Interim Ministry as a "Short Stop"

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Interim Ministry as a "Short Stop"

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.