LE3 .A278 2014

2014

Moriah, Lionel

Acadia University

Doctor of Ministry

D.Min.

Ministry

Acadia Divinity College

In this world, dealing with change is not optional. People face change everyday. Despite the many jokes about “change and the church”, the local church is not immune from change. When that change occurs because of the departure of the senior pastor, the potential impact is immense. This thesis examines Intentional Interim Ministry as a valid process for churches within the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches during a pastoral transition period. Chapter One looks at Scriptural examples of God using change to bring His people through periods of transition into a transformed state. Chapter Two examines the history of Intentional Interim Ministry. This will include the identification of a variety of denominations that have embraced intentional interim ministry. To help understand the process of transition practiced within the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, a survey was conducted among church clerks throughout the Atlantic Provinces. To help understand how some churches approached pastoral transitional periods through a process of intentional interim ministry, interviews were conducted with seventeen pastors who have had intentional interim experience. Chapter Three will examine the potential impact that the end of a pastoral relationship can have on a congregation. This chapter will also examine seven common scenarios where a church should consider following an intentional interim process between pastors. Finally, this chapter will discuss some of the common resistance within churches to intentional interim ministry. Chapter Four will focus on the intentional interim pastor, his or her qualifications, and five challenges the intentional interim pastor will face in every interim setting. ix Chapter Five will focus on the work of the local church through a pastoral transitional period. This will include: assessing the situation to determine if an intentional interim process is needed; securing the services of an intentional interim pastor; establishing the plans for an effective interim period; and drawing the interim period to a healthy conclusion. Chapter Six will focus on the role of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches in creating a process for churches within the Convention to first, understand the concept and value of intentional interim ministry, and second, to secure the services of pastors trained in the principles and practices of intentional interim ministry.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:324