I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to meet with your team on Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. As was discussed, what are the next steps following the conclusion of the RightStart series? Across Georgia, many churches in a similar transition have called a “transitional pastor.” Here is a brief overview of what a Transitional Pastor entails that you can share with the Bethany Baptist Church family…
“Churches going through the transition between pastors may be well served by the ministry of a “transitional pastor” who can make the transition, which typically lasts 9-12 months, a time of a new beginning for the church. Many churches without pastors need transitional pastors with experience, training, and ministry gifts that assure high-quality transitional leadership. Transitional pastors are prepared to lead churches through smooth transitions, rough transitions, and crisis transitions. They may serve effectively as preacher, pastor, and consultant through all phases of a transition.”
What is a transitional pastor?
“A transitional pastor differs from an interim pastor. The role of the interim pastor is often viewed simply as someone who will preach when a church is without a pastor. A transitional pastor does more than simply "fill the pulpit."
The transitional pastor ministry is a guided process that prepares the congregation to receive a new pastor. The transitional pastor process is a proven path that builds unity, heals hurts, promotes fellowship, and focuses on the mission of the church.”
Objectives and goals of transitional pastor ministry
“The focus of the transitional pastor ministry is to bring transformation to churches' ministries and members. The goal is threefold.”
1. Lead people to become more like Christ. (Galatians 2:20)
2. Lead churches to act more like the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
3. Lead communities to reflect more of the kingdom of God. (Matthew 5:16)
I hope this brief explanation will help the leadership and the church to go forward together.
Blessings,
Marty Youngblood
Pastor Wellness Catalyst, Southeast Region, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
“Churches going through the transition between pastors may be well served by the ministry of a “transitional pastor” who can make the transition, which typically lasts 9-12 months, a time of a new beginning for the church. Many churches without pastors need transitional pastors with experience, training, and ministry gifts that assure high-quality transitional leadership. Transitional pastors are prepared to lead churches through smooth transitions, rough transitions, and crisis transitions. They may serve effectively as preacher, pastor, and consultant through all phases of a transition.”
What is a transitional pastor?
“A transitional pastor differs from an interim pastor. The role of the interim pastor is often viewed simply as someone who will preach when a church is without a pastor. A transitional pastor does more than simply "fill the pulpit."
The transitional pastor ministry is a guided process that prepares the congregation to receive a new pastor. The transitional pastor process is a proven path that builds unity, heals hurts, promotes fellowship, and focuses on the mission of the church.”
Objectives and goals of transitional pastor ministry
“The focus of the transitional pastor ministry is to bring transformation to churches' ministries and members. The goal is threefold.”
1. Lead people to become more like Christ. (Galatians 2:20)
2. Lead churches to act more like the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:15-16)
3. Lead communities to reflect more of the kingdom of God. (Matthew 5:16)
I hope this brief explanation will help the leadership and the church to go forward together.
Blessings,
Marty Youngblood
Pastor Wellness Catalyst, Southeast Region, Georgia Baptist Mission Board