Coaching For Interims

I often hear churches say they want to be a center for the wider community – they want those who are not members of the church to see the church as relevant - a community asset if you will. Yet, it’s hard to make that happen as it requires thinking differently about the assets and property of the church. But what if a church changed its name from “First Church of, for example, Centerville,” to “First Church for Centerville?” For additional podcasts on this topic, as well downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

Everyone wants the interim time between settled pastors to be productive, yet it can be easy to miss those early opportunities to start strong. Laying the groundwork for a successful interim time begins, in fact, much sooner than the first day of working together. It begins with what is discussed – or not - in the very first interview before any contracts are signed. For additional podcasts on this topic, as well as downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

Serving a congregation as pastor is an honor, and – truth be told – sometimes a pain. Parishioners can be demanding, which can take its toll on their spiritual leader. In, “Staying Sane while serving a High Maintenance Congregation,” Rev. Dr. Jill Small offers insightful analysis and practical advice for dealing with criticisms and ultimatums from parishioners. For additional podcasts on this topic, as well as downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

One of Jill's early questions to the congregation is, "How fast do you want to know what I see?" The unique role an interim minister can play in helping a congregation become more aware of how its building is hindering or helping its ministry.

What does your building say about who you are? The science of “Place Identity” suggests that we are different people in different places. Helping a congregation have a conversation about their "stuff."

Does your congregation worship its building? Is your congregation challenged with a building that no longer meets its needs? To the 3 standard questions of the interim period, consider adding a 4th one: “What do our buildings say about who we are as God’s people in our community?” Plus an “Identity & Facility Discussion Guide” (5 questions to engage parishioners’ conversation around the “4th” question.)

It’s common knowledge that most everyone wants to get a good start at a new job. However, what isn’t common knowledge is the importance of having had a good goodbye at one’s previous job. In the words of wise interim minister and IMN faculty member, Rev. Arlen Vernava, “The nature of your last farewell will hugely influence how you join your next community of faith.” In this Wisdom from the Field episode, Arlen offers 5 practices for joining and finishing well. Visit Coachingforinterims.com to download a transcript of this episode.

Thinking realistically about part-time Ministry (and how it could actually make your congregation feel more empowered!)

How long will the interim time be? The answer would seem obvious: until the next settled pastor arrives. Yet, congregations often want a more specific answer, and how we interim ministers answer such questions sets expectations for what is to come. Seasoned transitional interim minister, Rev. Dr. Jonathan New, shares ideas on how he responds to anxious congregations about how long it may be, and why – the factors involved. This is a conversation to return to frequently, both during the initial interview stage with a prospective congregation, as well as when people get anxious during the interim time itself. For more episodes on this topic, as well as to download a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

It’s often said that the job of the interim is to prepare for the next settled minister. True enough, as a bare minimum. The larger challenge is to help the congregation expand its notion of faithfulness. Listen as veteran interim minister, Rev. Dr. Jonathan New, speaks to how a congregation’s notion of faithfulness affects its interim experience, especially if it needs to radically rethink its future. For more episodes on this topic, as well as to download a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.