What is transitional ministry all about?
Transitional ministry is pastoral ministry. Transitional pastors shepherd congregations through the uncertain period between the departure of one pastor and its search for a new long-term pastor to lead the church in the future.
How does intentional transitional pastoral differ from interim ministry?
The two terms are somewhat synonymous. We prefer to speak about transitional pastoral ministry because interim pastors have traditionally provided pulpit supply and general pastoral care for congregants. Transitional pastors do more. They make an intentional effort to prepare the church for the future by working with lay leaders to clarify the congregation’s mission, vision, and values, resolve conflict, train leadership, evaluate ministries and guide the church through the pastoral search process.
What does a transitional minister do?
Transitional pastors serve as the congregation’s senior pastor. Specific responsibilities are spelled out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), but the primary purpose of transitional ministry is to get the congregation ready for its next long-term pastor. Transitional ministry focuses on several tasks: 1) restoring hope, 2) resolving conflict, 3) rebuilding mission, 4) restoring vision, 5) recruiting and training lay leaders, and 6) resetting governance.
Does intentional transitional ministry require special training?
Training builds upon your previous ministry experience. It provides a framework for accomplishing the particular goals and objectives of transitional ministry. Training is highly recommended. Several options for training are available.
Where can I find transitional ministry training?
Training is available through a variety of sources. We encourage pastors to consider training offered through the Alliance Center for Leadership Development, by Interim Pastor Ministry (IPM), and VitalChurch Ministries. Training in Alliance peacemaking is highly recommended. More information about Alliance peacemaking can be found on the website: Alliance Peacemaking.
Is there approval required to serve as a transitional minister?
After securing the necessary training, you are welcome to seek out opportunities for transitional ministry. The district seeking a transitional minister will want to know that you have completed training.
If I’ve completed transitional minister training how do I get placed?
Alliance transitional pastors are placed by the district superintendent overseeing the church in transition. Superintendents are encouraged to contact certified pastors directly. Look for transitional ministry opportunities in the following manner:
- Apply for transitional ministry positions by going to called2serve.org; select US Work – This takes you to the US Ministry Placement page.
- Filter the list of positions by selecting “area of interest” dropdown and then selecting Transitional Minister. Click on opportunity you wish to apply for. Notification sent to the district. If there are no positions available the option will not be listed.
- You may also make a district aware of your availability directly.
What is the salary of a transitional minister?
In most circumstances, transitional pastors receive the same salary as the church provided its previous pastor. In some circumstances, when the local church resources are limited, districts have supplemented the church’s provision with an additional amount. Salaries are negotiated at the beginning of the transitional ministry. Host congregations should assist with housing.
How long are transitional ministry assignments?
Transitional assignments vary in length, from about 6 months to as many as 18 months. Occasionally they may extend to 24 months, but that is not standard.
Does transitional ministry require me to be away from my home?
Although some transitional assignments may be close to home, that is not always the case. The transitional pastor decides what distance from their home they wish to serve. Some pastors move to the location, some commute daily and others rotate their time between locations. Those arrangements are negotiated in the MOU.
Will I be required to move?
There are several models for transitional ministry. A few pastors do decide to move to the church’s location until the church calls a new pastor. When the place of ministry is close to one’s residence, pastors often commute. Those who are serving a long distance from their place of residence, commonly spend three weeks (including Sundays) on site and one week working remotely from their place of residence. These arrangements should be stipulated in the MOU negotiated with the district and the church.
Register for Potential Transitional Ministry Opportunities
Through the ministry of Church Advance we are developing a list of potential transitional ministers. This allows us to provide transitional minister names when contacted by a district superintendent. Completing this form is no guarantee of placement.