![]() ![]() The focus of the transitional pastor ministry is to bring transformation to churches' ministries and members. ![]() Objectives and goals of transitional pastor ministry The transitional pastor process is a proven path that builds unity, heals hurts, promotes fellowship, and focuses on the mission of the church. The transitional pastor ministry is a guided process that prepares the congregation to receive a new pastor. A transitional pastor does more than simply "fill the pulpit." The role of the interim pastor is often viewed simply as someone who will preach when a church is without a pastor. ![]() What is a transitional pastor?Ī transitional pastor differs from an interim pastor. They may serve effectively as preacher, pastor, and consultant. Transitional pastors are prepared to lead churches through smooth transitions, rough transitions, and crisis transitions. Many churches without pastors need transitional pastors with experience, training, and ministry gifts that assure high-quality transitional leadership. A variety of circumstances can render church leaders spiritually unprepared to guide the church through emotional healing and preparation for a new pastor.Ĭhurches going through the transition between pastors may be well served by the ministry of a transitional pastor who can make the transition a time of a new beginning for the church. Some churches have crisis transitions because of the circumstances surrounding the previous pastor's departure. Other churches have rough transitions because the previous pastor left behind damaged relationships and trust. These churches often need help in dealing with grief resulting from the loss of a helpful and trusted pastor, overcoming fear that accompanies the uncertainties of change, or developing trust in a new pastor who has personality and style different from those of the former pastor. Some churches without pastors have smooth transitions because of the effective ministry of the former pastor. A transitional pastor has been trained to help the church stay focused on its mission and prepare them for more effective ministry under the leadership of a new pastor. ![]() A better option?Ī better option for most churches is a transitional pastor. The skill set, experience, and expertise of the interim pastor will determine if he can lead the church through a helpful and healthy process to prepare for the next pastor. The interim is able to fill the pulpit and assist the search committee in their process of searching for a new pastor. Many churches choose to secure an interim pastor. On the downside, the congregation isn't able to develop a relationship with the speaker on an ongoing basis. The positive side is the opportunity to hear a number of different preachers. However, the preaching ability of the staff may not always be what the church body expects.Ī church can choose to schedule multiple preachers to fill the pulpit. Whenever a church is without a senior pastor, several options exist for filling the leadership role that has been vacated by the former pastor.Ī church can choose to let staff members fill the pulpit. So much can happen during that time that could affect the church either positively or negatively. The average time a church spends without a pastor is between 6 and 18 months. The transition between pastorsĬhurches transitioning from the leadership of one pastor to another often need help. The stories are similar, but the needs are the same. "We want to find out why and what we can do to keep a pastor longer." "We can't seem to keep a pastor longer than two or three years. "Our pastor left us under difficult circumstances. "Our pastor of fifteen years is retiring, and we need help preparing for a new pastor." This article originally appeared in Deacon Magazine. ![]()
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