Transitional Pastoral Ministry – An Overview Introducing

The Big Idea Times of transition are windows of opportunity for churches to experience transformational turning points toward health and mission.

The Big Objective Welcoming a new Senior Pastor to a healthy, functional, spiritually renewed church community.

The Interim Paradigm a “hold the fort mentality” Traditional Interim Roles – Pastoral Goals Pastoral care and rites of passage Preaching/Worship Service care Short term administration

Exit of Previous Pastor Entrance of New Pastor Interim Pastoral Ministry Denominational Leader Input ClosureSearch Process Traditional Interim Ministry Components

The Transitional Paradigm The 8 Goals Transitional Leadership Pastoral Goals Provide relevant preaching/ communication Provide/facilitate caring pastoral services Provide/facilitate effective short-term administration

The Transitional Leadership Goals Facilitate closure to the past Facilitate relationship renewal Facilitate mission and vision renewal Facilitate structural/organizational renewal Facilitate an effective Senior Pastor search process The Transitional Paradigm The 8 Goals

Stages of Transitional Ministry Vision Renewal Structural Renewal Relational Renewal Pastoral Preaching Transitional Leadership Ministry Exit of Previous Pastor Search Process Entrance of New Pastor Pastoral Admin Pastoral Care Closure Assess

A New Paradigm Transition as a season of renewal. Transition as a time of meaningful change. Transitional leaders trained as renewal specialists. Pastoral search done from a posture of health.

Important Features The leadership team understands the differences between interim and transitional roles. A transitional agreement is signed. Knowing how to function inside of its constitution, bylaws, policies and procedures.

Important Features High value on denominational co-operation and (if needed) relational renewal. Search process is put on hold until agreed upon key indicators of health are seen. May include a Ministry Fitness Check.

Important Features Usually a 6-18 month process. Ongoing training for the Transitional Pastor. If a multiple staff church - emphasis on mentoring, team-building.

Ultimate Objective To hand off a healthier, spiritually renewed church to a new Senior Leader who has been hired through a positive search process in dependence on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.