Since our beginning, the Center for Congregational Health has worked with churches in transition. We have trained clergy to be interim supply pastors, to be present with a congregation to fulfill pastoral responsibilities in the time between pastors; we have trained clergy to be Intentional Interim Ministers, to be present with a congregation as pastor and to facilitate congregational process to clarify their identity as they prepare to call a new pastor; and we have trained clergy to be Transition Consultants, to lead and facilitate congregational process to clarify the congregation’s identity while another minister fulfills the pastoral responsibilities during the time between pastors. I have had the wonderful privilege to be a part of this work for nearly 25 years.
What I know from my experience—every church and faith community needs to do the work of clarifying their identity, especially when a pastor has resigned and before the next pastor is called. Congregations need to understand who they are without the former pastor as a part of the system and they need to understand how that pastor made an impact on them and led them to the place where they are. Congregations need to understand who they are, so that they can determine the characteristics and skills they are looking for in their next pastor. While I believe that every congregation encountering a pastoral transition needs to do this identity clarification work, any congregation can benefit from doing the work of clarifying identity. Just like any individual can benefit from being in touch with who they are.
One of the best places to gain skill and knowledge for this work is in Intentional Interim Ministry training. Whether as an interim pastor, an installed pastor, a colleague or a process consultant, the education received in this training is of great benefit and value for an individual and the congregation’s where they engage.
It has been estimated that approximately 20% of congregations are without a pastor at any given time, and I expect that percentage is growing. We need people equipped to help congregations do this work of determining how to be their best and to know who they are and who God is calling them to be.
If you are a clergy person and seeking tools for navigating change in your congregation or if you are considering a change in your work or discerning a call to assist other congregations, Intentional Interim Ministry training may be a good opportunity for you. If you are interested in learning more about this training, please reach out to us.