FAQs for Pastors

I am thinking about interim ministry. What options do I have to see if this is for me?
Pastors who are interested in interim ministry or wonder if this is for them might consider attending a 24-hour "Discernment for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry" seminar offered twice annually both at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

What happens after I attend the Discernment for the Practice of Intentional Interim Ministry?
Following the discernment event, a one-on-one with the local bishop and her / his staff would be key in understanding the level of support both for intentional interim ministry opportunities within that synod and the bishop's felt assessment of that pastor's appropriateness for intentional interim ministry within her / his synod. Among the areas to consider are: flexibility, mobility, strong sense of self, proven effective leadership skills, family support, commitment to this specific ministry and its multiple demands not always required for the conventional pastoral role.

What are the goals of the Intentional Interim Ministry program?

• to come to terms with significant shifts in thinking concerning the “in-between times” during a pastoral vacancy,
• to reorient thinking to see this transition time as a time of positive growth and purpose,
• to offer interim ministry resources and support to congregations, pastors and synods, and
• to introduce ELCA clergy and ELCA churches to the interim specialist pastor, “called” and trained to serve churches full-time during the in-between times.

Question not answered?
If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please email us at VE.Info@elca.org.