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Transitional Pastor Training

October 12 - October 13

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October 12-13, 2026

Monday at 12:00 PM until
Tuesday at 5:00 PM

Ministry Support Center

4956 Dominion Blvd
Glen Allen, Virginia

Transitional Pastor Training is designed to prepare experienced pastors to help churches navigate the period between the departure of one pastor and the arrival of the next. Rather than simply “holding the pulpit,” a transitional pastor intentionally leads the congregation through spiritual, relational, and organizational preparation so that the next pastor begins in a healthier church.

This training is offered to pastors with ministerial experience and are retired with time to invest in a church that is in leadership transition.  It is also offered as a refresher to pastors previously trained in person or online.

Course Content

The Transitional Period in the Life of a Church

  • Understanding what churches experience emotionally and spiritually after a pastor leaves.
  • Common mistakes during the interim.

Leading Through the Transitional Period

  • Biblical leadership during uncertainty.
  • Building trust and stability.

The Role of the Transitional Pastor

  • Expectations and responsibilities.
  • Ethical guidelines.
  • Relationship with church leaders and search committees.

Skills of the Transitional Pastor

  • Conflict management
  • Listening
  • Spiritual discernment
  • Shepherding
  • Change leadership
  • Communication

Engagement Process and Covenant

  • Developing a ministry covenant.
  • Clarifying expectations between church and pastor.

Preparing the Church Spiritually

  • Prayer emphasis.
  • Corporate repentance.
  • Renewing dependence upon Christ.

The Eight-Stage Process

A distinctive feature of SBC transitional ministry is an intentional process that guides churches toward renewal. These stages generally include:

Stage 1 – Review the Church's History Through Christ's Eyes
  • Celebrate God’s faithfulness.
  • Identify recurring strengths and struggles.
Stage 2 – Assess Current Reality
  • Attendance
  • Financial health
  • Leadership effectiveness
  • Ministry vitality
  • Community engagement
Stage 3 – Evaluate Church Ministry
  • Examine worship, discipleship, evangelism, fellowship, ministry, and missions.
  • Identify areas needing revitalization.
Stage 4 – Focus on Kingdom Results
  • Shift attention from maintaining programs to fulfilling the Great Commission.
Stage 5 – Establish Healthy Church Practices
  • Improve leadership systems.
  • Clarify decision-making.
  • Encourage accountability and healthy communication.
Stage 6 – Refocus Around Mission
  • Renew evangelistic passion.
  • Strengthen discipleship.
  • Reengage the surrounding community.
Stage 7 – Assist in Calling the Next Pastor
  • Support (without controlling) the search process.
  • Help the church identify the kind of leader it needs.
Stage 8 – Help the New Pastor Get a Strong Start
  • Facilitate a healthy transition.
  • Encourage unity.
  • Support the first months of the new pastor’s ministry.

Questions? Check with our team.

Steve Bradshaw

Director of Evangelism & Ministry Resources

Contact Steve

Rachel Clark

Ministry Resources Event Coordinator

Contact Rachel

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