchildren…gifts from her son and daughter.
Hosting the ZOOM meeting will be Rev. Bill Kemp, author of several books on interim ministry and former TIIMSA Board member.
Watch the recording of the November 4
Conversation Zoom (49:24)
TIIMSA Conversation #10
was Thursday, October 7, 2021:
“Enabling Needed
Leadership Change”
This TIIMSA Conversation takes a look at the role of the Intentional Interim Minister with changing leadership in a transitional situation. From day one of a new appointment, intentional interim pastors face the challenge of evaluating congregational leadership asking: “Who holds positions within the church’s organizational structure that exceeds the term limit provisions of The Book of Discipline?” and “Are there church members not currently serving who will bring new vitality to the church’s ministries?” TIIMSA trained interim pastors seek to be intentional, compassionate, and aware of the existing congregational systems as they perform this critical task within their brief tenure. Having the wrong people in lay leadership roles often precipitates the congregational crisis that brings about the interim appointment.
How can we as TIIMS lead the congregation to improve their nominations process? What are the term limits established in The Book of Discipline? What latitude do we have to act when the entrenched leadership is resistant? What should we keep in mind for the future? Can we anticipate General Conference actions that will influence the Committee on Nominations and their responsibilities within the congregation?
TIIMSA Conversation #10 Presenter:
Rev. Charles Murry is President of the TIIMSA Board of Directors and a member of the Arkansas Conference, retiring in 2017 with 42 years of service. He has completed two TIIMS trainings: one in 2003 offered by the Interim Ministry Network and the second in 2004 sponsored by the United Methodist Church. From 2012 to 2017, he served two TIIMS appointments. Charles notes, “I truly believe in the transformative nature of TIIMS. Not only were my congregations changed for the good, my pastoral work became healthier too.”
Hosting the ZOOM meeting will be Rev. Bill Kemp, author of several books on interim ministry and former TIIMSA Board member.
Recommended Resources:
WINNING ON PURPOSE
How to Organize Congregations to Succeed in Their Mission
by John E. Kaiser, Thomas G. Bandy, and Bill Easum
Click here for information
MISSION POSSIBLE 3+
A Simple Structure for Missional Effectiveness
by Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford
Click here for information
Watch the recording of the October 7
Conversation Zoom (1:03:18)
TIIMSA Conversation #9
was September 2, 2021:
“FUNDING MINISTRY
in a Changing Landscape”
This TIIMSA Conversation revisited the various ways Intentional Interims get compensated during a transitional appointment. What should we keep in mind as we negotiate a fair contract? How do we work with cabinets and churches who don’t understand the unique nature of interim ministry? We also discussed stewardship in the COVID age. What are new challenges and unique opportunities? There was also a Q&A time focused on what we learned from Gil Rendle at last spring’s 2021 TIIMSA Gathering and how we have been able to apply it.
TIIMSA Conversation #9 Presenter:
Rev. Bonnie Osteen, Director of Interim Ministries for the United Methodist Texas Annual Conference and Past President of TIIMSA.
Our host will be Rev. Bill Kemp, author of several books on interim ministry and former TIIMSA Board member.
Download the slide presentation PDF for this conversation HERE.
WATCH the recording of the September 2 Conversation Zoom (56:31)
TIIMSA Conversation #8
was June 3, 2021:
“Using sailing metaphors to describe
the journey and process of transition”
This TIIMSA Conversation helps church leaders through rough seas when conflict or the need for change disrupts normal church life. It also helps Transitional Intentional Interim Specialists (TIIMS) understand their role in leading the transitional process. Boats and the ancient art of sailing provide dozens of useful images for our work. Don’t worry if you have never sailed, landlubbers welcomed!
TIIMSA Conversation #8 presenter:
BILL KEMP is a United Methodist retired elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference and longtime member of the TIIMSA Board of Directors, a novelist, self-help author, web-content provider, and an unofficial instigator for change.
Download the slide presentation PDF for this conversation HERE.
