Eight Strategic Keys for Thriving in the Interim

An interim season at a church is a critical juncture, presenting both challenges and opportunities. How a church navigates this period between pastors can shape its future trajectory significantly. This list outlines eight strategic steps for churches to not only navigate the interim season but to thrive amidst the challenges. Your church’s interim season is not a time to coast or get by. Instead, it is a time to prepare, to continue the work of the Great Commission, and to pave the way for a new season of leadership within the church.

1. Acknowledge the Leadership Vacuum:

   • Openly recognize the temptation of power struggles within a leadership vacuum. The unhealthy struggle to fill a leadership vacuum can leave the church polarized, divided, and focused on winning rather than working together. The interim pastor must be a unifying leader of leaders shepherding with determination and grace.

2. Avoid Coasting, Embrace Transformation:

   • Rather than allowing the church to coast during the interim, encourage intentional transformation. Actively engage the congregation in activities that foster growth and preparation for the future. This mindset shift prevents complacency and positions the church for positive change.

3. Adopt a Strategic Approach:

   • Take a systematic and strategic approach to addressing challenges. This means approaching issues methodically, considering the long-term benefits over immediate solutions. Strategic leadership requires patience, thoughtful planning, and a commitment to intentional, lasting transformation.

4. Prioritize Preparation, Introspection, and Transformation:

   • Focus on preparing the church for the next season of ministry. Encourage introspection within the community to identify strengths, weaknesses, values, and mission. Acknowledge that transformation is a gradual process, and deliberate efforts are needed to ensure a thorough and meaningful transition.

5. Ensure Pastor Search Team Readiness:

   • Advocate for a clear understanding of the church's identity, values, and willingness to embrace change before initiating a pastor search. A prepared pastor search team ensures that the church can communicate honestly with potential pastoral candidates, preventing misunderstandings and frustrations.

6. Rediscover and Communicate Identity:

   • Reflect on the personal and collective identity of the church. Guide the congregation in rediscovering and embracing its true identity, transparently communicating it to prospective pastors. This involves an honest assessment of the church's past, present realities, and future aspirations to provide a clear picture.

7. Embrace Strategic Interim Leadership:

   • Recognize the impact of strategic interim leadership. A strategic interim pastor should address issues as they arise during the interim season, minimizing stress on a new pastor who follows. This involves making necessary decisions and dealing with challenges promptly, rather than deferring them for later resolution.

8. Promote Open Communication:

   • Emphasize the need for open and honest communication throughout the interim period. Regularly update the congregation about progress and changes, fostering transparency and trust. Informed churches are more adaptable and easier to lead during seasons of transition, reducing potential conflicts and uncertainties.