TMEC is an association that exists to encourage and support transitional ministry in the Episcopal Church. With its emphasis on training for this specialized ministry the members of TMEC are working throughout the church in various situations of change and transition, helping congregations discover new possibilities for ministry.

Why is there a need for Transitional Ministry?

While change is a part of all life, there are times when a congregation encounters extraordinary change. A variety of situations introduce this level of change ranging from the departure of the rector to natural disasters such as Katrina, as well as the need to direct and manage the changes which occur during parish size transitions. The common thread that runs through all extraordinary change is that specific leadership skills are required to address each unique situation faced by congregations during times of transition.

Who are Transitional Ministers?

People, with special training in change management, conflict resolution, family systems theory and congregational development, who serve on a time limited basis in congregations during a time of transition. This transition is most frequently due to the departure of the previous rector and often is the cause of heightened levels of anxiety in a congregation. However, trained interims are also prepared to deal with special situations such as the aftermath of misconduct or the difficulties congregations encounter when moving from pastoral to program size.

What does TMEC do?

TMEC is a professional organization of people. Both lay and clergy, who are dedicated to providing the best information and services to the Episcopal Church during both ordinary and extraordinary transitions. TMEC’s goal is to provide resources that will be of assistance and support to congregations in transition. In addition TMEC supports trained Professional Transition Specialists (PTS), many of whom are willing to work in almost any geographic location.

What does TMEC encourage?

TRAINING: TMEC encourages its members to continually increase their professionalism by receive specialized training, either through the educational offerings of the Interim Ministry Network (IMN) in Baltimore, MD, Clergy Leadership Institute or under the auspices of similar organizations that provide programs in these areas. On-going education in transitional ministry allows members of TMEC to offer to congregations the necessary specialized leadership appropriate for interim times.

TASK: TMEC is an association that exists to encourage and support transitional ministry in the Episcopal Church. With its emphasis on training for this specialized ministry the members of TMEC are working throughout the church in various situations of change and transition, helping congregations discover new possibilities for ministry.

TIME: Transitional Ministers sign a Letter of Agreement that they will work for a specific time period. This specialized ministry is not tenured.