Intentional Interim Ministry Process
Intentional Interim Ministers adapt well to a congregation’s context and particular needs, are highly relational, and provide pastoral leadership and management for a season of ministry. IIMs possess many of the following characteristics and may share in some of the following scenarios:
- Quick Starter: An interim minister hits the ground running and is not attempting to cultivate long- term relationships. Some clergypersons have the gift of getting down to the deepest concerns of the congregation from the very start.
- Problem-Solver: Pastors with enough self-differentiation to engage technical and adaptive work without getting stuck along the way. With a new set of eyes, new directions for the church can be proposed.
- Calm-Presence: Congregations in crises or extended conflict or going through a time of grief can benefit immensely from a pastor who demonstrates incarnational grace and love.
- Early Retiree/Retiree/Half-Year Worker: Some pastors consider working part-time in retirement. An interim minister, available to serve mid-year openings until the annual conference session, may work full or part-time for three to six months or more year end year out.
- Non-Itinerate: Some pastors, particularly those in urban settings, are hesitant to move into unfamiliar areas. If there are 35 churches within 50 miles of one’s home, an entire lifetime could be spent as an interim minister with no residential moves.
- Two-Career Family: Relocation is increasingly difficult for two-career families. If a clergyperson were willing to serve only part of a year or receive an interim assignment of one or two years duration, relocation would not be an issue.
- Financially Secure: “By earning all you can, saving all you can…,” or inheritance, multiple incomes, or other fiscal means, some clergy can afford to focus on where and how they serve than solely rely on the income from the church. Interim ministry could offer challenging opportunities and wondrous service to Christ and the church.
Intentional Interim Ministers Serve
Intentional Interim Ministry in the NTC is well underway. We have a IIMs either trained or progressing toward certification. IIMs are vetted by the Bishop and NTC Cabinet, trained and certified through as accreditation process, and may be deployed across conference boundaries.
Some of the contexts for IIM serving include:
- Sabbatical, Renewal or Study Leave
- District Superintendent Transitions
- Conflict Management
- Disability, Terminal Illness or Death of a Pastor
- Clergy Misconduct
- Transformation and/or Cultural Context
For more information on IIM training or considering time away for a sabbatical, renewal or study leave but don’t know where to turn – contact your District Superintendent or the Center for Leadership Development of the NTC.
