Much is being said these days about the intentional interim pastor. The phrase refers to an experienced minister who has had special training and is called to a church to serve temporarily during the “in-between-pastors” period of the congregation’s life. The interim pastor and the congregation engage in a serious analysis of the church’s ministry and set specific goals in a covenant commitment.
Have you heard of the “unintentional interim pastor”? On occasions, another name is used: “buffer pastor.” Let’s say that a new, permanent pastor is called to a church as any other minister, but because of unusual circumstances, his ministry is short-lived.
This permanent pastor is a called man of God, adequately trained, has a good track record of experience, productive leadership skills, and obviously gifted for the ministry. When he accepts the call to the church, everything evidences a marvelous opportunity for both the church family and the new pastor. He anticipates a long and fruitful ministry.
The new pastor arrives on the field with enthusiasm and optimum motivation. Without doubt, the new church will be responsive to his guidance and receptive to his ministry as have previous churches served in other locations.
Then, slowly, things don’t seem to fall into place as expected. Church members rebuff even the smallest gestures by the new pastor. Something is amiss, but it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause. The honeymoon ends abruptly and enthusiasm dwindles quickly.
One would expect comparisons with the previous pastor; however, the “he doesn’t do like our former permanent pastor” syndrome becomes an obsession. The new pastor almost has to stand in line to address a committee meeting, and his input is all but ignored.
What’s the problem? The church is not open to a new and different ministry in many respects because it still lives in the glory days of old or is held captive by the memory of a former pastor. Or, perhaps, when the new permanent pastor was being interviewed, he understood that the church wanted to grow. After he arrived and began his new ministry, he discovered that what was discussed on the “idea level” was not what the church accepted on the “action level.”
The new pastor realizes he is battling with shadows, myths and legends. The church members have their own agenda, and it is not likely that anything can be done until the memories fade away and the membership is receptive to a different style of leadership and ministry. Any hint of change frightens the members.
The pastor becomes an “unintentional interim” – his ministry does not last long. It could be that the unresponsive congregation and mistreatment have nothing to do with the new pastor as a person. Certainly, there could be times when a pastor may play havoc and run roughshod over a congregation, but this is rare.
The new pastor’s skills and commitment are never doubted; rather, it is his very being which is questioned because the sacred space reserved only for the former permanent spiritual leader has been usurped, or the congregation is consumed by thoughts of “the good old days.”
The transition between pastors is one of the most critical segments in a church’s life. Much preparation can be done in order to ensure an orderly move from one permanent leader to another. Trying to fill the vacancy in record time never helps matters.
This doesn’t happen often, but when it does occur, it can weaken a church and possibly cripple a pastor.
Adequate planning and thorough preparation can prevent a congregation from becoming an “unexpectedly interim church.”
– Herron served as a pastor for 30 years, director of missions for 10 years and has served 12 interim pastorates.