There’s also no need to provide tours of the community since he already knows how to find the closest grocery store! There’s also no need to secure hotel arrangements during his “trial weekend.” He can sleep in his own bed! Reasons Against Allowing the Interim to Become a Candidate Since everyone already knows him, there’s no need to schedule a “get to know you” social event. In addition to avoiding the pain of relocation, allowing the Interim Pastor to become a candidate also minimizes other logistical details. If he were to become the next pastor, he probably wouldn’t need to go through the pain of moving. If God makes it clear that He has chosen the Interim Pastor to become the next pastor, who are you to say no? #4: Doesn’t Require Relocation (Usually)Įxcept for a few instances, most Interim Pastors live within a reasonable driving distance to the church. However, being open to the possibility allows the Spirit to work freely in the heart of the Interim Pastor, the Pastor Search Committee, and the congregation. It leaves no room for the Holy Spirit to interrupt the church’s plans. Some suggest that establishing a rule that the Interim Pastor cannot become a potential candidate places God in a box. #3: Ensures Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s Prompting He may take several months before making a decision about his potential candidacy. An interim period allows the Interim Pastor to get to know the church before making a long-term commitment. This observation is also applicable from the opposite perspective. #2: Allows the Interim Pastor to Determine if the Church is a Good Fit In that case, the Search Committee can continue their search without any significant collateral damage to the church. On the other hand, the Interim Pastor may not be a good fit. The Search Committee may then invite him to submit his resume for consideration. As they interact with him every week, they may discover that he’s a good match for their church. However, when the church secures an Interim Pastor, it allows them time to get to know him. There are some things you simply can’t discover during an interview. ![]() Unfortunately, it’s challenging to make that determination until the pastor has served at the church for a little while. Some pastors remain at their church for only a short time because they discover it’s not a good fit. #1: Allows the Church to Determine if the Interim Pastor is a Good Fit There are several reasons why a church might allow the Interim Pastor to become a candidate. Reasons For Allowing the Interim to Become a Candidate ![]() ![]() To help your church think through this question, you’ll need to consider the pros and cons for both positions. Should they be allowed to become a candidate?Įvery church context is unique, and every church will ultimately need to make that decision for themselves. For those who fall into this latter category, the question remains. However, some Interim Pastors are open to the possibility. I just want to help the church experience a healthy transition from their previous pastor to their next pastor. My personal philosophy is to communicate upfront that I will not submit my name as a candidate. It’s not a question of if, but only of when. If your church secures an Interim Pastor, I can assure you that you will have to deal with this question. He’s a hero!īut the question I want to pose is this: should a church allow their Interim Pastor to become a candidate for their vacant pastor position? He hasn’t had to make any complex or controversial leadership decisions. The congregation enjoys his sermons, and they laugh at his jokes. After all, he’s still in the honeymoon phase. ![]() In fact, it’s quite common for church members (and Pastor Search Committees as well) to approach their Interim Pastor about removing the “Interim” tag. I’ve heard several other Interim Pastors make the same observation. Over the past nine years, I have heard these words from at least one member of each of the six churches I have served as an Interim Pastor.īefore you begin to think I’m trying to give myself a public pat on the back, my experience is certainly not unique. “I wish you would become our next pastor.”
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