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.
February 10, 2026 - A Lenten Discipline of Self-Care: Blessed to be a Blessing
A LENTEN DISCIPLINE OF SELF-CARE:
Blessed to be a Blessing
The Rev. Dr. John D. Stonesifer
February 10, 2026
1-2:30 pm Eastern
Join us for an engaging 90 minute session where John will share insights from his 20 years of extensive interim experience, highlighting the strategies that have proven effective and those that haven’t. This webinar will delve into crucial topics such as the balance between wellbeing and resilience, the importance of self-care, and prioritizing parish needs. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion, exchanging best practices, and posing questions to enrich their understanding. Remember, it’s not just about taking care of responsibilities—it’s also about taking care of yourself. Let John inspire you to say, “I’ll take care of me for you!” as you explore new ways to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Rev. Dr. John DeWitt Stonesiferis a retired Episcopal priest with 41 years in ordained ministry. His focus the last twenty-five years has been on interim ministry, leading him to serve in parish, life-care community and school settings. 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 earning his MBA from the Templeton Institute. Additionally, John has studied Appreciative Inquiry with Clergy Leadership Institute and Mediation Training with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, and has earned 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 an IMN Member and taught on the IMN Faculty for twenty years and has also served on the IMN Board of Directors.
FEBRUARY 17, 2026 - MY FATHER'S NAME - SPECIAL EVENT
MY FATHER’S NAME
Interactive Viewing Event: Group Conversation
Guided by Cynthia Vermillion Foster
February 17, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern Time
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
March 12, 2026 - HOW I CAME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M DOING AS I ENTERED MY CURRENT INTERIM
HOW I CAME TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I’M DOING AS I ENTERED MY CURRENT INTERIM
The Rev. Dr. William Carl Thomas
March 12, 2026
1-2:30 pm Eastern
How I came to understand what I’m doing as I entered my current interim is a ninety minute webinar that explores how an interim holds oneself accountable to the governing values / guiding principles that bring forth the healthy energy to help a congregation get ready for their next pastor. We will do this as we use the share screen setting on zoom to review how I deepen my understanding of these governing values / guiding principles through an evolving graphic expression. You will engage a practice that will help you deepen your understanding and integration of your own governing values / guiding principles.
The Rev. Dr. William Carl Thomas is a sort of retired Episcopal Priest who is serving as the Interim Rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City NC. Bill is a former member of the IMN Faculty. He offers 36 plus years of ordained experience in both settled and churches in transition. Explore his skills at Bill’s website WCTcoach.com.
April 14, 2026 - An Illusion of Work: What It Is and How to Respond
AN ILLUSION OF WORK: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO RESPOND
Rabbi Dennis Ross, MSW
April 14, 2026
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. May 14, 2026 - TRANSITION AND RECOVERY
TRANSITION AND RECOVERY
Dealing with a Damaged Spiritual Community
The Rev. John R. Throop, D.Min.
May 14, 2026
1-2:30 pm Eastern
Transition ministry has many challenges, even in a spiritual community that is stable and strong. Even in ministries dealing with some conflict or demographic shifts, the transitional pastor can encourage leaders and members top a common view of future needs. Far greater and deeper challenges, however, confront transition from a pastorate with a history of addiction, abusive behavior or documented misconduct. Truth must be told, behaviors confronted, and repentance and forgiveness must be encouraged. When such a transition happens, the next spiritual leader has a better chance of serving a healthier s[spiritual community. Can this really happen?
This webinar will look at five key strategies:
- Discerning organizational/system behavioral flaws that enabled harmful behaviors/
- Creating an atmosphere for truth-telling, healing and reconciliation
- Reviewing enabling/enmeshment patterns in the community, and re-forming them.
- Assisting the community in offering an honest narrative of what happened (avoiding self-pity or denial).
- Utilizing appropriate judicatory and professional resources to assist the shift from a damaged community to a healing and reconciling community.
The Rev. John R. Throop, D.Min. is retired from active ministry in the Episcopal Church. In his 44-year experience, he has provided transitional ministry in several dysfunction al congregations and in a diocese.
August 11, 2026 Faith-filled Governance
Faith-filled Governance
Creating a culture where every voice matters.
Rev. Cynthia Vemillion Foster
August 11, 2026
1-2:30 pm Eastern
In our spiritual communities, we tend to focus on… well, the spiritual. This is, after all, why we exist. And yet, we are also entrusted with many practical concerns. Buildings must be maintained, finances stewarded, staff supported, and decisions made with clarity and care. Governance is not separate from our spiritual work—it is one of the most meaningful expressions of it.
