Coaching For Interims

Thinking Realistically about Part-time Ministry - Rev. Quentin Chin. Episode 56

Part-time pastorates are becoming more and more common, and for them to succeed, we need to think differently from when the ministry had a full-time minister. In particular, it’s vital to reframe the shift from one of loss to one of gain. In this episode titled, “Thinking realistically about part-time Ministry (and how it could actually make your congregation feel more empowered!)” Rev. Quentin Chin, a veteran of the part-time Interim Ministry space, shares some of the key things needed to make a part-time pastorate successful.
Helping the congregation think realistically about part-time ministry;
Reframing part-time ministry from loss to gain;
Ideas for how to lead Confirmation, preaching, etc., in new ways;
Is attending church suppers considered “work” for the pastor? If so, how to negotiate that.
For a transcript of this podcast, please visit the CoachingforInterims.com website. In addition, subscribe to this podcast series if you want to be notified when additional podcasts are available.

Buildings: How I Think About This Major Resource - Rev. Philomena Hare. Episode 55

Does your congregation worship its building? Is your congregation challenged with a building that no longer meets its needs? If so, listen as veteran Interim Minister shares her thoughts about aligning (or re-aligning) a congregation’s real estate with its authentic ministry calling.
Using them to further God’s kingdom
How they free up or tie up our telling the Jesus story
Dealing with idolatry of the building
For a transcript of this podcast, please visit the CoachingforInterims.com website. In addition, subscribe to this podcast series if you want to be notified when additional podcasts are available.

My WHY for Serving As an Interim Minister and Thoughts for Those Considering It - Rev. Philomena Hare. Episode 54

Are you thinking of becoming an intentional interim minister, or know someone who is? If so, listen as veteran Interim Minister, Rev. Philomena Hare, offers a personal reflection on why she chose this path and some wise counsel as well.
It's exciting!
If saying a healthy "goodbye" is difficult for you….
My WHY changes over time

Managing Difficult Staff Relationships - Rev. Philomena Hare. Episode 53

Interim ministers are often confronted with difficult staff issues. Listen to how seasoned Interim Minister, Rev. Philomena Hare manages staff challenges during the interim time.
Don't shy away from conflict, but….
Is it ok to have staff changes during the interim time?
Congregations usually know there is a problem, but…
Why staff performance evaluations are so important

Discerning a Call to an Interim Ministry Position - Rev. Philomena Hare. Episode 52

Are you thinking of becoming an intentional interim minister? Veteran Intentional Interim Minister, Rev. Philomena Hare reflects on why she chose to take this step, how it’s going for her, and some of the surprises along the way.
Getting clarity that interim ministry is for you – questions to ask yourself
Beware trying to discern in isolation
Why having a community of practice is so important

Setting Expectations: What Do You Want Me to Do During the Interim Time? - Rev. Philomena Hare. Episode 51

One of the basic sources of frustration and tension between interim ministers and parishioners is when their expectations are misaligned. One sign of this is when you, as the interim minister, find yourself wanting more for the congregation than they want for themselves. It can easily happen, and in such a case, then, it’s essential to discern what the congregation really wants. Veteran Interim Minister, Rev. Philomena Hare, speaks to this in this episode titles, “Setting Expectations: What do you want me to do during the interim time?”
Figuring out what the congregation wants (It may not be what it appears to be.);
Signs that expectations are misaligned;
Do they really want an interim?
The Interim’s job isn’t really to prepare them for their next settled pastor…

How I Get Started with a New Congregation: Priorities for the First Day, Week, Month (and ”showing up”) - Rev. Henry Schoenfield. Episode 50

We pastors know that “showing up” to our parishioners is essential to building trust, but what counts as “showing up” in their eyes may be different from what we think it is. Listen to veteran interim minister Rev. Henry Schoenfield speak to the importance of “showing up” when beginning with a new congregation, and how he knows when they experience him as “showing up.”
What I find most helpful at the beginning;
The stories people tell about their stories;
Showing up! And how to know your parishioners think you are.

Managing Anxiety During Liminal (in-between) Times - Rev. Henry Schoenfield. Episode 49

Accompanying people during liminal times (in-between) times can be very anxiety inducing. But that is what Interim ministers do - by definition. Savvy interim minister and trained spiritual director, Henry Schoenfield, speaks to why he chooses to serve as an interim minister, offers guidance for minimizing anxiety, and relates how liminal times also contain potential for growth!
Walking with people during liminal (in between) times;
My WHY for serving in interim ministry.

Introducing Spiritual Practices to Your Congregation - Rev. Henry Schoenfield. Episode 48

Change and transition inevitably create anxiety. Rev. Henry Schoenfield, a skilled interim minister and a trained Spiritual Director, offers several spiritual practices for centering people in Spirit and calm.
Setting up spirituality groups;
Helping parishioners to experience & understand how/when the Spirit is speaking to them;
Examples of spiritual discernment practices.

Understanding Church Financial Documents without any Training - Rev. Erica Avena. Episode 47

Do you struggle with understanding your congregation’s financial reality? Or, as a colleague lamented: “What can I do if I don’t have any financial training?” Rev. Erica Avena speaks to this issue in this episode titled, “Understanding Church Financial Documents without Any Training.”
My method for understanding the
financial realities of a congregation even though
I have no formal financial training;
How to promote financial transparency;
Promoting greater financial understanding
within the congregation.