STEP 3: INTERIM MINISTRY OR PROVISION FOR MINISTRY DURING VACANCY

Key leaders of the congregation including the president of the council, the executive council and possibly staff who stay on during the transition remain in touch with the Synod Minister for Community and Leader Engagement regarding options during the interim period.

Pulpit Supply: A question to ask, "can we function effectively during the interim period with a combination of pulpit supply, existing or temporary staff and lay leadership?" (1099’s need to be issued to anyone with a paid year’s total over $600.) Please contact the synod staff for the password to access this list.

Synod Authorized Minster (SAM): Is there someone in the congregation who has gifts for ministry who may be able to serve as a Synod Authorized Minister "SAM"?

Interim Minister: Is there a need for a full- or part-time contracted interim minister? (Note: Availability of interim ministers cannot be guaranteed. The synod will work with you to find an interim from among the minsters available for this type of work.) There are two types of interims that need two different forms:

• Interim Contract – This form should be used when the goal of the congregation is to find a new leader; will put together a call committee, etc.
• Pastoral Service Agreement – This form should be used when the rostered minister signing this agreement is fulfilling the pastoral needs of this congregation for the foreseeable future and no call committee is being formed.

Vice-pastor: Arrangements for a vice-pastor would entail using a called pastor in a nearby congregation/parish whose task is to help meet the pastoral needs of the congregation/parish in interim. The vice-pastor would help with funerals, confirmation, annual meetings, council meetings and even some call-process work. This vice-pastor, and vice-congregation/parish, would come alongside the congregation/parish in interim.

All above options for interim ministry may require a 604.20 background check which is initiated by the congregation by filling out this form.

If an interim minister is contracted, plan for an appropriate celebration/recognition of their beginning.

Issues that were named during the exit interview or during the departure of the former rostered minister are addressed during the interim period. This is a great time to update the congregation constitution, get membership updates, do some assessments of energy and vitality in the congregation, and study what the community needs are.

Since council leadership will be responsible for deciding on the compensation package for the next leader, please use this excel spreadsheet to understand the dollars that will need to be designated to support your next leader. (insert excel spreadsheet here).

NOTE: The interim period may run throughout steps 4-9 or some fraction thereof, depending on interim availability, the congregation's needs, etc.