Interim Ministry in Action

Interim Ministry in Action
Author: Norman B. Bendroth
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 215
Release: 2018-05-14
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1538105004

Many churches today find themselves in frequent transition, whether due to the changing culture, the struggles of mainline churches, or the changing nature of mission. Interim Ministry in Action helps guide churches and their leadership through these times of change. The book will guide readers step-by-step through the process of how and why to decide to call an interim minister, the process for deciding what’s next, and more. Each chapter concludes with exercises for readers, search committees, or boards to illustrate key themes and help them determine the best path forward.

Temporary Shepherds

Temporary Shepherds
Author: Roger S. Nicholson
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 225
Release: 1998-09-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1566996465

Effective interim ministry depends on strong partnership between the interim minster and congregation. Lay leaders of congregations preparing for such a transition will value the expert guidance provided by over a dozen experienced interim pastors. What is interim ministry all about? What needs to happen during the interim? What should leaders and members expect from the interim pastor and themselves during this transition? What other resources are available for congregations?

Interim Ministry

Interim Ministry
Author: Justin W. Tull
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2012-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781479335954

Interim Ministry: Positive Change in a Time of Transition contains in-depth case studies of two short-term interim appointments. This work goes well beyond simply offering theories and methodologies on how to do interim ministry. Instead it details concrete examples of how the initial goals of the interim pastor may be implemented through programs, group interaction, pastoral care, sermons, and written communication. The first interim appointment followed the death of a beloved pastor after a two-year battle with cancer. The second interim began in the midst of a church meltdown following an appointment change of senior pastor. Both interim appointments began in a time of crisis—the first marked by deep grief and the second saturated with disillusionment and even some despair. In spite of the initial environments of high anxiety and discouragement, both churches were able to regain a sense of hope and redefine or reclaim their church identity. Indeed both churches experienced real positive change in the midst of very difficult circumstances. This book was written to be a catalyst for professional reflection and to serve as a model for being a transformational agent for churches in need of a more hopeful and fruitful future.

Transitional Ministry

Transitional Ministry
Author: Molly Dale Smith
Publisher: Church Publishing, Inc.
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2009-06-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0898698367

Transition is the word we use to describe the time following significant change. In congregations, that change might be the departure of the pastor, a catastrophe such as Hurricane Katrina or 9/11, or simply the changes caused by growth. Transition calls for clergy with special training to respond to the needs generated by the special time. “Task, training, and time limit” are the hallmarks of transitional ministry. Trained intentional interim clergy must have the skill and experience to lead congregations during transition. However, transitional or interim ministry has a bad reputation in some places. As one diocesan leader said, “We have never had a church in this diocese that was so bad off that an interim was needed.” Indeed, there are some “sick” churches, but most congregations have some good things happening and some things that need attention. Intentional interim ministry can be medicine for the sick, but in most cases it is better compared to vitamins that are taken to promote health. This book seeks to clear up misconceptions about transitional ministry and present an accurate and up-to-date picture of transitional ministry and to describe the various settings in which this specialized ministry can be helpful. Chapter authors, all expert in transitional ministry in mainline Protestant denominations, include: Robert Friedrich, John Keydel, George Martin, Loren Mead, Barry Miller, Nancy Miller, Ineke Mitchell, Ken Ornell, Molly Dale Smith, and Rob Voyle.

A Change of Pastors ... and How it Affects Change in the Congregation

A Change of Pastors ... and How it Affects Change in the Congregation
Author: Loren B. Mead
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 113
Release: 2012-01-09
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1566994543

Twenty years after Critical Moment of Ministry was first published, Loren Mead returns to his groundbreaking work on one of the most important times in a congregation’s life—the time between one pastor’s leaving and another’s arrival. In this revised edition, A Change of Pastors, Mead shares the wisdom he gained from 35 years of studying congregations, wisdom that he hopes will allow congregations to take full advantage of this “extraordinarily pregnant moment” during which incredible congregational change can happen.

Learning While Leading

Learning While Leading
Author: Anita Farber-Robertson
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 171
Release: 2000-12-31
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1566995736

As the world changes, so do people's expectations of their faith community and clergy. This book uses three case studies to speak to religious professionals about the challenges they face, to provide readers with specific, user-friendly techniques to become more aware of how they function, and to learn new ways to lead. Clergy will find real-life examples of how more effective leadership enhances the life of the community and promotes the deepening of members' faith.

Serving With Grace

Serving With Grace
Author: Erik Walker Wikstrom
Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Total Pages: 106
Release:
Genre:
ISBN: 1558965807

Discover how to experience congregational work as an integrated element in a fully rounded spiritual life. Written for both those in the more typically recognized "leadership roles" such as board members and committee chairs as well as for those who lead while serving on a committee, teaching in religious education or helping to pull together the Holiday Fair. Makes a useful addition to a congregation's leadership development programs.

How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going

How to Lead When You Don't Know Where You're Going
Author: Susan Beaumont
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2019-09-17
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1538127695

How do you lead an organization stuck between an ending and a new beginning—when the old way of doing things no longer works but a way forward is not yet clear? Beaumont calls such in-between times liminal seasons—threshold times when the continuity of tradition disintegrates and uncertainty about the future fuels doubt and chaos. In a liminal season it simply is not helpful to pretend we understand what needs to happen next. But leaders can still lead. How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going is a practical book of hope for tired and weary leaders who risk defining this era of ministry in terms of failure or loss. It helps leaders stand firm in a disoriented state, learning from their mistakes and leading despite the confusion. Packed with rich stories and real-world examples, Beaumont guides the reader through practices that connect the soul of the leader with the soul of the institution.

Thriving as a Single Person in Ministry

Thriving as a Single Person in Ministry
Author: Jane Carr
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 166
Release: 2021-06-15
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1538127490

Churches large and small across the world and in every denomination have rising numbers of single people on their leadership staff. This book presents a research-based perspective on the joys, opportunities, and challenges of being single in vocational ministry. Through extensive interviews and focus groups, the authors present both a practical application and a positive message for those serving God as single clergy or pastoral leaders.

Transitional Ministry Today

Transitional Ministry Today
Author: Norman B. Bendroth
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781566997508

Transitional ministry can be tremendously helpful for congregations in times of change, and yet, to be successful today transitional ministers and churches need to take into account the major changes in the religious landscape. From the decline of mainline churches to the rise of those who don't identify with any religious tradition, the religious scene has changed dramatically since transitional ministry began three decades ago, and to remain vital today, the practice of transitional ministry must change as well. This book provides transitional ministers and congregations with essential information on re-thinking transitional ministry in ways that take the current religious climate into account. Ten experienced authors--including seasoned practitioners of transitional ministry and those who oversee transitional ministry denomination-wide--propose new ways to approach transitional ministry today. Chapters address practical theology, leadership, specialized interim situations, renewal during interim time, alternative models of transitional ministry, and more. Essays address a range of diverse churches in size, racial/ethnic background, and location. Transitional Ministry Today highlights how creative and cutting-edge ministry can be done during the "in-between-time" through creative thinking and practice in the face of new realities