Following a pastor’s departure, a church often finds itself attempting to answer multiple questions as they move into the interim period. Questions such as:

 

• Who is going to preach for us each week?
• How will important decisions be made in our church?
• When will our church begin the search for the next pastor?
• What issues do we need to address before a new pastor comes?

SmartStart Interim Ministry is an eight-week interim strategy that helps a church address those and other questions your church may have following a pastor’s departure. 

 

A trained SmartStart Interim Pastor can help calm the natural anxiety that happens when a pastor leaves.  A leadership team consisting of existing church-approved leaders works with the SmartStart Interim to discuss important issues during the interim time and plan beneficial congregational activities. 

 

Key Elements of the SmartStart Interim Ministry include:

• Eight weeks of pulpit supply by the SmartStart Interim Pastor
• Pastor Search Committee/Team formed and trained
• Leadership Team meets with the SmartStart Interim Pastor
• Congregational activities designed to boost morale (as schedule allows)
• Help the church prepare spiritually for the search process
• Discover areas that need attention during the interim time
• Help the church clarify how ministry continues during the interim time
• Help the church understand options and choose direction for long-term interim leadership

 

Download the SmartStart brochure HERE.  (.pdf)
Download the SmartStart Overview HERE.  (.pdf)

 

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for a SmartStart interim, contact Marcus Brown at mbrown@absc.org or Rachel Wolfe at rwolfe@absc.org or at 1.800.838.2272 ext. 5103