90 MINUTE WEBINARS
Equipping, Supporting, and Empowering Transitional Leaders
Ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involves equipping, supporting, and empowering transitional leaders. IMN webinars provide a unique perspective by highlighting the insights of these leaders. They draw upon their personal experiences to tackle challenges and foster innovative solutions as a result.
All webinars sessions will be presented on the Zoom video conferencing format, for 90 minutes (some webinars may require two 90 minutes sessions). Click on the down chevron of each tab for description and leader. Participants will register for each session separately. Once registration is complete, webinar information will be sent to you by email.
Webinar information, including but not limited to, date, times, topic or presenter are subject to change.
July 22, 2025 - BEING AN AGENT OF TRANSFORMATION
BEING AN AGENT OF TRANSFORMATION
Rev. Cynthia Vermillion Foster
July 22, 2025
1-3:00 pm ET
Life and ministry are all about relationships. Sometimes relationships are rich and rewarding. And sometimes things can get sticky, and the energy in a system can get stuck. One of the stickier dynamics in relationships is emotional triangles.
Triangles can be frustrating, disempowering, and hurtful. Communities with a pattern of triangulation can become toxic. When this happens, we tend to want to shut the triangles down, but this is ineffective. We can, however, learn how to navigate emotional triangles skillfully, using the triangle to encourage transformation and to build healthy communities.
This webinar interweaves an exploration of the nature of triangles with skills for working with them effectively. It includes breakout groups to practice skills.
Rev. Cynthia Vermillion-Foster creates spaces for individuals and communities to discover, and unleash their full potential. An ordained Unity minister of 25 years, Cynthia served as the Director of Member Services for Unity Worldwide Ministries for 5 years. Prior to this, she served as the Regional Consultant and Regional Representative for Canada for 10 years. In these roles, Cynthia had the privilege of supporting, coaching and consulting with ministries throughout the US and Canada. Cynthia also served on the UWM’s Ethics Review Team for 10 years including 2 years as Chair of the team. With her husband, Rev. Don Foster, Cynthia served ministries in Chantilly, VA and Hamilton, ON. She is the 2016 recipient of Unity Worldwide Ministries’ Myrtle Fillmore Award and Unity Canada’s 2017 Northern Lights Award.
September 16, 2025 - THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND CHURCH FINANCIAL PRACTICES
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND CHURCH FINANCIAL PRACTICES
Rev. Belinda Sledge
September 16, 2025
1-2:30 PM ET
As a member of the clergy, many have inquiries regarding church finances, budgeting, and much more!
- Curious about how to be responsible with God’s resources?
- Wondering who qualifies as an employee and who does not?
- Seeking guidance on maintaining a positive relationship with the IRS?
- Interested in learning about accounting automation?
- Looking for insights on the separation of duties?
- Want to know how to avoid overstepping your role in church finances as a pastor?
Come Learn the Meaning of DAL! AND MORE…..!
Rev. Sledge is an Intentionally Trained Interim Minister and has served in the Eastern NC Association. She is a trained Minister for Church Consultant having worked and ministered to several congregations. She currently serves as the Minister for Finance and Church Consulting for the Southern Conference. She has worked closely with the Conference Minister in both real estate, legal matters and church conflict matters. She previously served the Conference as the Business Office Manager /Financial Officer and other roles which included assisting previous Southern Conference Ministers in many matters. She also performs the logistical duties and coordination for the Southern Conference Annual Meetings and other Southern Conference program events, along with being instrumental in helping to improve the accounting systems in many of churches.
September 30, 2025 - PRACTICAL TOOLS THAT STRENGTHEN SELF-AWARENESS
PRACTICAL TOOLS THAT STRENGTHEN SELF-AWARENESS
Rev. Dr. John Beck
September 30, 2025
1-2:30 pm ET
Mature emotional and spiritual functioning is not a one-and-done process. Rather, it is a life’s work that often happens in fits and starts, often coming amid crises or meltdowns. Yet growth into greater maturity is also a goal that can be worked on intentionally, especially when the waters of life are calmer. Like the tools the mechanic uses for your regular car tune up, there are special tools that can promote greater self-awareness and its benefits. This webinar explores three tools that strengthen the ministry practitioner’s capacity: the Johari window, the genogram, and the Somatic Anxiety Inventory. Join us to explore how to use these processes for greater self-awareness and how to use them with leaders in your context.
