MAKING ROOM IN OUR HEARTS
The Interim Process is a journey
When Eric retired from FPC Noblesville in December, it was hard to let him go. Our memories and affection for Eric will stay in our hearts for many years to come. But they can no longer hold a place of pride in our hearts. It is not fair to the new pastor. It is a bit like someone who has been widowed remarrying, but continuing to sigh in their heart for their deceased spouse. It is not fair to the new spouse and doesn’t help the marriage solidify and become strong. You can
always miss your old spouse, but you can’t miss them more than you enjoy having your new spouse. The journey from the head to the heart is always the longest journey and always takes longer than we think it will. The rule of thumb for interim pastors is one month for every year
that the previous pastor, Eric, was in place. In our case, we believe that an interim period of 18-24 months is reasonable. That will give us ample time to do a good job on the mission study, make headway on the five interim tasks, and ensure that our next pastor arrives at a church that is looking forward to the next phase of their ministry.
Click the image to watch the Interim Video
THE FIVE INTERIM TASKS
Task 1: Reviewing and Facing/Embracing Our History
Task 1: Reviewing and Facing/Embracing Our History
Task 1: Reviewing and Facing/Embracing Our History
How well we deal with our history will determine how
well we will move into and deal with our future. It is a
mistake to call a pastor until we have learned from
our past. Coming to terms with our history means
reviewing it, learning from it, and deciding on those
elements that we want to retain as part of our present
and our future.
Task 2: Discovering a New Identity
Task 1: Reviewing and Facing/Embracing Our History
Task 1: Reviewing and Facing/Embracing Our History
The interim period is a time of looking inward.
Seldom during other times does the same type of
introspection occur. The interim period is an
important time to do a self-study that will provide a
realistic appraisal of the congregation’s life and
outreach, including its strengths and weaknesses.
This study and other efforts can result in the
reshaping of a congregation’s self-image.
Task 3: Making way for new Leadership
Task 1: Reviewing and Facing/Embracing Our History
Task 4: Re-Thinking Denominational Linkage
Some leaders who have achieved significant influence
in our congregation may have done so because of the
desire, encouragement and support of our previous
pastor. During the interim period some of these
leaders may move to less time-consuming roles and
others may decide to increase their involvement and
influence in the congregation.
Task 4: Re-Thinking Denominational Linkage
Task 5: Commitments to a New Leadership and a New Future
Task 4: Re-Thinking Denominational Linkage
During the interim period a congregation is probably
more receptive to outside help and ideas. Many
congregations have been drawn closer to their
denomination after a pastor leaves because of their
openness to utilize the resources and services of the
denomination. This is an important time to become
reacquainted with the heritage, mission, services, and
connectionalism of our denomination.
Task 5: Commitments to a New Leadership and a New Future
Task 5: Commitments to a New Leadership and a New Future
Task 5: Commitments to a New Leadership and a New Future
During the interim period the congregation needs to be
ready to make a commitment to the new pastoral
leader it will soon call. If the congregation is not ready
to welcome and work with the new pastor, it will
undermine its ministry in the future.
From the beginning of the interim period, the interim
pastor and supply preachers need to emphasiz
During the interim period the congregation needs to be
ready to make a commitment to the new pastoral
leader it will soon call. If the congregation is not ready
to welcome and work with the new pastor, it will
undermine its ministry in the future.
From the beginning of the interim period, the interim
pastor and supply preachers need to emphasize the
nonpermanent status of their tenure in the church. Any
future plans or dreams that the congregation has
formulated should be kept highly visible before
everyone. Preaching should set forth the Biblical basis
of the future as both hope and grace.
FPC Congressional Mission Study Committee
Making a way for a new pastor
With our Session's guidance, the Congressional Mission Study Committee has been assembled and had their first meeting. Members are Sherry Faust, Jake Light, Paul Auble, and Mark Boxberger. Pastor Ken will serve as the convener and guide.
Over the next several months, this team will put together a detailed review of our congregation. Who were we in the past, who are we now, what is our community like, what kind of Church does God want us to be, what are the attributes our next installed pastor will need in order to lead us in the right direction?
As you can imagine, this will take some time. We will be asking for your input at every step along the way. We will also report back to you on a regular basis. When we ask for your input, especially when we ask you to fill out a survey, PLEASE do it! The more information we have, the better our report will be.
Our final product, the Congregational Mission Study, will have to be approved by our session and our Presbytery's Committee on Ministry. Once they approve it, we will have permission to elect a Pastor Nominating Committee. Our Session will present a proposed list of nominees. They will be elected by all of us at a specially called congregational meeting.
Our PNC will use the mission study to put together the job description for our next installed pastor. If everyone has participated in the mission study process as we have asked, then putting the job description together will not take long. Once the job description is approved by our Session and our Presbytery's COM, we will be able to post the description on the electronic bulletin board maintained by our denomination.
These are exciting times! We really appreciate your input. The Mission Study will take several months to complete so please be patient as we are getting organized, and please keep us in your prayers!
Watch the Second Interim Video Here
Things I Wish All Congregations Knew, Part II: LeadershiP., Chang, Bowling & Canoeing the Rockies!
In this class we will talk about the role of leadership in organizational
change, what 1950s bowling says about contemporary social cohesion, and
how the Lewis & Clark expedition is a perfect paradigm for our time.
May 17th, Fellowship Hall, shortly after worship. Looking forward to seeing
everyone! Pastor Ken.
Stay Tune For Future Classes
We'll take a break for the summer but stay tuned for more amazing knowledge from interim Pastor Ken. Classes will be in the same format after church service and cover the History of the Church, and All About Presbyerianism.