faq’s for tim practitioners
Here are common questions asked by practitioners.
Not finding your question? Email Rich Davis, LCMSTIM Executive Director at execdir@LCMSTIM.org for a personal response.
how do i update my clearinghouse info?
Login and be sure to update your current setting and your availability date. Also, be sure to indicate all districts in which you are willing to serve, even if that includes a limited geographical section of that district. For assistance accessing the Clearinghouse, email Clearinghouse@LCMSTIM.org Click HERE for a downloadable pdf with more detailed Clearinghouse instructions.
how do i get my first tim call?
To indicate you are available you should inform your District President and (if available) your district TIM Coordinator. Make sure you have an account on the LCMS Clearinghouse and that your permission status is not “Pending” but “Approved.” Update your Clearinghouse data form to indicate your mobility and availability, as well as any Specialized Expertise you may have. Pastors willing to relocate or be tethered from their current home are often more sought after than those preferring local service. Someone from the LCMSTIM board will reach out to you as your training winds down to invite you to the Clearinghouse database. An account on the Clearinghouse provides access to TIM ministry resources on the LCMSTIM.org website and allows users to be considered for ministry placement.
who will be my primary contact for counsel and supportive supervision?
Transitional Interim Ministry, while recognized by the LCMS in conventions, falls under the Council of Presidents and is an optional resource for each District President at his discretion. The opportunities the DP identifies largely depend on their understanding and prior benefit from this work. Each DP who first assumes his office, may or may
not understand or fully appreciate the importance and benefits, or even the mechanics, of the TIM Call. Thus the short answer to this question is that the DP is your primary “bishop” and he may have a TIM Director or Coordinator who will be your immediate counselor. While you are the pastor loci called to a particular congregation, you will want to team together with your Circuit Visitor or other district resource persons for counsel and to receive progress reports. Good self-care in TIM almost begs the practitioner to learn of and connect with other practitioners in the district or synod who understand and appreciate the unique role of the transitional leader. It is your responsibility to identify others in this ministry (who may or may not be LCMS) and covenant together for mutual counsel and support. It often requires another TIM pastor to understand the unique ministry this is. The LCMSTIM board may provide online occasions for continuing education and reports. LuTMA and similar organizations may offer field training and support by forming cohorts led by experienced mentors and coaches. It is important that you stay connected and open to these opportunities. The LCMS TIM Pastors, as identified on the Clearinghouse, meet annually at the LuTMA conference for continuing education and support and may meet online during the year as well.
when is my work in a congregation complete?
Usually when you and congregation leaders, with discussion and prayer, agree that the work you’ve contracted to do together is complete to the degree that it can be completed. This assumes you’ve done the up front work of laying out the goals of your time together with sufficient specificity. Remember that the fruit of your work will emerge largely after you are gone. For examples of TIM contracts, click HERE.
can i remain as a vacancy pastor until a settled pastor is called?
Some TIM pastors choose to continue working with the congregation during the call process. If so, it should be made clear to all that your TIM work together has been completed and the TIM pastor should not be involved in the call process. Since there are many more pastors capable of doing vacancy work, we encourage TIM pastors to stay engaged in TIM work as much as possible, to fill the need.
How do I get my personal and professional information out to lcms districts?
Be sure your PIF and SET are up to date. Meet with your DP to discuss your vision and availability for TIM. He is the key; he uses the Clearinghouse, but he is interested in how the needs of congregations can be served by someone like you. The better he knows you, the more likely you will be able to be a blessing and resource. Again, the Clearinghouse is the key for TIM throughout the Synod.
the congregation leaders are not engaging in tim work. i’m frustrated. What do i do?
Remember that TIM work is as much about the dance between a pastor and congregation as it is about what you accomplish together. You are likely experiencing the frustration that former pastors have experienced there. Check in with your Circuit Visitor and district leaders for perspective on the congregation. Be curious about what you are experiencing and ask good questions of congregation leaders to better understand the assumptions and habits that are leading them to be disengaged with the work you’ve agreed to.