The Interim Pastor S Manual

This book is a guide through the problems and possibilities of interim ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) It is full of biblical and theological insight as well as practical wisdom.

Many churches today find themselves in frequent transition, whether due to the changing culture, the struggles of mainline churches, or the changing nature of mission. Interim Ministry in Action helps guide churches and their leadership through these times of change. The book will guide readers step-by-step through the process of how and why to decide to call an interim minister, the process for deciding what’s next, and more. Each chapter concludes with exercises for readers, search committees, or boards to illustrate key themes and help them determine the best path forward.

Transition is the word we use to describe the time following significant change. In congregations, that change might be the departure of the pastor, a catastrophe such as Hurricane Katrina or 9/11, or simply the changes caused by growth. Transition calls for clergy with special training to respond to the needs generated by the special time. “Task, training, and time limit” are the hallmarks of transitional ministry. Trained intentional interim clergy must have the skill and experience to lead congregations during transition. However, transitional or interim ministry has a bad reputation in some places. As one diocesan leader said, “We have never had a church in this diocese that was so bad off that an interim was needed.” Indeed, there are some “sick” churches, but most congregations have some good things happening and some things that need attention. Intentional interim ministry can be medicine for the sick, but in most cases it is better compared to vitamins that are taken to promote health. This book seeks to clear up misconceptions about transitional ministry and present an accurate and up-to-date picture of transitional ministry and to describe the various settings in which this specialized ministry can be helpful. Chapter authors, all expert in transitional ministry in mainline Protestant denominations, include: Robert Friedrich, John Keydel, George Martin, Loren Mead, Barry Miller, Nancy Miller, Ineke Mitchell, Ken Ornell, Molly Dale Smith, and Rob Voyle.

Effective interim ministry depends on strong partnership between the interim minster and congregation. Lay leaders of congregations preparing for such a transition will value the expert guidance provided by over a dozen experienced interim pastors. What is interim ministry all about? What needs to happen during the interim? What should leaders and members expect from the interim pastor and themselves during this transition? What other resources are available for congregations?

An essential tool for pastors of any denomination on how to prepare for worship services, weddings, funerals, benedictions, dedications, baptisms, and more.

Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you were missing out on something very valuable in your ministry but just couldnt put your finger on it? Well, these resources for adventures in service to God for the church are valuable assets to those seeking a dynamic experience in Gods Kingdom work. To invest yourself in Larry Spencers Ministry of Helps Manual and Workbook can enhance your ministry and greatly format your service with usable hands on tools that complete your tool chest. Bring these practical things home and put them to work. Great results have already been seen from individuals who respect Gods Word and value what it can bring to the Board room as well as to the church service. You will not be sorry you invested in this training for you and your ministry team. Rev. Lloyd Tremain, Paradise Community Church of the Nazarene A thorough, practical and much needed Biblically sound treatment. Wish it had been available 20 years ago when I could have use it to a great positive effect Dan Wilderman, Retired Assemblies of God Pastor the order and practical instruction presented will benefit all organizational levels of any Christian Church today. John Steffensen, Radio Host, Christ Today KKXX Radio Chico CA Hopefully this manual will lay the groundwork for pastors and churches to spread the burden and get others involved in the work of the ministry. I once had a pastor that was often unprepared for a service because he was busy helping a parishioner with some needed chore, or church maintenance, or the myriad other duties needed to keep a church going. The result was that the church stayed the same size. Some leave; others enter. But no growth was apparent despite the considerable preaching talents of the pastor. God is apparently making sure he has only the amount of people that he can handle. We learn that the ancient church had some of the same challenges we face today. Acts 6:14 says, Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. (Read this as doing manual labor.) Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; (the manual labor) but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. It was even bringing strife to the local body. What did they do? And what was the result? The first thing the apostles did was pick out people they knew to be wise and that had had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and appointed them to do practical ministerial duties (the manual labor). This freed up the apostles so they could minister the Word of God. Wow, Gods way is so simple, and our grandiose plans just waste time and get nothing done. Pastors need to learn from the apostles and appoint over this business so the pastors has more time to do the spiritual work that promotes Gods church. This manual gives a road map for accomplishing the goal of choosing and training people and tips for managing them.

Planned time away from the parish for study, rest, and spiritual renewal can be beneficial-and often necessary-for any pastor, as well as for the congregation. In this thoroughly revised and expanded edition of Alban's popular Sabbatical Planning for Clergy and Congregations, Bullock and Bruesehoff provide the definitive guide to putting together refreshing pastoral sabbaticals that can help keep ministry vital and growing for the long term