Temporary Shepherds: A Congregational Handbook for Interim Ministry by unknown

by Unknown Author

Effective interim ministry depends on strong partnership between the interim minster and congregation. Lay leaders of congregations preparing for such a transition will value the expert guidance provided by over a dozen experienced interim pastors. What is interim ministry all about? What needs to happen during the interim? What should leaders and members expect from the interim pastor and themselves during this transition? What other resources are available for congregations?

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion

Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

About the author

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Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that I've completed my first intentional Interim, I've also completed the best book I've read about Interim Ministry. Nicholson is a United Church of Christ pastor who after a 15 year career as an intentional Interim minister has compiled a collection of articles about this special time in the life of a congregation. There are sixteen contributing writers who all have some experience in Interim Ministry. They come from a variety of Protestant denominations. Although none of the writers come from my own faith tradition (Brethren/Anabaptist) I still found it interesting to see how they approached the task/calling. Nicholson arranges the articles in a helpful manner. First comes a description of the Interim Congregation. What are the challenges, the characteristics, the issues one may face if you accept this calling. Secondly, the Interim Journey how does one approach this calling and how does this minister's role change in this new ministry setting. Finally, he concludes with a section called Framing the Journey which discusses the ethical implications of such a ministry. The last section provides Tools for the Journey. I found the tools interesting, but not very useful for my own experience. The book was published in 1998 by the Alban Institute. One wishes there was something written recently to address the new sitz im leben.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for congregations in transition. A few of the essays are less accessible than the rest but, overall, there’s a lot of good information, things to consider and scripture-based exercises to ground a congregation—so long as they are willing and open to the process.

4/5 stars.

[Sara Sautter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit dated.

[Clint Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good practical stuff but a little dated.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superlative read. Covers both the philosophical and practical issues related to the "inbetween time" following a pastoral departure. Essays are superlatively written and provide a solid basis for why such a ministry is vital to a congregation and clear instructions for the potential minister.

[Larry Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

good, but specific for pastors who want to serve as interims between long-term pastors and for congregations that are between pastors