Faith Filled Governance invites us to see board leadership not as a sacred calling. Rather than choosing between spirit and structure, we are invited into a dynamic dance in which God’s purpose partners with wise and thoughtful practices. In this space, discernment informs decision-making, transparency builds trust, and accountability becomes an act of love.
Participants will be invited to imagine governance not as something that pulls us away from our spiritual mission, but as something that protects, sustains, and strengthens it. When we lead with both faith and skill, we create communities where vision is clear, resources are honored, and ministry can flourish with confidence and joy.
Ultimately, Faith Filled Governance is about alignment—allowing our practices to reflect our deepest beliefs, so that what we build with our hands is guided by what we know in our hearts.
September 17, 2026 SHOULD WE DO A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NOW?
SHOULD WE DO A CAPITAL CAMPAGIN NOW?
Michael Erwin
September 17, 2026
1-2:30 pm Eastern
This workshop explores how capital campaigns fit into the larger process of congregational change. We’ll outline the basic phases and timeline of a campaign, and clarify the distinct roles of pastors, lay leaders, and consultants. Participants will receive a simple readiness checklist and conversation guide to use the next time someone says, “We should do a campaign.” You’ll leave better equipped to ask wise questions about timing and capacity, and to respond with a clear, grounded “yes,” “not yet,” or “no” about whether a capital campaign makes sense in this season.
Michael Erwin is a capital campaign consultant and transitional pastor who specializes in helping congregations fund their next chapter of ministry. Ordained by the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and holding ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ, he leads Church Campaign Services and serves as Executive Director of Good Samaritan Home, a philanthropic foundation. Michael has guided numerous mainline congregations through readiness studies and capital campaigns, helping leaders ask better questions about timing, capacity, and how projects serve the church’s mission.2026 TBA - Stories and Lessons of Transitional Leadership Part 1: “Entering With Curiosity”
Stories and Lessons of Transitional Leadership Part 1: “Entering With Curiosity”
The Rev. Dr. Keith Copeland
2026
1-2:30 pm Eastern
Entering and exiting are two of the most important parts of Transitional (Interim) Leadership. Entering sets the table for all the other work that is done. This webinar will focus on the first Process Task of entering with curiosity. Using stories and lessons from the presenter and the participants, we will focus on:
- Understanding that not all questions asked are the real question.
- Digging down deeper to find out what is really going on.
- Entering Relationships with Curiosity
- Developing an Agreement that is more than simply a document
This will be an engaging webinar to share collective wisdom that can be helpful in entering a system with curiosity. It will also be Part 1, with hopes to engage all of the 5 process tasks over time. Come and join as we explore this important process task of Entering.
Dr. Keith Copeland was born in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Finance. After graduating from college he worked in management with Eckerd Drugs before answering the call to ministry. He graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1992 and has served three congregations as the settled pastor and 15 congregations as interim in three different denominations. Trained as an interim pastor in the Presbyterian Church, he received his D Min from Hood Theological Seminary with special focus on church renewal. Since then, he has been developing processes and tools for congregational renewal during times of transition between an installed pastor. Dr. Copeland has the Professional Transition Specialist designation and is a Faculty Apprentice with IMN. Currently he serves as Transitional Senior Pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Southern Pines, NC. Keith is active on several IMN teams and projects including as Faculty. He is also the Board Chair of the ELCA’s Interim Ministry Association.
Coming in 2026 - LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS FOR MINISTRY: A PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION
LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS FOR MINISTRY: A PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION
Rev. Dr. Michelle Collins
November 18, 2025
1-2:30 pm Eastern
Join us for a practical demonstration of large language models to enhance and supercharge your ministry work. These powerful AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity, offer unprecedented support for sermon preparation, communications, and administrative tasks. Learn how to craft a great prompt, refine your conversations for even better outputs, and sort through many of the options available today and learn the particular strengths of each of them. Discover how to harness these accessible technologies while maintaining ethical boundaries and your authentic ministerial voice. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to deepen your understanding, this hands-on session will show you how to integrate these powerful tools into your ministry practice with confidence and wisdom.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Collins is a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) minister and has served a variety of congregations as an interim, contract, senior minister, associate minister, and briefly as a settled minister. She has extensive experience with Soul Matters curriculum development and regional UUA work. Her previous work experience includes being a hospital chaplain and an elementary school teacher. Michelle is committed to anti-oppression work, social justice and social action. She also has training in trauma response, grief recovery, conflict meditation, and serves on her denomination’s trauma response ministry and is a researcher for a monthly theme-based resource service.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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