Temporary Shepherds: Congregational Guidelines for Interim Ministry

Effective interim ministry depends on strong partnership between the interim minster and congregation. Lay leaders of congregations preparing for such a transition will value the expert guidance provided by over a dozen experienced interim pastors. What is interim ministry all about? What needs to happen during the interim? What should leaders and members expect from the interim pastor and themselves during this transition? What other resources are available for congregations?

Roger S. Nicholoson is a retired United Church of Christ minister who has served the Connecticut Conference of the UCC as an intentional interim pastor and minister-at-large. He served as a senior pastor at South Congregational Church in East Hartford, Connecticut, for 22 years. He is an active member of the Interim Ministry Network and a member of its faculty.