The Focal Points
Research led by Dr. Loren B. Mead identified five focus points for churches in the interim. The interim congregation engages in a self-study that is based upon these points.
Heritage
The congregation takes an objective look at the church’s history and allows that review to be a platform on which they move forward into the future. This task is foundational for all other tasks. It presents an opportunity for the congregation to actively examine the past and discuss the lessons learned from that review.
Leadership
Every congregation must consciously develop its ordained and lay leadership for ministry and for incorporating younger and newer members into its body. The interim is an excellent time to review leadership development, the way a church is organized, and the manner in which decisions are made on how to best use the congregation’s resources.
Connections
A congregation has often learned to see the denomination through the eyes of its former pastor. With increasing polarization of theological differences, it is crucial that each local congregation clarify its mainstream theological belief. A congregation that does not deal with this aspect of its life runs a strong risk of calling a minister who does not align theologically with the congregation. The interim time is a natural opportunity for the congregation to be introduced or reintroduced to the rich resources available through the denominational offices. It also provides an ideal chance to look at the ministries and missions the congregation supports that are not related to the denomination.
Mission
Over time, congregations tend to develop a self-image that is based on something other than current reality. This period of transition presents an opportunity for a congregation to take a fresh look at reality and ask the questions, “Who are we?” “Who do we believe God wants us to be?”
Future
All of the work that is done in the transition time helps the congregation prepare for and select a person who fits the pastoral needs for the next stage of the congregation’s ministry and mission. In a very practical sense, however, this is the last task to be “officially” addressed and is still in process after the intentional interim minister leaves and the installation of the new pastor has taken place.
These are the five crucial focal points of a congregation in search of a new pastor. Thoroughly engaging in these tasks, with wide participation by congregational members, greatly enhances the chance for effective ministry with a new pastor. Addressing these tasks is a process developed and facilitated on site by a trained interim specialist. There is no “program” that will do the job.
From Dr Nolan Duck www.ministryintransition.com
Heritage
The congregation takes an objective look at the church’s history and allows that review to be a platform on which they move forward into the future. This task is foundational for all other tasks. It presents an opportunity for the congregation to actively examine the past and discuss the lessons learned from that review.
Leadership
Every congregation must consciously develop its ordained and lay leadership for ministry and for incorporating younger and newer members into its body. The interim is an excellent time to review leadership development, the way a church is organized, and the manner in which decisions are made on how to best use the congregation’s resources.
Connections
A congregation has often learned to see the denomination through the eyes of its former pastor. With increasing polarization of theological differences, it is crucial that each local congregation clarify its mainstream theological belief. A congregation that does not deal with this aspect of its life runs a strong risk of calling a minister who does not align theologically with the congregation. The interim time is a natural opportunity for the congregation to be introduced or reintroduced to the rich resources available through the denominational offices. It also provides an ideal chance to look at the ministries and missions the congregation supports that are not related to the denomination.
Mission
Over time, congregations tend to develop a self-image that is based on something other than current reality. This period of transition presents an opportunity for a congregation to take a fresh look at reality and ask the questions, “Who are we?” “Who do we believe God wants us to be?”
Future
All of the work that is done in the transition time helps the congregation prepare for and select a person who fits the pastoral needs for the next stage of the congregation’s ministry and mission. In a very practical sense, however, this is the last task to be “officially” addressed and is still in process after the intentional interim minister leaves and the installation of the new pastor has taken place.
These are the five crucial focal points of a congregation in search of a new pastor. Thoroughly engaging in these tasks, with wide participation by congregational members, greatly enhances the chance for effective ministry with a new pastor. Addressing these tasks is a process developed and facilitated on site by a trained interim specialist. There is no “program” that will do the job.
From Dr Nolan Duck www.ministryintransition.com