“In the Meantime: Joys and (Woes) a/k/a Whoa of Interim Ministry”
Dorothy J. Killian, Pinnacle Associate
Who would want to meet a group of dedicated, spirit-filled people, build solid relationships, baptize their children, bury their loved ones, celebrate their graduates, honor their veterans, visit their homes, sit by hospital beds, commission workers, share in wonderful meals, preach the gospel, study good books, and then walk away?
Such is the life of an interim pastor. Some prefer to use the term transitional pastor, but whichever term you use, the outcome is the same. Interim ministry is just that. It is for a season, and in that season, every experience and every opportunity must be taken within the framework “is this what God is calling me to do in this place and for this time?”
There are specific tasks outlined for interim pastors . In the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.) where serve, these tasks are built around the premise that following the tenure of an installed pastor whose tenure ends because of retirement, move to another call, death, or any other reason, the congregation needs a period in which to reevaluate its mission and its ministries. The interim pastor is called usually by way of a contract to shepherd the congregation during this period of discernment.
The interim pastor contract outlines the tasks that are designed to help the congregation look inwardly, outwardly, what has passed, and what is to become. Typically, these tasks are: (1) Recognizing and naming the history and heritage of the congregation (2) The church’s Mission- Who is God calling us to be in this time? (3) Who are we connected to? (Denominational, Community, Technical) (4) Reviewing the Leadership Structure of the Congregation (5) What does the future look like for the congregation?
These goals are not sequential but are an integral part of the relationship between the interim pastor and the congregation. Remembering and celebrating the joys of the past allows the interim pastor to lead the congregation into a time of liking back to see and remember what it has been which leads to a greater understanding of what the congregation is and what it can become.
The whoa/woe comes when there is a substantial number of folks in the congregation who would rather stay in the past and who thwart every effort to move forward. This is not unique to interim ministry, and perhaps interim pastors are in a better place to push forward since her term is limited.
Another joy of the interim pastor’s call is to walk alongside the congregation as it discerns God’s will for the future. It requires a careful analysis of organizational structures, missional clarity, evangelism priorities, congregation and community collaboration, and naming and claiming what is no longer useful in forwarding God’s kingdom on earth.
It is in the carrying out of these tasks that the whoa/woe becomes palpable. Change is difficult and adaptive change may be especially painful for mainline congregations . Working through layers of practices and procedures that were necessary when the membership was 375, but no longer productive for a membership of 125 may bring about much anguish. The interim pastor is called to lovingly and systematically equip the congregation to work through these challenges. One example is the purchase of goods and services. The larger congregation might have needed a Cadillac copier which printed 1300 copies per month, but the current need is nowhere near that. This calls for a decision to scale back to a copier that fits the needs of the current membership. It may seem like a simple solution; however, the interim pastor may face fierce opposition because the Cadillac copier was donated by someone’s grandmother, and it cannot be replaced. This is not unique to interim ministry, but perhaps it is more pronounced because the interim pastor is sometimes seen as not the “real pastor” when it comes to changing “the way we do things around here.” So, it could become a whoa/woe.
Perhaps one of the most daunting tasks which often produces great whoa/woe in interim ministry is walking alongside the congregation as it discerns whether the organizational and leadership structures helps or hinders God’s mission . In congregations where rules governing service on boards and committees are loosely adhered to, it is common to have spouses serve on the same governing body, as well as persons holding the same office, effectively or not, for decades. Any attempt to address these issues can create dissent and in extreme cases, separation from the congregation.
Interim ministry requires a level of spiritual and emotional maturity that enables the interim pastor to absorb blows both personal and as relates to management style. Despite the difficulty, the interim pastor is called to keep the well- being of the congregation at the forefront.
If you are interested in finding out more about interim ministry, most denominations offer excellent resources and training opportunities. One resource is the Transitional Ministry Education Consortium of the PCUSA. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person gatherings have been suspended; however, virtual programs are being developed.
In the meantime, Pinnacle Leadership Associates is developing a webinar which will provide an overview of the nuts and bolts of interim ministry, as well as additional resources for training and certification for persons who are considering interim ministry as a vocation, or for those who simply want to learn more. Watch for webinar dates coming soon..
The church is in transition. In fact, the whole world is in transition. The church needs leaders who are able and willing to walk alongside God’s people in these days.
Dorothy J. Killian, M.Div., J.D.
Interim Pastor
Memorial Presbyterian Church
Charlotte, North Carolina