John Beck is a student of congregational and leadership dynamics and an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor. He works to strengthen relational and spiritual vitality, especially when conflict has disrupted mission. In addition to 30-plus years of parish experience, John has served as a chaplain, counselor, and seminary professor. He is an Associate of the Kaleidoscope Institute and is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). His MA in journalism strengthens his communication skills; his PhD in Marital and Family Therapy helps his understanding of family systems; his experiences teaching in several seminaries broadens his appreciation for a diversity of theological perspectives. He is finishing his certification as a trainer with the Stanford Forgiveness Project and is currently an IMN faculty member.
October 7, 2025 - Stories and Lessons of Transitional Leadership
STORIES & LESSONS OF TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP
Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland
October 7, 2025
1-2:30 pm Eastern
This webinar would use the five process tasks of interim ministry from entry to exit to share stories and lessons learned in the journey of transitional leadership. In addition to the presenter, there will be opportunity for participants to reflect on and share stories and lessons.
Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland has served as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Pastor for 30 years. He has served as settled pastor in 4 congregations and as the interim pastor of 14 congregations in 3 different denominations. In addition, he coaches leaders in communities of faith who are leading in times of transition as well as those experiencing personal and professional transitions. Keith is active on several IMN teams and projects and is the ELCA’s Interim Ministry Association Board Chair.
October 14, 2025 - Well-being & Resilience: Reflection & Discussion
WELL-BEING & RESILIENCE: REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
The Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer
October 14, 2025
1-2:30 pm Eastern
During this 90-min webinar John will reflect on his 25 years of interim work and study – what works and doesn’t work, followed by open discussion of best practices and questions.
The Rev. Dr. John DeWitt Stonesifer is an Episcopal priest with 35 years in ordained ministry. His focus the last twenty years has been on interim ministry, leading him to serve in parish, life-care community and school settings. He is currently retired. John is a graduate of Clemson University (B.A.) and the Virginia Theological Seminary (M. Div.). Post-graduate work has included studies in marketing and church management at the Theological College of the Bahamas earning his MBA from the Templeton Institute. Appreciative Inquiry with Clergy Leadership Institute and Mediation Training with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, and credentials as a life and business coach. John earned his Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min) from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary for his work on interim leadership. John is loyal IMN Professional Transition Specialist member and has held positions on the IMN Board of Directors and Faculty.
October 23, 2025 - Negotiating Interim Agreements
NEGOTIATING INTERIM AGREEMENTS:
ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS FOR TRANSITIONAL CLERGY
Rabbi Tom Apert
October 23, 2025
1-2:30 pm Eastern
When an individual is newly appointed to an interim ministerial role, the first step is to address the terms of their service. Important topics such as salary, housing, moving arrangements, and similar aspects should be openly discussed and negotiated. As an attorney affiliated with one of the premier firms specializing in clergy representation, Tom provides interim ministers with valuable tools to evaluate their needs and collaborate with their place of worship to ensure they receive adequate support. The firm Peer, Gan, Gisler & Favreau has developed a model denominational interim contract and has successfully represented numerous clergypersons in interim roles.
The webinar will cover all facets of contract formation. Recognizing that some interim ministers may eventually transition to settled positions, we will also explore the similarities and differences between settled agreements and those specific to interim clergy.
Rabbi Tom Alpert practices law Of Counsel at the firm of Peer, Gan, Gisler & Favreau, LLP. A member of the Massachusetts Bar since 1982, he graduated from Harvard Law School that same year. Additionally, Tom was ordained as a rabbi by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 2000 and have served congregations until 2024. He has received FTML and FTMC training from IMN and spent a year as an intentional interim rabbi. At Peer, Gan, Gisler & Favreau, Tom has represented clergy and religious professionals in matters of contract formation, termination, and disciplinary issues. For more information about his background and firm, please visit the website.
December 2, 2025 - SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR CONGREGATION
SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR CONGREGATION: WHAT TO EXPECT AND WHAT TO DO
Rabbi Dennis Ross, MSW
December 2, 2025
1-2:30 pm Eastern
Rabbi Dennis Ross, MSW, is a member of the IMN Faculty and has served on the IMN Board. His forthcoming book, Pastor to the Body of a Congregation: A Companion Guide for Congregational Clergy, will be released Spring, 2026. His most recent book, A Year with Martin Buber, was named a Top Ten Book of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy. Do you have a specific topic in mind for a workshop?
We would gladly research and organize it. Please send an email to [email protected] .
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