Dr. Tom Harris, President of Interim Pastor Ministries, brings three decades of hard-won wisdom to this conversation about the critical role of transitional leadership in churches experiencing pastoral change. With refreshing candor, Tom shares how he stumbled into interim ministry when interviewing for a permanent position at a struggling congregation. Recognizing their deeper needs for healing before welcoming another permanent pastor, Tom offered himself as an interim solution—launching a career that would span nine churches across America before assuming leadership of IPM.

Founded in 1990 by six denominational leaders who recognized that Sunday pulpit supply wasn't enough for churches in transition, Interim Pastor Ministries has grown to serve congregations across twenty different denominational traditions. The organization specializes in matching seasoned pastors with churches navigating the challenging waters between pastoral leadership.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Tom's insight into the counterintuitive nature of pastoral transitions. While most churches rush to find a replacement as quickly as possible, Tom explains why this often compounds existing problems. "Churches kick the can down the road," he observes, "and it ends up in the new pastor's yard." This powerful metaphor captures the essence of transitional ministry—creating space for congregations to address underlying issues rather than expecting the next pastor to magically solve them.

Tom also notes a concerning trend: churches today seem increasingly conflicted and resistant to honest self-evaluation. Yet he remains hopeful, sharing stories of congregations that finally embraced necessary change after years of struggle. The conversation illuminates how even healthy churches benefit from taking time between pastors to discover their true identity apart from their previous leader's imprint.

Moberg's Intentionality Grid resource

Interim Pastors Ministries is a great resource for church going through transition. Please reach out to them if you have a need. 

Ready to learn how your church might benefit from intentional interim ministry? This episode offers practical wisdom for church leaders facing transition and insights for pastors called to this unique ministry field. Connect with us at flourishcoaching.org to continue the conversation about church renewal and transitional leadership.

"Soaring Between Pastors: 8 Actions to Thrive During A Pastoral Transition" by Dr. Tom Harris

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