Coaching For Interims

How the Interim Time Created Space for the New Settled Minister to Lead with Their Natural Leadership Style - Rev. Peter Ilgenfritz & Rev. Todd Weir. Episode 27

As an interim minister, wouldn’t you love to get some thoughtful critique of your work from the settled pastor who followed you? You know – what the settled pastor most appreciates about your work; what turned out as you hoped it would? What turned out differently? And yet for interim ministers, it’s hard to get this kind of helpful feedback as part of your job is to leave the system and stay away. Sometimes, however, it is possible. In this episode, listen as interim minister, Rev. Peter Ilgenfritz, and the settled minister who followed him, Rev. Todd Weir, speak about how the interim time created space for the settled minister to lead with their own authentic and natural leadership style.
 
For additional podcasts on this topic, as well as downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

Play As Devotion for a Meeting - Rev. Niki Harvell. Episode 26

Are your church meetings too much business and not enough fun – smiles? You know – “Another meeting…ugh!” It’s no mystery that the tone of any meeting is set at the beginning, and play can be that difference between a meeting being just business, or meeting being ministry – where the Spirit flows.
In this episode, “Play As Devotion for a Meeting,” Rev. Niki Harvel reveals how play has so many benefits for not only individuals, but for our ministries and our leadership. Listen as she offers some simple examples that shift the headspace at the start of your meetings so the Spirit can flow.
For additional podcasts on this topic, as well as downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

Making Your Church a Community Asset, a Center for Community Life - Rev. Quentin Chin. Episode 25

I often hear churches say they want to be a center for the wider community – they want those who are not members of the church to see the church as relevant - a community asset if you will. Yet, it’s hard to make that happen as it requires thinking differently about the assets and property of the church. But what if a church changed its name from “First Church of, for example, Centerville,” to “First Church for Centerville?”
For additional podcasts on this topic, as well downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Interim Season - Rev. Erica Avena. Episode 24

Everyone wants the interim time between settled pastors to be productive, yet it can be easy to miss those early opportunities to start strong. Laying the groundwork for a successful interim time begins, in fact, much sooner than the first day of working together. It begins with what is discussed – or not - in the very first interview before any contracts are signed.
For additional podcasts on this topic, as well as downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

Staying Sane While Serving a High Maintenance Congregation - Rev. Dr. Jill Small. Episode 23

Serving a congregation as pastor is an honor, and – truth be told – sometimes a pain. Parishioners can be demanding, which can take its toll on their spiritual leader. In, “Staying Sane while serving a High Maintenance Congregation,” Rev. Dr. Jill Small offers insightful analysis and practical advice for dealing with criticisms and ultimatums from parishioners.
For additional podcasts on this topic, as well as downloading a transcript of this episode, please visit the Coachingforinterims.com website.

What to Do When Your Building No Longer Meets Your Needs - Rev. Dr. Jill Small. Episode 22

One of Jill's early questions to the congregation is, "How fast do you want to know what I see?"
The unique role an interim minister can play in helping a congregation become more aware of how its building is hindering or helping its ministry. 

What Does Your Building Say About Who You Are? - Rev. Dr. Jill Small. Episode 21

What does your building say about who you are? The science of “Place Identity” suggests that we are different people in different places.
Helping a congregation have a conversation about their "stuff."

How to Talk About Our Buildings - Rev. Dr. Jill Small. Episode 20

Does your congregation worship its building? Is your congregation challenged with a building that no longer meets its needs?
To the 3 standard questions of the interim period, consider adding a 4th one: “What do our buildings say about who we are as God’s people in our community?”
Plus an “Identity & Facility Discussion Guide” (5 questions to engage parishioners’ conversation around the “4th” question.)

A Good Farewell Starts at the Beginning - Rev. Arlen Vernava. Episode 19

It’s common knowledge that most everyone wants to get a good start at a new job. However, what isn’t common knowledge is the importance of having had a good goodbye at one’s previous job. In the words of wise interim minister and IMN faculty member, Rev. Arlen Vernava, “The nature of your last farewell will hugely influence how you join your next community of faith.”
In this Wisdom from the Field episode, Arlen offers 5 practices for joining and finishing well. Visit Coachingforinterims.com to download a transcript of this episode.

How Part-Time Ministry Can Make a Congregation Feel More Empowered - Rev. Quentin Chin. Episode 18

Thinking realistically about part-time Ministry (and how it could actually make your congregation feel more empowered!)