The relationship between minister and congregation is a significant part of the lives of the members and friends. A minister’s departure can elicit may different and intense feelings. Interim ministry provides time and space to work through the emotional dynamics of loss and change so that the next settled ministry can have a good start.

After a Long and/or Beloved Ministry

• When a congregation is grieving a beloved minister, or has had the same minister for over a decade, it is also grieving the depth and richness of relationship and trust that was built over the years. A new relationship with a new minister can be burdened with unrealistic expectations. An interim can help interrupt those expectations, and help the congregation learn and practice openness to a new future and possibilities.

After a Conflicted or Mixed Ministry

• When a congregation has been hurt or frustrated by the departing minister, those emotions can often transfer to the next minister, and cause all sorts of problems. Interim ministry provides a period of purposeful disequilibrium that can help surface, tend to, and discharge the emotions.
• Interims can refocus congregations that have areas that have been neglected and/or have unhelpful behavior patterns.
• Following a particularly traumatic, intense, or surprising ending, an interim can work with the congregation to bring stability, reflection, and openness to a new future.

When Interim Ministry Isn’t the Best Option

• An extremely divided and conflicted congregation may not trust any minister to do more than preaching and limited pastoral care. In this case, work with the UUA Transitions office and your Regional Staff about contract or developmental ministry options.
• Congregations that cannot afford full time, fairly-compensated ministry should consider fairly compensated part-time contract ministry, and be clear in the MinistrySearch congregational record about any interim-type skills needed.
• Congregations seeking less than full time ministry are served with a contract ministry, and be clear in the MinistrySearch congregational record about any interim-type skills needed.

Negative Experiences with Interim Ministry

• Interim ministries are often uncomfortable times in a congregation’s history. It’s a time for self-reflection, and sometimes the interim shines a light on hard truths or awkward dynamics. Some members may experience this discomfort as something threatening or harmful.
• If a congregation had a particularly anxious or conflicted time with a previous interim minister, it is important to be able to clearly articulate what did not work with that interim ministry, and include that information in the MinistrySearch congregational record.
• If there has been some sort of ministerial misconduct from an interim minister, the congregation should file a complaint with the UUA. Then work with the UUA Transitions office and your Regional Staff to deal with any aftereffects of the harm caused.