I never imagined myself as an interim pastor, but I’ve been serving as one for the last two+ years and really enjoying the rich ministry. I compiled a list of key elements to interim ministry for anyone who may be feeling an itch to try something new or a pull to interim ministry itself.
- Technical Problem vs. Adaptive Challenge Interim Ministry
You’ll want to identify quickly if you’re helping a congregation through a normal kind of transition that will benefit from your technical skills and expertise as a minister or if the congregation is going through a season of transformative change when they will need you to be a wise and empathetic guide with no easy answers. - Hear the Truth, Tell the Truth
When a congregation is navigating a season of change, truth will be the rudder on the ship especially when so much else is uncertain. Since members of congregations don’t need to couch their relationship with an interim pastor the way they might need to with a settled pastor, be prepared to hear some interesting stories as the congregation processes their experiences. Also, be prepared to mirror back to the congregation what you have heard from them and what patterns you may be noticing. Be curious. Be kind. - Be a Breath of Fresh Air by Being Yourself
No matter what came before you, your presence in the congregation can bring some variety, which is, as they say, the spice of life. Seeing a minister living out their unique gifts, even if it is not a complete match for the congregation, can offer them an example of the ways their community can adapt to and work with different gifts and still be themselves. - Get Started Now
There are many congregations facing what is sometimes called “the clergy shortage” and sometimes called “the affordability crisis.” Start the conversation today about this reality! Whether a congregation is headed toward closure, selling a building, finding a renter, partnering up with another congregation, or merging, this conversation should start in the interim and be a part of the process of welcoming a new pastor. Leaving it for the settled pastor can leave a congregation floundering for years and adds to the misconception that the pastor should be able to “fix” “it.” - Laugh With Them
There are so many challenges facing congregations and clergy. We all need to resist the urge to tense up. When we are tight and tense, we are also not able to think clearly and be curious. Laughter is great at keeping people loose, helping them access their thinking (it takes some high-level thinking to be humorous!), and feeling connected to the people around them. But beware – sarcasm and cynicism are not humorous. - Leave Well
I’m sure you’ve all heard this before, but it is also true for interim ministry: leave well. Write thank-you notes, make final coffee dates, and prepare parting words that you would like to gift the congregation. When you leave, if people feel airy, springy, and receptive, even if they are sad to see you go, then the minister who follows behind you will meet a congregation who was well-cared for that trusts that in some new way they will be well-cared for by this new presence in their community.
