Two Types of Transitional Pastors
The Traditional Interim
A Traditional Interim Pastor is the type of interim pastor most churches are familiar with. The Traditional Interim:
- Preaches and teaches
- Plans and leads worship services
- Works with the leadership and staff
- Handles some church administration
- Provides some pastoral care and visitation
The Intentional Interim
An Intentional Interim Pastor functions in a transitional role for the church. He is often referred to as a Transitional Pastor. When a pastor resigns, the church often develops a sense of insecurity and uncertainty. This is especially true of churches that have to deal with one or more of the following issues:
These churches may need help in dealing with certain issues before they will be ready to respond positively to the leadership of the next pastor. Too often they are in a hurry to call their next pastor or they call an interim that does little more than preach during the worship services. If this is the case with your church, this interim period is an excellent time to assist your church in moving through certain processes which will produce a healthier environment in which to face the future. The length of this transitional period between pastors varies but the average is anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the agreed upon role of the Transitional Pastor and the church's search process.
The work of the Transitional Interim Pastor includes most of the tasks of a regular pastor, as well as, special tasks that are usually needed only during the transitional (interim) period. These tasks may include:
When a church is ready to begin searching for their next pastor, the Transitional Pastor can be a great resource for the Search Team. Once a new pastor is called, the Transitional Pastor will guide the church in receiving and installing the new pastor and ensure a smooth transition from himself to the new pastor.
- The previous pastor was encouraged to leave
- There was a moral failure by the previous pastor
- The church said goodbye to a pastor who had been there many years
- The church is contemplating moving from full-time to bi-vocational status or vice versa
- The church is grieving over the death of the previous pastor
These churches may need help in dealing with certain issues before they will be ready to respond positively to the leadership of the next pastor. Too often they are in a hurry to call their next pastor or they call an interim that does little more than preach during the worship services. If this is the case with your church, this interim period is an excellent time to assist your church in moving through certain processes which will produce a healthier environment in which to face the future. The length of this transitional period between pastors varies but the average is anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the agreed upon role of the Transitional Pastor and the church's search process.
The work of the Transitional Interim Pastor includes most of the tasks of a regular pastor, as well as, special tasks that are usually needed only during the transitional (interim) period. These tasks may include:
- Maintaining the viability of the church
- Helping the church to resolve any feelings of grief
- Reinforcing the ministry of the laity
- Clarifying the mission of the church
- Dealing with special needs of the church
- Emphasizing fellowship and reconciliation
- Strengthening associational, state, and denominational ties
When a church is ready to begin searching for their next pastor, the Transitional Pastor can be a great resource for the Search Team. Once a new pastor is called, the Transitional Pastor will guide the church in receiving and installing the new pastor and ensure a smooth transition from himself to the new pastor.