Message from Mary

THE INTERIM PROCESS: What Is It? 

I know that many at Riverdale have questions about the Interim Process. Over the next few months, I will try to help answer some of those questions.  The website listed below is an excellent congregational resource, and I hope those of you with computer access will visit it. In its most basic form, the interim period in the life of the congregation begins when the pastor leaves and ends with the calling of a new installed permanent pastor. An interim pastor usually provides pastoral leadership during this time. Intentional interim pastors have special training in this area, some are certified, and some even do doctoral work in interim ministry.  For example, I am a trained Interim Pastor. I have completed both Phase I and Phase II of the Interim Pastor’s Training offered at Princeton Divinity School. At some point, I might like to complete Phase II or perhaps consider becoming certified so that I could train other Interim Pastors.

A church may know well in advance that the pastor is leaving, either to take a new position or to retire or a pastor may have to resign due to health reasons. Unfortunately, there are situations where there is pastoral misconduct or the situation is so very conflicted that the pastor is asked to leave by the congregation or the denomination. And, very sadly, there are times when the pastor unexpectedly dies. All of these situations create intense emotions for the congregation, ranging from relief  to intense grief, anger, abandonment, betrayal and just about any other emotion in between.  We will take a more in depth look at some of those feelings next month. The interim process is a time for individuals and the congregation to deal with the feelings. Everyone’s feelings should be respected.

Finally, the Interim Pastor can not be considered as a candidate for the position of permanent pastor of RPC.  I, as the Interim Pastor, am here to provide leadership and pastoral care during the this transition time.
  
 The following is found on the website of THE LAMP, a publication of the Center for Congregational Health, at www.healthychurch.org.  This is a resource that I will be using heavily and I urge you to visit the website.
           
“INTRODUCTION                                                                 
Most churches view the time between the resignation of one pastor and the call of another as unproductive, fallow time. Some feel it is wasted time. Others fear the congregation will lose members or dollars. Still others are in a rush to call a new pastor as quickly as possible so things can return to normal.  Significant studies of hundreds of interim congregations over the past twenty years are now showing that the interim between pastors can be an important time in congregational life.  Neil Chafin, an experienced consultant to congregations, says, “The way a congregation chooses to use its interim time will shape congregational growth, identity, and health for years to come. We also know that what is done in the interim time really determines whether the new minister and congregation will form a solid ministry team.”  Congregations which fail to make wise use of interim time tend to repeat their history with the new minister. This can lead to pain and confusion for the minister and prevent the congregation from meeting its goals of spiritual growth for its members and ministry to its community.  Expectations of ministers and churches vary enormously. Membership in many churches is either level or decreasing. Many congregations are unsure of their future. Each generation differs on expectations for the church. The interim is the best time to talk about and clarify these hopes and questions about church life.”