Interim Ministry: Positive Change in Times of Transition

Interim Ministry: Positive Change in a Time of Transition contains in-depth case studies of two short-term interim appointments. This work goes well beyond simply offering theories and methodologies on how to do interim ministry. Instead it details concrete examples of how the initial goals of the interim pastor may be implemented through programs, group interaction, pastoral care, sermons, and written communication. The first interim appointment followed the death of a beloved pastor after a two-year battle with cancer. The second interim began in the midst of a church meltdown following an appointment change of senior pastor. Both interim appointments began in a time of crisis—the first marked by deep grief and the second saturated with disillusionment and even some despair. In spite of the initial environments of high anxiety and discouragement, both churches were able to regain a sense of hope and redefine or reclaim their church identity. Indeed both churches experienced real positive change in the midst of very difficult circumstances. This book was written to be a catalyst for professional reflection and to serve as a model for being a transformational agent for churches in need of a more hopeful and fruitful future.