We live in unprecedented times. Change is happening all around us – whether it is in our churches, communities or the wider world. The question is not “will change come?” but instead, “How will we respond to the changes that confront us?”
The Art of Transitional Ministry is a two-part education opportunity to provide models, methods and similarly-minded colleagues to hone skills as leaders through transitions. Whether you are an installed pastor, interim or transitional leader, or serve other institutions in transition, our in-person educational event in a stunning location will provide you with time and space to discern your path as a transitional leader for this time.
The Art of Transitional Ministry Program consists of two 30-hour long courses.
Week I – 30 hours
The basic education course is designed for:
Week 1 focuses on consciously leading congregations through changes in context, identity, and leadership. Pre-conference reading is required so participants are advised to register at least four weeks in advance.
Week II
For pastors and leaders serving in congregations and faith communities in the midst of transitions in leadership, culture, context, and ministry. Participants will use their current ministry context to reflect on the leader’s role and tasks in times of transition. Completion of Week I within the past five years and current service in a transitional or interim ministry position (widely defined) is required for participation in this course. This course will provide an opportunity for going deeper into the work introduced in week I and beginning to understand our role as leaders in contexts of change and transition. Registration is limited and there are several homework assignments to prepare for Week II, so early registration is advised.
Spouse Track
Zephyr Point will not be offering the Spouse Track for Summer 2023. However, spouses and partners of participants are welcomed to take advantage of “non-participant” registration in order to enjoy all the Tahoe Basin has to offer!
Event Check-in will begin on Sunday at 3pm and the event will conclude by Friday at 11am. We encourage participants who are flying to the conference to arrive at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Shuttle transportation from the airport to Zephyr Point can be reserved with the South Tahoe Airporter. We recommend drop-offs at the Hard Rock in South Lake Tahoe, and we can arrange to pick you up from there at your arrival time. If you schedule shuttle transportation, please send itineraries for shuttle service to program@zephyrpoint.org.
Zephyr Point will offer one shuttle from Zephyr Point to the Reno International Airport at the conclusion of the conference ($5). We will depart at 11:30am on Friday 7/21, and should arrive to the airport no later than 1pm. To sign up for this service, please add it on your registration page, once we get closer to the event (we will add this to the registration page two months prior to the event). You can call the Program Office to add transportation to your pre-existing reservation.
ATM participants can enroll their children in two summer camp offerings on-site at Zephyr Point. Incoming 1st-8th graders are invited to Camp Zephyr (1st-5th grade) or Beyond Camp Zephyr (6th-8th grade), day camps run by the Zephyr Point Summer Staff. Camp Zephyr and Beyond Camp Zephyr run M-F 7:45AM-5:15PM. Both of these opportunities are unique to Zephyr Point! Contact the Program Team at program@zephyrpoint.org or (775) 588-6759 ext. 113 with further questions.
Rev. Donald P. Hammond is a Intentional Transitional Minister currently serving as the Interim Co-pastor for the English Worshipping Community in the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown. The Session meetings in his current church are conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Don’s prior experiences include serving as interim solo and head of staff pastorates in the the Presbyteries of Boston, Long Island and now San Francisco. Don’s first call in the PC(USA) was to validated ministry at San Francisco Theological Seminary. In addition to his work as a transitional church leader, Don has also served on Committees of Ministry in three presbyteries, including serving as the co-moderator of SF Presbytery. Born in the Summer of Love and growing up in the Haight-Ashbury and in a couple of hippie communes on the West Coast, Don has a high-tolerance for odd communities and unexpected events and circumstances: gifts which serve him (and his parishes) well in times of transition. Prior to his ordination, Don did missionary work in East Africa, and worked as a communications specialist in the fields of banking and journalism. Although probably the most impractical of hobbies (due to the vagabond existence of interim ministry) Don collects vintage vinyl records and first edition science fiction and fantasy books.
The Rev. Elizabeth Smith’s 10+ years of ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) has taken shape in a variety of positions, including associate pastor, parish associate, and interim pastor. As a 7 on the Enneagram, Elizabeth easily finds joy in such variety, embracing how periods of transition can be a rich time of discovery and understanding… and even fun. Elizabeth grew up in Iola, Kansas, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas and a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.
Elizabeth currently serves as interim pastor at St John on the Desert Presbyterian Church in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. She and her spouse Bart love hiking, traveling, and being the proud stewards of a quirky hound mix named Gumby.
Kevin has been ordained since 1980 and began as a consultant for youth ministry for the Presbytery of South Florida and served two congregations as youth minister. From there, he served as a solo pastor and an associate pastor in Missouri, Oregon, and California. When he married Astrid in 2002, he served in transitional ministry at congregations in San Leandro, San Rafael, Windsor, Turlock, and San Anselmo, California. He served in long term transitional ministry (otherwise known as installed) in Marshfield, Wisconsin. After his service at Marshfield, Kevin served at transitional positions at Central Presbyterian Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, Woodland Presbyterian Church in Woodland, California, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City, California, and is currently serving at Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Rev. Mitch Coggin is the Transitional Pastor at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Victoria, British Columbia (Vancouver Island, Canada). He holds dual membership as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Canada and The Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served congregations in Georgia, Indiana and Tennessee. Mitch is a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and teaches that coaching is a valuable asset in guiding congregations through the transitional process. In addition to coaching congregations, Mitch coaches mid-council leaders in the Presbyterian Leader Formation program of the PC(USA). Mitch is a passionate woodworker, creating fountain pens on a lathe from the beautiful wood found in the pacific northwest. Mitch and Linda have been married 44 years and love the magnificent ocean living in beautiful Victoria.
The Reverend Renée Rico confesses to be both excited and challenged by the opportunities of ministry in these times in the church. Upon graduation from San Francisco Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree as a 2nd career minister, Renée began her “accidental intentional interim” ministry career, serving in churches across the West as interim solo, head of staff and associate pastor positions in both the Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church. She is serving as Interim Senior Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Carlos, CA
Outside of church, Renée has many interests, including a love of Mexican food, knitting (she teaches and designs her own line of patterns) and fiber spinning.
| Room Style | Housing Cost | Program Fees + Meals | Total Cost 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Occupancy Room (Hotel-Style) | $280 | $680 | $960 |
| Single Occupancy Room (Hotel-Style) | $560 | $680 | $1,240 |
| Commuter (meals only, no housing) | $0 | $680 | $680 |
| Non-participant (Double Occupancy Hotel-Style room and Meals only) | $280 | $175 | $455 |
Program costs do not include the cost of books/texts for required reading. Participants will need to purchase the required reading texts which you will be informed of upon registration.
Registration and Balance due 30 days before event start date. To Register click on the “Register Now” button at the top of the page. Be sure to make a note of all dietary needs, mobility issues, and roommate requests during the registration process
