Virtual Support Groups (VSG)

“As a member of IMN, I look forward to our annual conferences. The themes and speakers are excellent, covering many different aspects of transition work with congregations. What really transforms my experience with IMN, though, is being a participant in a monthly Virtual Support Group.

In a VSG is where the praxis happens. I’m not left alone trying to translate my learnings from the conferences to the transition team and congregations with whom I am working. My VSG offers me other perspectives on issues I am working through, opportunities to be a support and guide to colleagues, and gives us space to voice the emotional ups and downs of our work. Our monthly meetings keep me accountable in the most positive way, for we check in with one another, pray for one another, and share resources we’ve found helpful. It is the most collegial community I have ever experienced in ministry, and is an invaluable benefit of being a member of IMN.”

Carolyn Spalding Woodall, B.A. (Hons.), M.Div.

Intentional Interim Minister, Northern Spirit Regional Council, The United Church of Canada

Supporting Transitional Leaders through Community

As a transitional leader—whether settled, interim, lay, or judicatory—you may be in a region where local denominational support groups are available, while others may experience feelings of isolation from their peers. Fortunately, with the help of technology, particularly Zoom, the IMN has established a community that brings together transitional pastors and leaders. This platform encourages the exchange of ideas and offers essential support. These support groups are complimentary for IMN members.

Click here to read this article "Value of Support" By Alan Mead and Andrew Cooley.

Goals/context:

Facilitate connections between transitional leaders to foster mutual support through shared experiences
Cultivate strong relationships among IMN members
Collaborate on problem-solving efforts
Provide emotional, spiritual, and vocational support to one another
Reduce feelings of isolation

General information:

Groups are inclusive and ecumenical.
Each group is co-hosted by two members of IMN.
Meetings occur once a month for 1½ hours.
IMN staff will arrange the monthly calls via Zoom and provide each member with the login details for the upcoming meeting through email.
Members must have internet access and compatible technology (computer, tablet, or phone) to join video meetings. (In the future, we may introduce voice-only meetings if there is sufficient interest in not seeing one another.)
Each group is capped at ten IMN members to ensure everyone can engage in conversation.
Participation in IMN Virtual Support Groups is free of charge.
Members are encouraged to attend each call unless they notify a co-host in advance.

Sign up Below to connect to a VSG

IMN is currently inviting members to participate in the upcoming sessions of Virtual Support Groups. While we will continue to welcome new members, any requests submitted after a group has commenced will be held until new VSGs are announced.

- Select the VSG that aligns with your schedule.
- Add it to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- The shopping cart will gather your information.
- No payment is required.
- Be sure to save a copy of your registration.

We will confirm your spot in the VSG you selected. IMN Virtual Support Groups are video-conference meetings for individuals who share similar experiences, situations, challenges, or conditions. During these sessions, members provide and receive both practical and emotional support related to the practice of transitional/interim ministry.

Join today, spaces fill up fast!

CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE KALEIDOSCOPE ERIC LAW'S RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES

Interested in hosting a VSG? Contact Ellen Goudy at [email protected].

NEW Session Dates – July to December 2026

Not a member? Join below.