In the last twenty years churches have found it beneficial to have specially trained pastors who serve in an intentional manner and for specific purposes. They assist a congregation in coming to terms with its grief and past, adjust to change in leadership, look realistically at its current identity, and prepare to communicate its needs and vision to a pastor considering the call it issues.

There are five processes for the Intentional Interim Pastor:

1. Agreeing with the elders, council or congregation on terms of service and goals. 2. Entering a congregation in which uncertainty exists and quickly establishing relationships and stability. 3. Maintaining integrity of Word and Sacrament, attendance, stewardship, and programs. 4. Assessing special needs and focusing on at least one as a priority. 5. Appropriately sharing insights and bringing closure to the temporary ministry.

Assisting congregations in accomplishing these tasks are included:

1. Coming to terms with congregational history, the bad and the good, and deciding what is important and worthwhile to carry into the future. 2. Facilitating the development of shared leadership, reinforcing the ministry of God's people by honoring those who choose not to continue serving at the present time, and affirming the ministry of those who continue to serve or enter into new areas of responsibility/service. 3. Working with the Congregation Ministry Facilitator who assists a congregation in assessing its ministry identifying where it and its community are currently and identifying the congregations mission, communicating the mission to the called pastor, and establishing a foundation for the future which will be pursued with renewed energy and involvement.

For more information contact the Michigan District