Intentional Interim Ministry

In 2008 I took 80 hours of classroom training with the Center for Congregational Health (www.healthychurch.org) to become certified as an Intentional Interim Minister. I am currently seeking a local church field project which when completed will grant me my certification. You might be asking, what is Intentional Interim Ministry? As an Intentional Interim Pastor you sign a contract with a local church for 18-24 months to shepherd them through a process that is designed to help them become a healthier church. One of the agreements in the contract you sign with the church is that you will not be a pastor candidate when they are ready to do a pastor search.
Intentional Interim Ministry is working with a local church as an interim pastor taking them through an intentional five step process. One of the first important steps an Intentional Interim takes after coming to a church is with the help of the congregation they form a transition team. The transition team is to be formed so that it represents a cross section of the church constituency. The transition team will work with the Intentional Interim guiding the church through the intentional process.
As mentioned it is a five step process, the steps are called focus points and they are as follows: 1-Heritage; 2-Mission; 3-Leadership; 4. Connection; 5-Future. One step at a time the Intentional Interim and the transition team examine what is needed and not needed for the church in each of the focus points. As each focus point is worked through the goal is to bring the church to a point of spiritual health in the particular focus point. Step five is about the future and prepares the church for the calling of a new pastor. If the Intentional Interim process has been effective both new pastor and church should be ready for a new start as a healthy church.
I am excited about the prospect of this ministry. I look forward to working with churches in North Carolina East District Wesleyan Church where I will continue to serve as district office administrator as an Intentional Interim Pastor.