Meet Zephyr Point
Since 1924 Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center has provided rest, rejuvenation and recreation for thousands. From its humble beginnings when guests camped in tents on the rugged lakeside, Zephyr Point has developed into a modern Camp and Conference Center with a variety of housing options and meeting space that can accommodate groups of up to 300.
Zephyr has partnered with TMEC for many years to offer The Art of Transitional Ministry Weeks 1 and 2 every July.
Art of Transitional Ministry at Zephyr Point
We live in unprecedented times. Change is happening all around us – whether it is in our churches, communities or the wider world. The question is not “will change come?” but instead, “How will we respond to the changes that confront us?”
The Art of Transitional Ministry is a two-part education opportunity to provide models, methods and similarly-minded colleagues to hone skills as leaders through transitions. Whether you are an installed pastor, interim or transitional leader, or serve other institutions in transition, our in-person educational event in a stunning location will provide you with time and space to discern your path as a transitional leader for this time.
The Art of Transitional Ministry Program consists of two 30-hour long courses.
Week I – 30 hours
The basic education course is designed for:
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Installed pastors and congregational leaders that are in the midst of transition
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Interim/transitional pastors
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Those discerning whether interim/transitional work is for them
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Judicatory leaders or members of Committees on Ministry who work with congregations in transition
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Those contemplating bridge or short-term ministry work
Week 1 focuses on consciously leading congregations through changes in context, identity, and leadership. Pre-conference reading is required so participants are advised to register at least four weeks in advance.
Week II
For pastors and leaders serving in congregations and faith communities in the midst of transitions in leadership, culture, context, and ministry. Participants will use their current ministry context to reflect on the leader’s role and tasks in times of transition. Completion of Week I within the past five years and current service in a transitional or interim ministry position (widely defined) is required for participation in this course. This course will provide an opportunity for going deeper into the work introduced in week I and beginning to understand our role as leaders in contexts of change and transition. Registration is limited and there are several homework assignments to prepare for Week II, so early registration is advised.
Meet the Team
Co Leader
Heidi Bolt
Rev. Heidi Bolt is currently the NW Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation. Most recently, she was the Interim Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church, in Portland, Oregon. She has served churches in Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota in designated, supply, interim, associate and co-pastor positions within the PC(USA), ELCA and UCC denominations. Heidi also worked on the staff of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area as the COM Coordinator. She is trained as a spiritual director and has served as a hospice chaplain. Heidi is married to another Presbyterian pastor, Greg Bolt, and they have two high-schoolers at home so life is basically always in transition!
Co Leader
Donald P. Hammond
Rev. Donald P. Hammond is an Intentional Transitional Minister currently serving as the Designated Co-pastor for the English Worshipping Community in the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown. The Session meetings in his current church are conducted in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English. Don’s prior experiences include serving as interim solo and head of staff pastorates in the the Presbyteries of Boston, Long Island and now San Francisco. Don’s first call in the PC(USA) was to validated ministry at San Francisco Theological Seminary. In addition to his work as a transitional church leader, Don has also served on Committees of Ministry in three presbyteries, including serving as the co-moderator of SF Presbytery. Currently Don serves the Synod of the Pacific on the Mission Personnel Committee. Born in the Summer of Love and growing up among the hippies on the West Coast, Don has a high-tolerance for odd communities and unexpected events and circumstances: gifts which serve him (and his parishes) well in times of transition. Prior to his ordination, Don did missionary work in East Africa, and worked as a communications specialist in the fields of banking and journalism. Don and his partner Hans live in San Francisco and enjoy the symphony, opera and exploring the California coast.
Faculty
Laura Mariko Cheifetz
The Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz serves as the Transitional Executive Presbyter at the Presbytery of San Francisco. A biracial Asian American queer ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), she has served previously in racial and gender justice advocacy, religious publishing, reproductive justice, and theological education in the Midwest, East, and Southeast. She thought to herself, "yes, it seems like a solid career plan to work in such steady, reliable, and unchanging sectors as the church, higher education, publishing, and abortion rights." Born in San Francisco, raised in eastern Oregon and western Washington, she is a double “pastors’ kid.” Laura serves on the advisory team for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the board of PANAAWTM (Pacific Asian North American Asian Women in Theology & Ministry). She lives with her partner and their rescue dog in the San Francisco East Bay. In her free time, she enjoys attending games of Oakland's baseball team (Pioneer League Champs of 2025!), going to live concerts, wine tasting, and hanging out with her goddaughter and other assorted kiddos.
Faculty
Justin Warner
The Rev. Justin Warner is the Transitional Pastor and Head of Staff at the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford, NJ, 10 miles outside New York City. He is originally from Marietta, Ohio, and holds a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Masters of Art in Christian Education & Formation (M.A.) from Princeton Theological Seminary. Justin also has a B.A. in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience from The College of Wooster. He is passionate about pastoral care and thrives in creative revitalization during transition seasons. In their free time, Justin and his spouse, Melany, enjoy concerts, Broadway shows, world travel, and various global cuisines.