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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. |