Is one called of God, who is gifted, experienced and trained to temporarily assume the pastoral leadership of a congregation during its time of transition, while it searches for a new pastor to assume permanent leadership.

The special calling of a "Transitional Pastor" is to minister to a congregation in pastoral transition, which is often divided, wounded, anxious, angry, confused, afraid and sometimes rejected.
 
His task is to facilitate the future of the congregation by bringing healing and cohesiveness to the body in preparation for new vision and leadership.  The "Transitional Pastor" will aid the congregation in self-study and in taking advantage of the unique opportunities pastoral change presents to the body.

The average time a "Transitional Pastor" will spend with a congregation will be  from six to eighteen months with the average being about twelve months.

WHEN SHOULD A "Transitional Pastor" BE CONSIDERED?

There are many reasons a congregation may retain the services of a "Transitional Pastor".  Some of the most common are as follows:

• When a pastor of twenty plus years resigns or retires

• When the former pastor has resigned, either voluntarily or not, under less than favorable circumstances

• When there has been a moral failure on the part of the previous pastor

• When there are major changes expected in the vision or ministry of the church under a new pastor

• When the church has recently experienced a major conflict within the body

• When the senior pastor of a multiple staff resigns

The transition period between pastors is a critical time for any congregation. Its leadership would be well advised to take the necessary time to objectively and carefully evaluate both the short and long-term needs of the congregation before beginning  its search for a new pastor.  This period of transition can be an opportunity for profound spiritual renewal and healing as it focuses on achieving cohesiveness and preparation by the church for new vision and leadership.

WHAT A "Transitional Pastor" WILL NOT DO

• Under no circumstances will the "Transitional Pastor" allow himself to be considered as a candidate for the open position of installed pastor.

• The "Transitional Pastor" will not come to simply "fill the pulpit" until a new pastor is selected - he comes with clear objectives and goals to accomplish in preparing the body for new vision and leadership.

• The "Transitional Pastor" will not function on his own, but will work with the leadership of the church to achieve these goals.

• The "Transitional Pastor" will not be an advocate for any one group within the church, but will serve to bring cohesiveness and relational health to the entire congregational body.

• The "Transitional Pastor" will not interfere with the selection of, or promote any pastoral candidate over another.

If you are interested in training available for this special and rewarding ministry, you may contact Bill Robertson for information on how you can serve churches as a "Transitional Pastor".  If your church would like to know more about how a "Transitional Pastor" can help your church during this transition time, overcome hurts and grief, set new vision and prepare for new pastoral leadership call us at the number below or E-Mail Pastoral Leadership Team at bill.robertson@lbc.org