When your preacher leaves, what happens next? Often the initial response is to immediately begin looking for another preacher. If the previous preacher had been at the congregation five years or more, the next preacher is frequently rejected. Why?
If the alternator goes out on my car, I want it fixed. I take it to the mechanic, he removes the old, installs the new, and my car is fixed.
However, let us suppose that there are two couples in their fifties. A man in one couple and the woman in the other couple die within a few months of each other. It might be great for the surviving spouses to marry each other. Conventional wisdom says that they need to wait a few months after the funeral. People are not machines. The emotional process of grief takes some time. One relationship needs to have some closure before a new one is started for the new one to be most effective.
Interim ministry is designed for the transition. I have been studying and have been trained to help a church experience spiritual and emotional growth during this period. When working with a church during this time, I will agree not to consider or be considered as the next full-time preacher. We will work together six to eighteen months and prepare for the church and next preacher to grow together to God’s glory.
To learn more about the benefits of having an interim minister, please visit my
"About" page .
To go directly to my BLOG follow this link.
Newsletter and Blog Subscription
Two e-mails are available that give information on interim ministry, elders, deacons, and preachers. They are written for all Christians who like ideas on the way people relate in the church -- especially in leadership.
When Your Preacher Leaves
This newsletter began in June 2006 by Jerrie Barber and John Parker. There are articles, quotes from Shakespeare, "mustard seeds" from favorite books, smiles, and an update of the activities of Jerrie and John.
Jerrie Barber's Blog
Jerrie has been blogging since December 2006. He has been posting observations and outlines from his interim ministry. An e-mail notifies subscribers of new posts.
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