WATCH the recording of the June 3 Conversation (1:00:35)
TIIMSA Conversation #7
was May 6, 2021:
“Denominational and Social Issues
in the TIIMS Setting”
BILL KEMP teams up with ROGER GRACE to discuss where The United Methodist Church is headed amid the LBGTQ controversy. If there is an official separation in 2022, what role can transitional consultants, such as Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists (TIIMS), play in lowering congregational anxiety? What advice does Roger have for pastors serving churches whose congregational culture may be at odds with the United Methodist mainstream? Roger is a member of the West Ohio Conference delegation to the next General Conference. He has served as a district superintendent, President of United Methodist Rural Advocates, and worked with Bill Kemp on the book, Help! My Church Is Leaving Me.
WATCH the recording of the May 6 Conversation (45:50)
TIIMSA Conversation #6
was March 4, 2021:
“Mapping Out the Post-COVID World”
Bill Kemp outlines the key issues interims and other church leaders will face in 2021. Is there a map that can help us navigate the next nine months? How do we talk about transition in a time when returning to normal is the only thing on people’s minds? What will the separation of church and state look like in the post-Trump era? How will we lead beyond the walls of our sanctuaries? How do we move ourselves from denial to acceptance of the current reality, from anger to the formation of a new identity, from bargaining to a saner decision-making process, from depression to self-care, and from passivity to actively planning for the future?
TIIMSA Conversation #6 presenter:
BILL KEMP is a United Methodist retired elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference and longtime member of the TIIMSA Board of Directors, a novelist, self-help author, web-content provider, and an unofficial instigator for change.
Download the slide presentation PDF for this conversation HERE.
WATCH the recording of the March 4 Conversation (58:26)
TIIMSA Conversation #5
was February 4, 2021:
“A Book Review of
QUIETLY COURAGEOUS
by Gil Rendle”
Gil Rendle’s QUIETLY COURAGEOUS, Leading the Church in a Changing World was published in 2019, but explains in an uncanny way the paradigm shifts of what was happening then and has now gone into fast forward during the time of COVID-19. Written by an experienced United Methodist pastor, international church leader and consultant, the book urges a shift in perspectives on resources, discusses models of change, and offers suggestions for avoiding common pitfalls and working creatively.
This TIIMSA Conversation is more than a mere book REVIEW, it includes an OVERVIEW of what this book specifically has to say to those involved in Intentional Interim Ministry and a PREVIEW of a more indepth and updated presentation by the author himself as the keynote speaker at the 2021 TIIMSA Gathering Webinar on April 20-21 (see 2021 Gathering).
To purchase QUIETLY COURAGEOUS (highly recommended for those attending the 2021 TIIMSA Gathering Webinar), go to Cokesbury.com or your preferred book distributer.
TIIMSA Conversation #5 presenter and host:
KEITH L. HEAD — United Methodist retired elder in the North Texas Conference and TIIMS who serves as the Communications Coordinator on the TIIMSA Board of Directors.
Hosting is BILL KEMP, a United Methodist retired elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference and longtime member of the TIIMSA Board of Directors, a novelist, self-help author, web-content provider, and an unofficial instigator for change.
Download the slide presentation PDF for this conversation HERE.
WATCH the recording of the February 4 Conversation (47:01)
TIIMSA Conversation #4
was January 7, 2020:
“THE UNEXPECTED GIFTS
OF 2020 AND COVID-19”
TIME FOR AN EPIPHANY! Epiphany of the Lord (January 6) commemorates the coming of the Magi to the holy family with gifts for the Christ child. It also begins the church season of Epiphany with the common theme that Jesus Christ is “manifesting” God to all humans in the world. Also, as we consider the gifts of the three kings to the baby Jesus of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we also consider the gifts we bring from our lives and experiences.
Is it possible that the year 2020 with the Coronavirus pandemic has brought us some unique and “unexpected” gifts that might not have happened otherwise? Our three presenters will bring their perspectives on this question as Transitional Intentional Interim Specialists! They will also be inviting our Zoom participants to share their “gifts” for insightful considerations of the challenges we faced in 2020, some best practices developed by local churches, and future-oriented thinking for ministry in 2021!
TIIMSA Conversation #4 presenters and host:
Hosting was BILL KEMP, a United Methodist retired elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference and longtime member of the TIIMSA Board of Directors, a novelist, self-help author, web-content provider, and an unofficial instigator for change.
DIANNE CHRISTOPHER — United Methodist retired elder in the Iowa Conference who was instrumental in organizing TIIMSA and served as one of the early chairs of the Board of Directors.
