Intentional Interim Ministry

So your pastor is leaving - or has left. It happens sooner or later in every congregation. It is not an easy experience. You may be experiencing many feelings, among them uncertainty, anger, frustration, grief, concern about the future of your church and even panic.

*How will you go about calling a new pastor?

*How long will it take?

*Who will lead worship and care for the congregation until
a new pastor is calling?

There are but a few of the questions that your congregation must answer. But you can rest assured that:

#This is NOT the end of your church!

#Help is available to provide leadership during this interim time!

#Help is available to assist your congregation in searching for
and calling its next pastor!

That help comes in the form of an Intentional Interim Minister.

What Is An "Intentional Interim Minister"?

The word interim means in between. In the church's life, it refers to that period of time between the leaving of one installed pastor and the coming of the next. Ordained Ministers who are called to serve churches during the interim period are referred to as Interim Ministers.

In addition to their basic seminary preparation, some ordained ministers have received special education and training which certifies them as INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTERS. In addition to doing all of the usual pastoral duties they provide leadership to help a congregation

*work through grief, anger, and/or sadness over a pastor's
leaving

*deal with conflict and/or special problems

*rediscover its mission and renew its resources

*set new directions and goals for ministry

*prepare for the coming of the next pastor

Is Intentional Interim Ministry Needed In Every Pastoral Vacancy?

Not necessarily. Sometimes ministers serve during the Interim Time who are not specifically trained for Interim Ministry. These ministers may be contracted to carry out the routine pastoral functions of preaching and leading worship, visiting the sick and home-bound members, officiating at weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. and attending board/committee meetings. This is often referred to as Maintenance Ministry. Sometimes a congregation will choose to contract with a minister just to provide worship leadership and preaching. This type of ministry is called Pulpit Supply.

There is Great Value, However, In Hiring An Intentional Interim Minister To Provide Leadership During The In-Between Times.

This is especially true if:

#your congregation has just ended a long term pastorate

#your congregation is at a critical point in setting new
directions for its life and ministry

#your congregation is dealing with conflict

#the pastor resigned suddenly

#the pastor died

#the pastor left because of misconduct

In any of these situations, your congregation should seriously consider an Intentional Interim Minister. The need for such skilled leadership exists whether a congregation is large or small, urban, suburban, small town or rural.

This is Guide Page One Guide Page 2

Interim Ministry homepage Interim Ministry Concept

Interim Ministry Application Interim Ministry Evaluation