Some of the most important work in interim ministry is introducing change – even at the exact time when many congregants may feel that too much change has already happened.
As we prepare to have our fourth Dinner & Discernment gathering – hints of discomfort with the process have begun to appear. I want to remind you that this is a normal part of the process. This month, instead of writing an article, I'm sharing excerpts from an article that Jeri-Lynne Bouterse, transitional pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio, wrote for the Presbyterian Outlook. I encourage everyone to take the time to read this as she explains the process – affirming that discomfort is to be expected – and that congregations willing to work through the discomfort will come out the other side with a deeper understanding of who they are and better prepared to call their next minister.
Blessings,
Pastor Lynda
The In-Between Time: Interim Ministry as Sacred Space
The tension in the congregation is high after the pastor announces a change in call. Questions abound: Can't we just elect a pastor nominating committee and start searching for our next pastor? Why do we need an interim pastor anyway? Isn't an interim pastor just a space holder? This is when I take a deep breath, count to 10, and begin the hard – but important – explanation of interim ministry.
I serve as the chair of the Commission for Congregational Life, which provides support for the congregations in the presbytery — including assisting churches in transition. This season of transition is the in-between time. It is a sacred space and one of our tasks is to guide and support congregations as they discern what God has in store for them next.
I have walked with congregations many times now as a presbytery representative, as well as an interim pastor. Each time it is a privilege and a challenge. In every church – big or small, healthy or challenged, rich or poor, urban or rural – there is always a sense of urgency to find the next pastor and rush through the search process. It is my job to help congregations take a deep breath, count to 10 and then understand the benefits of intentional interim ministry.
Benefits of interim ministry
The benefits to this sort of ministry are plentiful. Interim pastors provide the opportunity for churches to discern who they are as a congregation without their former pastor, and who God is calling to minister with them in the future. Every church can benefit from interim ministry. But congregations who have experienced extreme conflict with the last pastor, the death of a former pastor, or the end of a relationship with a long-tenured pastor, especially benefit from leadership that walks them through conflict resolution, healing, grieving, restoration and change. Giving an interim pastor time to help the congregation come to terms with these issues will lead to a healthier beginning with their new installed pastor.
An interim pastor's primary task is to meaningfully fill the in-between time, allowing the congregation to reflect on who they are. Every pastoral change creates a void and often that space will unintentionally be filled by a strong, trusted member who may or may not represent who the congregation is. Interims step in and impartially fill that spot. Siding with no one, supporting all. The way in which the in-between space is filled is intentional: preparing the congregation for new spiritual leadership.
Vision and identity
It is sometimes difficult to convince a congregation that re-visioning and re-visiting who they are can be the most valuable part of their search process. Bob Anderson, an instructor of interim ministry and interim senior pastor at Wyoming Presbyterian Church in Wyoming, Ohio, shared: "A common theme in almost all the churches I've served as an interim is the difficulty congregations have articulating their sense of identity as the people of God."
Yet that seems to be exactly what my colleagues leaving healthy congregations hope the interim pastor will facilitate. Being clear about who they are will help the congregation create a solid beginning with a new pastor. New ways of being the church in this new season are possible!
Allison Bauer, recipient of The Fred McFeeley Rogers Award for Creative Ministry and pastor at Second Presbyterian Church in Portsmouth, Ohio says; "I hope any transitional pastor following a long-term pastor would help a congregation to see where they've perhaps gotten a little too comfortable and challenge them to re-imagine new ways of doing things even if they continue to do the same things they've been doing."
Other times, an interim provides an affirming, outside perspective on the current life, mission and ministry of a church. "I hope the interim pastor will take the time to observe the congregation, to see the good things they are doing in ministry, help them to recognize this and give them encouragement," stated Tracy Keenan, mission presbyter in New Castle Presbytery. However, most of the time, though, there's a need to clear old brush to make room for new growth.
Reflect, correct, protect and resurrect
Interims take time to reflect (what was), correct (change what isn't working), protect (maintain what is working), and resurrect (revitalize the ministry). Why an interim pastor? Reflection, correction, encouragement and hope. What if these things don't happen? If the congregation is unaware of who they are and where they are going, they can expect that the pastor they call will be at a disadvantage, perhaps feeling called to an illusion of the church.
Some of the most important work in interim ministry, though, is introducing change — even at the exact time when many congregants may feel that too much change has already happened. "I think the most important thing a transitional pastor does is to get the congregation to the understanding that things are changing. And to help them see into a future that is different from their recent past. Sometimes this is made extremely difficult because the pastor is beloved or is still physically in the area. It is even more important for the transitional pastor to help the congregation understand the 'end of an era,' whether positive or negative," said Brenda Barnes, the interim pastor of NuValley Presbyterian Church in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania.
"Effecting change is not easy!" My colleague Brian Harroff describes this well. "You can't do the job without ruffling feathers." Some of these changes are going to be "heavy lifting."
When I'm asked, "How long will all this take?" I simply hold back a sigh and say: "I don't know. God's timing is God's timing."