DARRELL COATS — United Methodist elder in the North Texas Conference appointed full time to do interim ministry and past chair of TIIMSA.
WATCH the recording of the January 7 Conversation (54:27)
TIIMSA Conversation #3
was November 5, 2020:
“CHURCH FINANCES
IN A TIME OF COVID-19”
The subject of finances is the most favorite discussion in the church … NOT! Yet we are called to be faithful stewards, even in times such as these. But how? The year of 2020 with COVID-19 has presented many financial challenges for individuals which impacts the church, as well. How can interim ministers approach this topic seeking generosity in the midst of scarcity? What hope may we offer for 2021?
The presenter was Rev. Bonnie Osteen who has served as a Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist (TIIMS) for 13 churches in a variety of situations that include: conflict, pastor removal, sabbatical, death in pastor’s family, cross cultural, transition between pastoral appointments, and at a college Wesley Foundation. This calling is one she approaches with passion. Bonnie received the TIIMS Approval status with General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) in 2014, and is currently the Chair of the TIIMSA Board. In 2015, Bonnie joined the Texas Annual Conference staff as the Director of Intentional Interim Ministry. She is a National TIIMS Trainer and enjoys leading the seminars across the nation. She enjoys teaching and preaching about God’s abundance of grace. Also, her strong emphasis with hands-on-mission has given her the opportunity to serve through local ministries such as UMARMY and food pantries and also global mission trips to Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Belize. Bonnie is married to Dave, who serves as Captain with Fire/EMS in Pearland, Texas.
WATCH the recording of the November 5 Conversation (45:29)
TIIMSA Conversation #2
was October 1, 2020:
“DOING ADVENT IN A TIME
OF TRANSITION
AND COVID-19”
Advent has many themes and rituals that relate to transition and the interim ministry task. The end of 2020 is likely to be a year of social and political change. Many in your congregation will be looking forward to a post COVID-19 world. It is important to recognize what has been lost in 2020 and to turn the congregation’s attention towards a future that has yet to be revealed.
The presenter was Rev. Bill Kemp, a longtime member of the TIIMS Board of Directors, a novelist, self-help author, web-content provider, and an unofficial instigator for change. He has written over a dozen books, many of them dealing with transition, including “The Church Transition Workbook,” and “Going Home: Facing Life’s Final Moments without Fear” (with Diane Kerner Arnett). He also provides a weekly lectionary-based blog at www.billkemp.info. Early in 2020, he launched the www.morethantheflu.com website which talks about the pandemic initiating a spiritual transition. In November, he will publish “The 5 Stages of COVID Anxiety: How to get through this mess and be better for it.”
Download PRESENTATION HANDOUT here
Download PRESENTATION SLIDES here
WATCH the recording of the October 1 Converstion (59:35)
TIIMSA Conversation #1
was September 3, 2020:
“Beginning, Building and
Ending Relationships
in the time of COVID-19”
This Zoom presentation was our first TIIMSA Conversation led by Rev. Dr. Mary Catherine Miller, Senior Pastor of Newark United Methodist Church, with 18 participants from across the nation. Assuming relationships are essential to ministry and our current pandemic is changing how we relate to one another, the workshop gave an overview of keeping connected and radiating God’s love. Dr. Miller recalled the Process Tasks taught in the training of Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialists and her experience of how ministry relationships have been affected by four different categories: IDENTIFY: what relationships do we have? DEFINE: prioritizing relationships by purpose. NURTURE: connecting and caring for individuals, as well as communities. RELEASE: saying farewell while preparing for a new pastor. The presentation was followed by enthusiastic discussion by the participants concerning best practices in the midst of a pandemic. The Zoom presentation was not recorded, but the Powerpoint is available for download here.
OTHER RESOURCES…
The GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY, The United Methodist Church, provides resources for Interim Ministry on their website at https://www.gbhem.org/clergy/chaplains-pastoral-counselors/interim-ministry/. If you are a trained Transitional Intentional Interim Ministry Specialist and desire to apply for Approval Status from the GBHEM administered by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency, please go to the Methodist Endorsement Application Portal for the Methodist Churches of the Pan-Methodist Commission at https://methodist.smapply.io.
The Tasks of an Intentional Interim Minister
To place an TIIMS opportunity, please contact the WEBMASTER with “TIIMSA Opportunity” in the Subject line.