About Me
SHARI JACKSON MONSON
Call: I guide people who lead the church during seasons of change. Interim By Design is a place for leaders to draw inspiration, find and share practical resources, and participate together as a learning community.
Vocation: I serve as Transitional Pastor at Lacey Presbyterian Church. Prior to LPC I served as Interim Head of Staff/Senior Pastor at John Knox Presbyterian Church. Before Knox I served in similar roles at West Side Presbyterian Church, in West Seattle, at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church in Spokane, WA, and at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chehalis, WA.
Research: I study the vocational practices of interim pastors that sustain vitality in ministry. This winter I will be launching a doctoral research project on this topic. If you are an interim or transitional pastor and would like to learn more contact me.
Leadership: I coach people who lead change in the church. Visit my leadership coaching page to learn more or get in touch with me.
Governance: I serve as Chair of the Board of the Thai Christian Foundation and recently completed nine years on the Board of Medical Teams International.
Skills: I am an accomplished ministry strategist whose impact is seen in staffing models, strategic plans, mission studies, and mission partnerships around the world. My well-worn passport illustrates a passion for bringing hope to people experiencing change, crisis, conflict, or living in poverty.
Education: Life and ministry in the Middle East, South Asia, SE Asia, Central America, and Sub Saharan Africa add a global flavor to my perspective on the world. I hold degrees from Seattle Pacific University (BA), Drew University (MA), Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India (post MA), and Fuller Theological Seminary (MDiv). Currently I am in the Doctorate of Ministry program at Seattle University.
My husband Craig and I make our home in western Washington. We have a globe-trotting daughter and home-hearth warming son.
~ June 2020
On a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee.
“Pastor Shari, Thanks be to God for his gifting of you for his service and leading you to be with us at our church! I am so looking forward to your presence and guidance personally and corporately. I am excited for your partnership in your particular roles, together with session, to lead us in worship and service. I feel relief and joy, as well as sweet memories and also some pain as I consider aspects of the transition we are moving further into. Thank you for your decision to be with us for a time now, and in eternity!”