A Conversation with Interim Pastor Stuart Bond

Where do you serve as an interim pastor and what drew you there?

Stuart: I serve First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, New York. They seemed to appear on my radar at just the time when I was considering a new call. My sense of them on our phone interview was that they were a faithful bunch who had a sense of humor — an indispensable element if we are going to be able to enjoy life together and move forward.

How do you approach the preaching task during a season of anxiety?

In some ways, I think we overstate the anxiety. Perhaps a third of the congregation’s anxiety is...

Step Six Sample PNC Training Day Agenda for Hosts

ARRIVAL: Take time to orient everyone to the training location pointing out parking, restrooms, WiFi access, and other housekeeping matters. Help everyone settle in.

Keep in mind that hosting at the church, while efficient, may not suit your objectives nearly as well as a more remote place of beauty, a denominational facility or retreat venue. Choose wisely. This is holy ground.

Pastor Nominating, Interim MinistryShari Jackson MonsonSeptember 13, 2017pastor nominating committeeComment

Step Six: Equip the Pastor Nominating Committee

Equipping a group of people to function together as a PNC is one of the most important investments an interim pastor will make in a congregation. The wise interim knows that the PNC’s ability to collaborate in seeking to new pastoral leadership is mission critical to the future success of the new pastor and the church alike. Invest wisely. Prayerfully attend to all the Spirit’s whispers and promptings.

Do this early on...

Interim Ministry, Pastor NominatingShari Jackson MonsonAugust 30, 2017Step Six, PNCComment

What I'm Reading 2017

Lately I have been daydreaming about this question, “What if, when a pastor moved on, the church knew exactly what to do to find a suitable replacement because a plan and a process had been agreed upon ahead of time?” So, this month I will be reading...

7 "Musts" to Consider in Becoming an Interim Pastor

You must embrace and love change.
Your family must support this unique ministry call.
You must have the ability to articulate your sense of call to Interim Ministry with clarity, conviction, authenticity and grace.

Interim MinistryShari Jackson MonsonJuly 19, 2017discernment, vocationComment

4 Ideas for Developing an Interim Roadmap

Spell out the steps from former pastor leaving to new pastor beginning using a roadmap graphic for print/handouts—see a sample roadmap below.
Develop an interactive roadmap for digital applications such as the church website and social media.

Interim Ministry, Church Leadership, Pastor NominatingShari Jackson MonsonJuly 12, 2017Interim road mapComment