I am so excited to start serving at Cross Lutheran in Roberts, WI, this Sunday morning! This will be an interim position at Cross as they transition from a long pastorate served faithfully by Pastor Dean Simpson toward a new permanent pastor.
The other day I shared this news with our neighbor in Maple Grove. "Oh, so you got a "temp" pastor position, eh?" "Well, sort of," I replied, "but it is a bit more than a 'temp' position." I shared with him that I would an an Interim Pastor for them. "You mean you are going to do another year of internship?" "No, not internship, an interim position!" I replied. As stimulating as this conversation was at the time it seemed to be sliding into confusion.
Long pause as he shoveled another load of snow. One last attempt. "Basically, I will help them slow down for a time to look at their history, where the congregation is at now, and where God might be wanting them to focus their mission for the future." Another pause. "Oh, I get it, Durk, you really will be a "temp" pastor for them, right?" "Yeah, in way," I replied softly.
So, if an interim isn't just a"temp" fill- the -pulpit pastor, what does s/he do for a congregation? An interim pastor you might say partners with the congregation for a period of time and walks with them through a process. The best image for the process is a journey.
The journey can be filled with celebrating the congregation's history and discussing tough events or issues if needed. The journey can involve an objective analysis and assessment of the community's demographics and trends. And, the journey can involve formulating a new mission or vision for the congregation along with goals for strengthening its mission.
It with with anticipation and enthusiasm that I am so looking forward to meeting God's people at Cross Lutheran! Let the journey begin!
-Pastor Durk Peterson (aka "Interim/Transition/Temp/Consultant/Pastor:)
