ShortStop –
These pages concern intentional interim ministry which is a “short
stop” for the interim/transition pastor.
It is also a “short stop” in the life of the congregation – the interim
pastor arrives, assists the congregation as they transition to a new pastor
leader and then exits.
The intentional interim/transition pastor does come with
experience, specialized education, and a “tool box” that will help the
congregation. The skilled interim knows
how to use the “short stop” to leverage the opportunities of the transition for
a healthy future.
I discovered that in the game of baseball, the position of
shortstop (between third and second base) is one of the most important and
demanding positions on the field. Many
balls are hit in the direction of the shortstop and requires the player to be
one of the best defensive players on the field.
A good arm, skill with ground balls and athletic flexibility – a tough
combination. A player in that position
must be one who continually hones his skills in fielding and throwing the
ball. Many a game is won by a quick
thinking shortstop who creates a double or triple play.
Intentional interim ministry requires that same attention to
skill building, flexibility and quick thinking.
Fielding fast infield hits during a Session, Council, or Vestry meeting
will come at the most surprising times. Keeping the ball in play (keeping the
members engaged) is an art.
I will be keeping these pages updated with ideas, resources
and links to articles that may be helpful to the interim leader. Feel free to forward me your own ideas and
they will show up here!
Be sure to check out my interim transition lectionary blog
as you plan worship. My Coaching for
Ministry Professionals is also on line and a regular email update is available
if you send me your email address using the reply function on this site.
Bob Anderson
Interim Ministry
Specialist
Life Coach for Ministry
Professionals
Toledo, OH
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