by Will Jewsbury
When I was considering interim ministry, colleagues suggested that I explore training to become an Intentional Interim. After more than 35 years of pastoral ministry I felt I had an expansive skill set, but I was intrigued to discover what else might be possible. I signed up for training with the Interim Ministry Network. In the initial three-day event “The Work of the Leader,” and the subsequent five-day event titled “The Work of the Congregation”, I gathered new tools and resources to use in serving congregations in transition. And, equally as important, reflected on what it would mean to step into a congregation for just 12 – 18 months rather than multiple years, bringing both my experience and this new information into the process of congregational transition.
Could I have done interim work without training? Of course! My experience as a pastor would have been welcomed in any number of congregations. Would I have been as effective without training? I don’t think so! I had served two ministries of fifteen years each before “retiring” from settled ministry. My mindset was for the long haul. The training I sought out helped me to look at processes that might help a congregation claim their past and view their future in new ways. I discovered how to focus on what was needed.
Disciple Interims will be offering training for prospective interims beginning in 2021. While not as wide-ranging as IMN or other such programs, it will be a good introduction to the work of interim ministry and will also be both cost-effective and easily accessed. In addition to the learning that will take place, we will continue building a network of pastors committed to the health of congregations across the Disciples.
Join us!
