The role of an interim pastor is often misunderstood. Many people in churches—even those in leadership—tend to think of an interim pastor as just a “temporary pastor”—one who preaches on Sundays when a church is in a transitional time between permanent lead pastors. However, for organizations like VitalChurch Ministry, preaching is only one small part of what they believe to be the role of intentional interim pastors.
According to VitalChurch, the interim period—the time between lead pastors—should be used strategically. A church can use this time to address any issues affecting the church body or to establish or solidify their mission and vision. It can be difficult for churches to undertake these tasks on their own. An outside perspective, like the one an intentional interim pastor can provide, is invaluable.
However, not just anyone is equipped to fill the role of an intentional interim pastor. A former or retired pastor may seem like an obvious choice, but someone trained specifically as an intentional interim pastor is really ideal.
As one of the leading interim pastor ministries in the country, VitalChurch has set up an annual training event for those who are already serving as intentional interim pastors and those looking to become interim pastors.
Their 2020 Intentional Interim Pastor Training will be held from February 18-20, 2020 at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Headquarters in Orlando, Florida. Pastors from all over the country and from multiple denominations will attend this seminar, which will be led by experienced interim pastors Dave Miles and David Brooks.
According to VitalChurch: “Our interim pastor training seminars flow from a theology that places Christ and His purposes at the center of genuine church revitalization. Yes, we focus on the ‘nuts and bolts,’ but even more so on the Gospel and how it should inform everything we do as interim pastors. True and lasting change can’t happen apart from Christ, no matter how many systems we put in place or strategies we employ.”
The intentional interim pastor training seminar will include:
- Lectures and group discussions on topics related specifically to interim pastor ministry
- Individual and small group exercises to reinforce information and wrestle with “real world” situations
- Networking opportunities with like-minded pastors, including those with many years of experience as interim pastors
- A question and answer time with VitalChurch interim pastors
Attendees will go home with a full packet of training notes, as well as a checklist for an interim pastor’s first 30 days in a church.
Past attendees of VitalChurch’s Intentional Interim Pastor Trainings have raved about the level of detailed and applicable information delivered over the course of the three-day seminar. If you are interested in attending the Interim Pastor Training or if you want more information, visit the event page on the VitalChurch website: https://vitalchurchministry.org/2020-interim-pastor-training
