Interim ministry is a transitional ministry designed to help a congregation move from one full-time settled ministry to the next settled ministry or from a settled ministry to a developmental ministry.

An interim minister companions the congregation through the grief and other emotional responses to the departure of their minister. They also assist congregational leaders in reflecting on their shared ministry practices, how they communicate, and other aspects of congregational life. They can then connect the congregation to helpful resources.

A Quick Overview of Interim Ministry

• Interim ministers are full-time, and are for congregations larger than 125 members that are getting ready for a Settled Ministry. (See Contract Ministry for less than full-time searches or if your congregation is smaller than 125 members.)
• The interim minister search window is in April and May of each year for an August 1st start date.
• Most interim ministries last 24 months, though occasionally the ministry may extend to a third year, especially in cases when the previous settled ministry was long or conflicted.
• The interim minister is hired by the congregation’s governing board.
• Interim ministers may not be called by the congregation as their settled minister.
• Most congregations planning to continue in full-time ministry after a settled ministry use this option for their transition.