FTMC is designed to provide information and experiences that will be helpful to persons who plan to function in a congregational leadership role especially during a time of clerical transition. Understanding that each congregation is unique and that polity, location, and dynamics of the congregation must be taken into account in every situation, IMN does not prescribe a specific plan for interim work. An essential principle of the IMN is that there is not a clearly defined path that prepares a congregation for its new future. Accordingly IMN training offers a wide variety of tools for this work. The workshop experience prepares participants to make choices about when, where and how to use these tools. FTMC is based upon adult learning principles. Participants will be provided with readings in advance of their attendance at the program. They are expected to attend and actively participate in all workshop sessions. In addition there will be short “homework” reading assignments each evening. The IMN faculty is thoroughly trained and experienced practitioner of Intentional Interim Ministry.

This six day course emphasizes the work of the congregation. The fundamental tasks of the congregation, framed as Focus Points, are to successfully navigate the transition period:

• HERITAGE– Reviewing how the congregation has been shaped and formed.
• LEADERSHIP– Reviewing the member needs and its ways of organizing and developing new and effective leadership
• MISSION– Defining and redefining sense of purpose and direction
• CONNECTIONS– Discovering all the relationships a faith community builds outside of itself
• FUTURE– Developing congregational and pastoral profiles