Interim pastors play a crucial role in guiding churches during times of transition. While the Bible doesn’t mention the specific term, it does emphasize the importance of leadership and shepherding. Let’s explore how Scripture addresses the role of leaders during times of change and the qualities that make for a faithful interim pastor.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Belonging
What Does The Bible Say About Interim Pastors
Numbers 27:15-17
Moses said to the Lord, “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
This verse depicts the need for a leader to guide and shepherd God’s people. An interim pastor can fulfill this role, providing spiritual guidance and direction during a transitional period.
An interim pastor is appointed by God to temporarily lead the church, ensuring that the congregation remains connected to God’s Word and purpose. By faithfully shepherding the flock, an interim pastor brings stability and support to the church, allowing the congregation to navigate through the challenges of the transition and providing them with hope and guidance.
1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
This verse emphasizes that all believers have a role to play in God’s kingdom. An interim pastor works alongside the congregation as a co-worker in God’s service, tending to the spiritual growth and well-being of the church.
Interim pastors collaborate with the congregation, recognizing that the church is God’s field and building. They actively engage with the members, encouraging their participation and involvement in God’s work, while also providing guidance and support.
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus describes Himself as the ultimate shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. An interim pastor, following in the footsteps of Jesus, sacrificially serves and cares for the congregation during a period of transition.
Just as Jesus selflessly gave His life for His flock, an interim pastor, driven by love and dedication, sacrifices time, energy, and personal desires to shepherd and guide the church. They provide spiritual nourishment, protection, and care, ensuring the congregation feels loved, supported, and encouraged during a time of change.
1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
This scripture instructs pastors to shepherd God’s flock with willingness, sincerity, and humility. An interim pastor exemplifies these qualities as they care for the congregation during a period of transition.
An interim pastor serves willingly, driven by a genuine desire to fulfill God’s calling and support the church. They lead with integrity, avoiding any motives of personal gain, and instead, they eagerly serve the congregation, reflecting the character of Christ through their example.
Jeremiah 3:15
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.
This verse highlights God’s promise to provide leaders who will guide His people with wisdom and discernment. An interim pastor, appointed by God, brings knowledge and understanding to the congregation during a time of transition.
An interim pastor is equipped with a deep understanding of Scripture and the ability to apply it to the specific needs of the church. Through their knowledge and insights, they lead the congregation with understanding, ensuring the church remains rooted in God’s truth and purpose.
Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed.
This verse highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel and guidance. An interim pastor plays a key role in providing spiritual guidance and wisdom to the church during a transitional season.
By seeking counsel from the interim pastor, the church receives valuable insights and perspectives that can help navigate through challenges and make informed decisions. The interim pastor serves as a trusted advisor, drawing upon their experience and biblical knowledge to guide the church towards success and God’s will.
Psalm 23:1-3
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
This well-known passage illustrates the nurturing and guiding role of a shepherd. An interim pastor, fulfilling the role of a shepherd, provides spiritual nourishment and refreshment to the congregation.
Through their preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, the interim pastor ensures that the congregation finds rest, peace, and spiritual nourishment in God’s Word. They guide the church towards places of tranquility and abundance, leading them to experience God’s refreshing presence.
Ephesians 4:11-13
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
In this passage, we see that God has appointed various leaders within the church to equip the believers for service and to bring about unity and maturity. An interim pastor plays a vital role in equipping the congregation during a period of transition.
The interim pastor facilitates the growth and development of the church by equipping the members with the necessary tools, teachings, and opportunities to serve and fulfill their God-given purposes. They foster unity within the congregation and work towards the maturity of believers, helping them attain the fullness of Christ.
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders emphasize the responsibility of shepherding the church, which was purchased by the blood of Christ. An interim pastor faithfully carries out this duty, providing spiritual oversight and care during a time of transition.
An interim pastor diligently watches over the congregation, ensuring their spiritual well-being and guarding against any harm or false teachings. They recognize the immense value of the church as the redeemed people of God and faithfully shepherd the church towards God’s purposes and blessings.
Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
This verse depicts God’s gentle and nurturing nature as a shepherd. An interim pastor reflects these qualities, providing comfort and guidance to those in the congregation, especially those who may feel vulnerable or uncertain during a time of transition.
An interim pastor gathers the vulnerable and inexperienced members of the church, supporting and protecting them with love and care. They guide and nurture individuals through their unique circumstances, offering encouragement and strength to those who are young or facing new challenges.
Hebrews 13:17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
This verse exhorts believers to have confidence in their leaders and submit to their authority. An interim pastor acts as a trusted leader during a transitional period, and the congregation benefits from submitting to their guidance and support.
