Transitional Ministry Today: Successful Strategies for Churches and Pastors

Transitional ministry can be tremendously helpful for congregations in times of change, and yet, to be successful today transitional ministers and churches need to take into account the major changes in the religious landscape. From the decline of mainline churches to the rise of those who don’t identify with any religious tradition, the religious scene has changed dramatically since transitional ministry began three decades ago, and to remain vital today, the practice of transitional ministry must change as well. This book provides transitional ministers and congregations with essential information on re-thinking transitional ministry in ways that take the current religious climate into account. Ten experienced authors—including seasoned practitioners of transitional ministry and those who oversee transitional ministry denomination-wide—propose new ways to approach transitional ministry today. Chapters address practical theology, leadership, specialized interim situations, renewal during interim time, alternative models of transitional ministry, and more. Essays address a range of diverse churches in size, racial/ethnic background, and location. Transitional Ministry Today highlights how creative and cutting-edge ministry can be done during the “in-between-time” through creative thinking and practice in the face of new realities

Norman B. Bendroth is the coordinator for clergy and church resources for the New England Pastoral Institute and a professional transitional minister ordained in the United Church of Christ. He has contributed articles to the Christian Century, Congregations, Reformed Worship, Perspectives and Sojourners.