The Advantage (and Adventure) of Next Step Discipleship in Times of Transition
In Transitional Interim Ministry (TIM) we often speak about the “in-between time” as “prime time for renewal” for congregational systems. However, one of the realities of a “stuck system” is an aversion to the curiosity, experimentation, and sense of adventure necessary for healthy change.
As founder of Next Step Press, Justin Rossow supports the mission and ministry of individual Christians, congregations, and the whole Church. His presentations on next step discipleship will equip TIM pastors in the unique situation of interim ministry to infuse adventure, experimentation, and delight into their own faith lives and into the cultures of the congregations they serve.
With registration, participants will receive a copy of My Next Step, Volume 1: Getting Started for pre-reading.
When & Where
Hillsdale
September 25, 2024 - September 26, 2024
Michindoh Conference Center4545 E. Bacon Rd.
Hillsdale, MI, 49242
Presenters
Speaker
Rev. Dr. Justin Rossow
Justin Rossow is a pastor, author, speaker, and trainer with a Ph.D. in Theology and Culture. His heart for next step discipleship grew out of decades of service in congregations in Michigan, Missouri, and Texas. Justin left full-time parish ministry in 2019 to found Next Step Press, The Next Step Podcast, and The Next Step Community—ministries that focus on infusing innovation, collaboration, and delight into the perpetual adventure of following Jesus.
Justin and his wife Miriam live in Michigan with their four children. You can read more from Justin at community.findmynextstep.org or find his Amazon author’s page here.
Speaker
Rev. Dr. Scott Sommerfeld
Rev. Dr. Scott Sommerfeld has a passion for leadership development, home-centered congregation-supported ministry, and organizational health founded on Healthy Relationships and Holy Manners as described on his website, holymanners.org. He has served six congregations as either an Interim Minister or vacancy pastor so far. At this training event, Scott is honored to share insights and experience regarding Intentional Interim Ministry and how family systems can enhance one’s service in this unique ministry.
Conference Facilitator
Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper
Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper presently serves as the Director of Leadership Development for the Michigan District, LCMS. Prior to joining the Michigan District staff in 2012, Kasper served nearly 30 years as a parish pastor in suburban St. Louis, Mo. and Detroit, Mich. He serves as the Facilitator for Intentional Interim Ministry in the Michigan District. He continues to read extensively in the areas of Systems Theory, Leadership, and Adaptive Missions for the Church in the Post-modern/Post-Christian era. Kasper and his wife Debbie live in Ypsilanti, Mich. They have four grown children and ten grandchildren.
Chaplain
Rev. Larry Courson
Pastor Larry Courson is currently serving as “Transitional Vacancy Pastor” at Open Arms Lutheran Church in Belleville. His first IIM was at St. Michael, Richville. Prior to his initial training in Transitional Interim Ministry (TIM/IIM), Larry served at Peace, Ann Arbor for 25 years as Church Planter and Mission Developer. He served as the Ann Arbor Circuit Visitor for a number of years. Before moving to Michigan, Larry served congregations in Southern California and Arizona.
Registration
Registration is now closed.
Deadline to register is September 8, 2024.
This conference is for Intentional Interim Pastors of the Michigan and Ohio Districts.
NOTE: Please select only the section you will attend. You should have already attended the Discernment section and thus would only need to select the Continuing Education section.
Additional Information
CEU’s Available
CEU’s are available for this conference. Please complete and mail in this form: CEU Document.