Rev. Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe
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    • Interim Ministry
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Interim Ministry

     I feel specifically called to Interim Ministry and think that it is an important ministry in the life of a congregation.  Congregations need time to consider who they are and what they want after settled ministries, extreme or frequent changes, or when there is conflict.  Each congregation has unique needs and Interim Ministers must be adaptable in order to support congregations in reaching the place of calling a settled minister.  I find that the core of the Interim Process can be found in the hymn "Where Do We Come From?"


     Where do we come from?  It is important to take stock of the history of a congregation and to pass that history on to new and longtime members.  This aspect of the interim time is a part of connecting with our ancestry and offering gratitude to church elders (of any age) who have committed so much to the congregation.

     Who are we?  The interim period gives the space for congregations to ask and explore this question so that they may know who they need to call as their settled minister.  Congregations change and grow which means that who they are is constantly evolving.  Congregations need to engage with their history, hopes, strengths, and growing edges.

     What have and are we doing?  It is important to specifically look at what administrative and community processes- both explicit and implicit- congregations engage in to determine what is working and what might be done differently.  It allows the congregation to be realistic about what they are reasonably capable of and what foundation they have to accomplish their vision.

     Where are we going?  Interim is a time to create, adjust, review, and/or begin to implement a vision for future work.  It is a time of awareness of strengths, limitations, and growing edges of the community.  People find hope in planning for the future and considering the possible.

     An interim minister guides and energizes the lay leadership, staff, and congregation as they prepare for a new minister.  Interim ministry is a “truth speaking ministry” with the goal of speaking that truth with love.  An interim minister walks with the congregation and highlights the many gifts and growing edges within the community so that it may be realistic about what is needed in future ministry and work.  All of this work is done in collaboration with the congregational leadership through goal setting early in the interim process.  Ultimately, interim ministry is about inspiration, energy, visioning, and a spirit of “yes.”

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