Religious Journey

Traditional Interim Ministry

Bridging the Interim Between Pastors

From the resignation of one pastor to the successful beginning of the next pastor's ministry, every congregation has to navigate through several phases:

(1) designate some group to engage a minister to preach each week, and someone to take care of other pressing matters such as visitation in emergencies;

(2) decide whether to call an Interim Minister;

(3) identify issues and challenges to address during the interim;

(4) assess the church's current identity: the demographics of its members and also of its community;

(5) arrive at a common understanding of the kind of pastor who likely can minister effectively in their unique situation;

(6) elect a Search Committee to locate and recommend a pastor;

(7) call the pastor, and take steps to insure a good beginning with him.

Traditonally there is great variety and flexibility concerning an Interim Minister's responsibilities. Congregations do well to call an Interim Minister as soon as practical after the pastor resigns. Interim Ministers' job descriptions vary widely as some congregations want a minimum of leadership and others want someone to actually fill the role of pastor completely. Any of several approaches can be effective, provided that the Interim Minister and the congregation agree on written guidelines about what he is to do. The details of his duties are worked out between the Interim Minister and the committee that recommends him, and should be understood thoroughly and approved officially by the congregation.

For More Information Contact
Dr. Edwin Ray Frazier, Interim Minister
4202 Appleton Way, Wilmington, NC 28412
910-232-1258
edrafr9@gmail.com