Transitional To Transformational Pastors And Churches

by Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder And Team Leader

Two different situations have come across my path recently, raising the same issue of concern.

First, I’m encountering transitional pastors who are quite frustrated in their roles. These are pastors formerly known as Interims, serving with a church between called or appointed pastors. Often these transitional pastors form a one-year agreement with a church, which then turns into a longer agreement, depending on how long it takes to call a pastor. Their frustration rises when these transitional pastors recognize the churches where they are serving need more than transitional ministry. These churches need revitalization, perhaps even redevelopment. Transitional pastors are recognizing that without significant redevelopment, these churches will likely be super-weak and vulnerable when new pastors are called… if they are still able to call new pastors. Transitional pastors wish they had agreements with these churches that allow for deeper transformational ministry, serving the more significant needs rather than only serving to help them move through transition. 

Second, we as an organization are encountering churches who are quite advanced in their life-cycle. These churches are beyond the vitalized stage, moving toward extinction should nothing change. It’s clear that traditional visioning or strategic planning is unlikely to meet their primary need. They need robust transformation in order to renew their life as churches, moving into the future. The churches we are encountering who are at this place are not unique, according to church researcher Ryan Burge. 

“In 2023, Ryan Burge estimated that nearly one-third of the country’s 350,000 Christian congregations were ‘on the brink of extinction.’” https://ministrywatch.com/amp/are-100k-churches-closing-in-america/ 

Given all of the above, it’s clear the traditional roles in church clergy serve with churches, typically do not include the necessary dynamics required to redevelop or vitalize churches. Simultaneously, traditional visioning and strategic planning processes also do not include the capacity for deep transformation needed in these situations. 

So, we at Pinnacle are exploring a new role for clergy, formed in partnership with churches and denominational partners. Allow me to share a brief sketch of what this might become. 

Transformational Pastor Training And Certification

• Spiritually sustaining and life-giving faith practices resulting in a Rhythm Of Life

• Substantive training in adaptive transformation and leadership, Family Systems Dynamics in Congregational Life, along with an actionable process for vitalization

• Ongoing support and accountability through coaching groups and individual coaching

• Strong commitment to the renewal of God’s Church, and a call to serve in this role in a particular church

Congregational and Denominational Covenant

• A covenant agreement is formed for a three-year period of transformational redevelopment as a church, including pastor, congregation, and denomination

• Congregation agrees to call a transformational pastor, or support their current pastor’s engagement in this training

• Congregation engages in collaborative learning experiences with others in their transformational cohort

• Once the three years is completed, the congregation and pastor discern next steps for their journey

One can see that this approach includes a covenant focused on redevelopment and transformation. Through this kind of covenant, churches give themselves permission to be in seeking and discovery mode, allowing themselves to more readily let go of that which is no longer helpful, while developing new ways of being church. Church leadership is granted permission for holy experimenting (adaptive change). 

Question

Would denominations contribute funding toward this kind of training and covenant agreements among their clergy and congregations? Are there courageous clergy who may be called to invest their vocational energy in vitalization ministry with churches? Can we form coalitions and partnerships to enact this kind of ministry?

This possibility has been churning in our souls and minds for years now, wondering if its time has come. We would enjoy receiving your feedback and input. Please contact us to help us refine or to collaborate in some way. 

May we live into the best expression of church we possibly can as we move along.