Selecting the Interim Pastor - "Meeting the Committee"

  1. Prepare your own introduction to help the committee begin to think and act responsibly. Include:
    1. Devotional/Biblical thoughts-this is ministry.
    2. Significance of interim times:
      1. Healing and recovery from loss of pastor.
      2. Unusual dynamics of such transitions. Mention "Five Tasks" but illustrate with "shifting leadership" and/or "claiming a new identity."
      3. Such times are no longer considered maintenance only-rather, a time for reorientation and renewal.
      4. Unique circumstances of this church. Reasons they need the best interim leadership available.
  2. List typical options for obtaining an interim pastor in your region.
    1. Use Interim Ministries-ABC:
      1. Interim Ministry Specialists-Full time, fully trained & fully paid clergy. (Separate page of description included.)
      2. Minister-at-Large or Appointed Interim Pastor-4½ days of service per week, usually residential; national and regional guidance throughout. See handbook.
    2. Direct contract with recommended interim pastor from the area. Typically two or three days per week. All arrangements are the responsibility of the local church and the individual.*
    3. Supply pastor: Weekly or for short terms of 3 to 8 weeks. Usually Sunday and emergency or other stated meetings only.
  3. Receive and answer questions.
  4. Have materials ready regarding the above options.
    1. Interim Ministries-ABC Handbook.
    2. Brochures for each committee member.
    3. List of "local" clergy available
*One standard question for Direct Contract Interims is how much should we pay? The range is wide. Some divide a day into units = Morning, Afternoon, Evening and pay $50 to $100 per unit times the number of units expected. (Study and preparation time included.) Some interims have a fee they will ask. All auto and other professional expenses should be paid in addition to the above.
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