Our Tips Process
The average length currently of pastoral transition is about 9 months from when the transition begins until the next pastor arrives. We have discovered this is a key time for the church to prepare for the next chapter of ministry and having an intentional interim who is called, trained and passionate is a key to successfully navigating the transition.
Benefits to the local church
- Unity
- Resolution of conflict
- Agenda Harmony
- Spiritual & Relational vitality
- A healthier church
- Greater Lay Involvement
- Greater respect, commitment, & love for the denomination
- Improved facilities & grounds/ready for company
- A new heart to reach lost people
- Understanding of the need for change
- Understand the need for, and the components of, spiritual strategic planning & a Church Action Plan
- A heart for Church Multiplication
- Understand the need for right core values, and a driving mission statement
- Optimistic/Excited about the future
- Ready for full ReFocusing, led by the new pastor
Benefits to the Judicatory Leader
- Teaches the church to celebrate the interim time as an opportunity to grow and listen for God’s voice
- Builds board and congregational morale during the interim & diffuses the anxiety that is VERY normal in every interim situation
- Saves large amounts of time for the District/Judicatory leader
- Provides high quality coaching/consulting for the local church
- Gives access to NCS Nationally Qualified Transitional Interim Pastor’s Training
- Provides multiple levels to choose from in the Transitional Interim Pastors process (full or part time)
- Provides access to the NCS National Director for Transitional Pastors
- Provides an overview of the health of the church in transition
- Helps build spiritual & relational vitality
- Prepares the church in understanding & implementing a ReFocus
- Helps prepare the congregation to welcome its new pastor
- Denominational ties are strengthened
- Preaching & Teaching that prepares the church for a successful future