Some congregations are able to identify current or recurrent needs that have surfaced during one pastorate or another. In these situations, particular care should be taken during the “in-between-pastors time” to identify and address these needs. An intentional interim pastor (also known as intentional transitional pastor) is a specially trained pastor who guides a congregation through an intentional transition process. They serve for a specific period of time, and help the congregation address and resolve specific concerns. They serve to guide the congregation through this time of transition, often because of a special need experienced by the congregation.
An intentional interim pastor also performs all the responsibilities of a vacancy pastor and is not to be placed on the congregation’s call list. The circuit visitor and office of the president will assist in determining the need and availability of an intentional interim pastor.