By placing their trust in the interim pastor, the congregation allows the pastor to carry out their responsibilities with joy rather than burden. Trust and submission create an environment where the interim pastor can effectively serve, and the congregation can experience the full benefit of their ministry during the interim period.
Psalm 78:72
And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.
This verse describes David’s shepherding of God’s people with integrity and skill. An interim pastor endeavors to emulate this example, leading the congregation with both wisdom and competence.
An interim pastor shepherds the church with a heart full of integrity, faithfully leading and guiding the congregation. They employ their skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of leading in a transitional season, ensuring the church remains steadfast in their pursuit of God’s purpose.
Ezekiel 34:16
I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.
In this passage, God promises to care for His people and shepherd them with justice. An interim pastor, as an instrument of God’s care, seeks to bring healing, restoration, and justice to the congregation.
An interim pastor pays special attention to those who are lost, wounded, or weakened by the challenges of the transition. They provide guidance, support, and loving correction, ensuring that the entire congregation is strengthened and experiences the justice and compassion of God.
Psalm 80:1
Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.
As the Shepherd of Israel, God is acknowledged as the ultimate leader and guide. An interim pastor, understanding their role as a vessel of God’s guidance, seeks God’s wisdom and guidance in leading the congregation.
The interim pastor continually seeks the direction of the Divine Shepherd, relying on God’s wisdom and discernment to lead the church through the transitional period. By prioritizing a strong relationship with God, the interim pastor shines forth with the light of God’s presence, guiding the church in alignment with His will.
Colossians 1:28-29
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end, I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Paul highlights his commitment to proclaiming Christ, admonishing and teaching believers to maturity. An interim pastor follows this example, fervently striving to present the congregation fully mature in Christ through their ministry.
An interim pastor uses all available wisdom to admonish and teach the congregation, ensuring their spiritual growth and maturity during a period of transition. They rely on the power of Christ working within them to fervently contend for the spiritual well-being of the church, guiding them towards constant growth and greater maturity in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
This verse encourages believers to diligently handle the word of truth and present themselves as approved workers to God. An interim pastor correctly handles God’s Word, ensuring sound teaching and aligning the congregation with the truth.
An interim pastor exemplifies diligence and faithfulness in interpreting and communicating Scripture accurately. They avoid distorting the truth or leading the congregation astray, and instead, they remain committed to presenting the Word with integrity, honoring God in their teaching and leadership.
John 21:15
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
This passage showcases Jesus’ call to Peter to feed His lambs as an expression of love. An interim pastor, driven by love for God and His people, takes on the responsibility of nourishing the congregation during a time of transition.
An interim pastor lovingly provides spiritual sustenance to the church, ensuring that they are fed with God’s Word, encouragement, and support. They nurture the spiritual growth of the congregation, nourishing them with the love and grace of Christ.
Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
In this verse, the Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul for a specific work. An interim pastor recognizes and embraces God’s calling to lead the church during a transitional period, understanding their role as appointed by the Holy Spirit.
An interim pastor acknowledges the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, surrendering to God’s plan and purpose for the church during the interim period. They faithfully fulfill their calling, relying on the Spirit’s empowering and equipping to effectively lead and minister to the congregation.
Titus 1:7-9
Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
In this passage, Paul outlines the characteristics and requirements of an overseer. These qualities can also be applied to an interim pastor, who oversees and shepherds the church during a period of transition.
An interim pastor strives to exemplify blamelessness, setting a positive example for the congregation through their character and conduct. They exhibit hospitality, love for what is good, self-control, uprightness, holiness, and discipline. Also, they faithfully hold firm to the trustworthy message of the Gospel, providing encouragement and sound doctrine to the church while refuting opposition to the truth.
1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
In this verse, the ultimate Chief Shepherd, Jesus, is referenced, promising an eternal crown of glory. An interim pastor serves as a temporary shepherd, encouraging the congregation to remain faithful, knowing that an everlasting reward awaits them.
An interim pastor leads the church with the awareness that their role is temporary and that they ultimately serve under the authority of the Chief Shepherd. They encourage the congregation to stay steadfast, reminding them of the eternal reward that awaits those who faithfully follow Christ.
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
This benediction implores God to equip believers and work in them to fulfill His will. An interim pastor, as an instrument of God’s peace, seeks to facilitate the equipping and work of God within the congregation during a period of transition.
An interim pastor acknowledges that it is God who equips the church with everything good for doing His will. They fervently pray for and walk alongside the congregation, desiring God’s work to be manifested in the church as they fulfill their role with the purpose of bringing glory to Jesus Christ.