What is an interim pastor?

An interim pastor is a pastor who serves a church temporarily during the transition between permanent pastors. Their role is to keep the church healthy and stable while the search committee finds a permanent pastor.

How long does an interim pastor serve?

An interim pastor typically serves 6 to 18 months, depending on how long the permanent pastor search takes.

Can an interim pastor become the permanent pastor?

In most cases, no. Many churches and denominations have a policy that the interim pastor is not eligible to candidate for the permanent position.

The Interim Pastor: What Small Churches Need to Know

By Brent Lacy

Your pastor just left. The search committee is forming. Sunday is coming.

Who preaches? Who visits the hospital? Who answers the phone when someone calls the church in crisis?

This is the gap an interim pastor fills. And how well you fill it will significantly affect the health of your church during the transition and the success of your permanent pastor search.

12-18 mo

average length of a small church pastoral search (Lifeway Research)

40%

of churches lose members during a pastoral transition (Barna Group)

3 types

of interim pastors: supply, intentional interim, and bridge

The Three Types of Interim Pastors

Supply Pastor

A supply pastor fills the pulpit on Sundays but does not provide ongoing pastoral care or leadership. This is the most common and least expensive option. It works for churches that have strong lay leadership and a short expected search timeline.

Intentional Interim Pastor

An intentional interim is a trained specialist who helps the church work through unresolved issues from the previous pastorate before calling a new pastor. They are the right choice for churches coming out of a difficult or conflicted pastoral departure.

Bridge Pastor

A bridge pastor provides full pastoral care and leadership during the transition without being a candidate for the permanent position. This is the most common model for small churches with a longer search timeline.

Where to Find an Interim Pastor

Your denomination. Most denominations maintain a list of pastors available for interim ministry. This is your first call.
Retired pastors in your area. Many retired pastors are willing to serve as interim pastors. They have experience, they are not looking for a permanent call, and they often serve at reduced compensation.
Seminary professors. Seminary faculty sometimes serve as interim pastors. They bring theological depth and are not looking for a permanent position.
Neighboring pastors. A pastor from a nearby church may be willing to provide pulpit supply or limited interim ministry on a part-time basis.

Practical Tip: Contact your denominational office before you start looking on your own. They often have a placement process for interim pastors and can match you with someone who has experience in your tradition and context.

What to Expect from an Interim Pastor

Be clear about expectations before the interim pastor begins. Put the agreement in writing. Cover these areas.

Preaching. How many Sundays per month?
Pastoral care. Will they visit the hospital? Conduct funerals?
Administration. Will they attend board meetings?
Compensation. What is the weekly or monthly rate?
Duration. What is the expected length of service?

Warning: Do not allow an interim pastor to make major decisions about the church’s direction, staff, or finances. The interim’s job is to keep the church stable, not to reshape it. Major decisions should wait for the permanent pastor.

The Interim Pastor and the Search Committee

The interim pastor and the search committee have separate roles. The interim pastor serves the congregation. The search committee finds the next pastor. These two functions should not overlap.

The interim pastor should not be involved in the search process. They should not recommend candidates, sit in on interviews, or influence the committee’s decision. This protects the integrity of the search and prevents the interim from becoming a de facto candidate.

Free Resource: Pastor Search and Transition Tools

MinistryPlace offers a free Interim Pastor Handbook, pastor search committee guides, and transition resources for small churches.

Browse Pastor Search Resources

MinistryPlace has a full library of free resources for small and rural churches. No email required, no subscription, no catch.