As an ‘outsider’ to the congregation, and one with a known and limited tenure, an Intentional Interim Pastor is able to ask questions, care for hurts, make new suggestions, and challenge ‘the way things have always been done’ in a unique and valuable way because he holds no vested interest in the outcome nor any part of the history.

Our TIM pastor’s engagement with our congregation and leadership were exactly what we needed. He had courageous conversations with those who were confused, hurt, or had stepped away. I look forward to seeing how God’s family at our church will move forward.

We lost our total leadership team within two months (two pastors, principal, and music director). Our TIM pastor brought comfort and stability. We were able to work through the grief and other challenges, and move forward in confidence.

I was originally opposed to having an interim pastor; didn’t think we needed it. But early on in the process, some previous issues that hadn’t been resolved showed up. Our TIM pastor led us through a Biblical process of working through the conflict and anxiety in a healthier way. Since he left, we’ve been able to use the process he coached us through, preventing new conflicts from developing. I would recommend having an interim to every congregation, no matter the circumstance.

After a major relocation and three years of calls declined for a senior pastor, our TIM pastor came and provided the direction and focus we needed. He asked the difficult questions and enabled our church family to face difficult situations and emerge with renewed focus.

With this being my first experience with an Intentional Interim Pastor I would highly recommend this to any church before they call their long-term Pastor. When our pastor accepted another call, we had some questions on where to
go next and what would be best for our congregation. Pastor R steadied the ship and was a big part in improving the atmosphere at our church and the attitude of our congregation. He provided a vision for the church, his suggestions
were always positive, and he led the congregation toward positive growth. The body building exercise he led got the congregation excited about the future possibilities here.

Our Interim Pastor first led us to Scripture to rediscover and reinforce our knowledge of God’s will for His Church, and then proceeded to coach us through a “Strategic Mapping” exercise where the congregation (as a whole) developed a plan for our future mission and ministry as a congregation. Based on that strategic map, we were able to identify and secure the pastor we needed to move forward.

When our Intentional Interim began in December of 2022 many in our congregation felt hurt and
beat down. Some members had walked away and there were rumors that others wanted to. Now though, 18 months later, we are renewed, in a much stronger place, and excited about the
future. That is due in large part not only to the Intentional Interim process but also to Pastor
Riggs serving us in that role.

Our church has been privileged to seek two interim pastors in my time with this congregation and both of these experiences have been very positive ones. This program provides consistent leadership and direction as well as a new unbiased view of our congregational challenges and goals. I would encourage every congregation to consider utilizing an interim pastor as he
brings new ideas and insights. His presence provides a sense of stability and consistent
leadership.