Between Preachers – Coaching to help churches and preachers in transition

When a preacher stays a long time, usually, the church doesn't like the next preacher.

I volunteer to be the next preacher they don't like.

During the six to eighteen months Gail and I work with them,

they have time to grieve their losses and wisely select their next preacher.

This website describes how we do it.

Between Preachers

Between Preachers — ideas to improve transitions

Jerrie's book about interim ministry

When a preacher stays a long time, usually the church doesn’t like the next preacher. I volunteer to be the next preacher they don’t like. During the six to eighteen months Gail and I work with them, they have time to grieve their losses and wisely select their next preacher. This book describes how we do it.

Buy Between Preachers

Roger Leonard recommends Between Preachers, by Jerrie Barber

My wife, Alisa, and I were in the first Interim Ministry workshop Jerrie conducted. It was most informative and helpful. This book is an excellent summary of the workshop and thorough guide to getting started in interim ministry, and for churches to understand how it can work positively. There are supplementary resource recommendations inside. Preachers, elders, deacons and other church members can work toward better communication, relationships, transitions, and longer term preacher tenures by using the ideas in this book.

— Roger L. Leonard

Between Preachers Blog Posts

How Do You Avoid Overworking?

January 16, 2023 Jerrie Barber

Communication, Interim, Leadership, Rules

Interim Ministry Workshop, Tuesday-Thursday March 14–16, 2023, Heritage Christian University, Florence, Alabama I observed in full-time ministry, the longer I...

First Raise in Fifteen Years of Interim Ministry

December 20, 2022 Jerrie Barber

Communication, Contracts, Interim, Leadership, Rules

Interim Ministry Workshop, Tuesday-Thursday March 14–16, 2023, Heritage Christian University, Florence, Alabama When I started interim ministry in May 2007,...

Challenges of Interim Ministry

November 14, 2022 Jerrie Barber

Contracts, Interim

Interim Ministry Workshop, Tuesday-Thursday March 14–16, 2023, Heritage Christian University, Florence, Alabama We’ve been doing interim ministry since the first...

Does the Front Door of Your Church Need Repainting?

October 17, 2022 Jerrie Barber

Communication, Tools

Interim Ministry Workshop, Tuesday-Thursday March 14–16 2023, Heritage Christian University, Florence, Alabama I searched several websites for “curb appeal.” Near...

Interim Ministry Workshop, Tuesday-Thursday March 14–16 2023, Heritage Christian University, Florence, Alabama

October 5, 2022 Jerrie Barber

Off

Communication, Conflict, Contracts, Criticism, Family Systems, Interim, Leadership, Preaching, Rules, Search, Tools, Transition

What do you plan to do for the rest of your life? How will you use the wisdom you gained...

How many churches do you help noticeably?

September 19, 2022 Jerrie Barber

Communication, Contracts, Interim, Leadership, Preaching, Search, Transition

I read in an article of the Interim Ministry Network that intentional interim ministers were able to help about 50%...

Most Read Blog Posts and Pages

Principle 5 of Family Systems: Emotional Triangle May 24, 2016 One frustrating situation in leadership is getting caught in the… (3,190)
How Much Do You Pay an Interim? August 9, 2016 In each discussion with a congregation considering inviting me to… (2,294)
My Shortest Full-time Work November 16, 2020 You won't find this on my resumé: About Jerrie Barber.… (863)
Suggestion: If You’re a New Elder, Don’t Read that… January 17, 2022 I heard the story many times. Each retelling brought back… (782)
Covid-19: What Are You Learning From That? May 18, 2020 Gail and I went to P. F. Chang’s Saturday, March… (769)
Books I Have Found Helpful March 15, 2021 Often I’m asked to provide a list of books I’ve… (747)
Physical exercise has some value (1 Timothy 4:8, GNB) May 17, 2021 Financial advisors tell us the advantages of investing early: compound… (747)
Is the Preacher a Member of the Congregation? When… July 19, 2021 I was in my third full-time work as a preacher.… (744)
Digital Tools for Today’s Shepherds April 19, 2021 Since March 1985, I've been blessed by using a computer… (668)
Interim Minister Job Description-Contract July 26, 2016 I didn’t know I was supposed to do that.” “You… (632)

What People Have Said about Interim Ministry

Our church family has been blessed by getting to know the Barbers. I love how yall can talk and have fun with anyone 1-100 years old. My grand kids love yall. Wast basket material & mustard seed. Don't open the mail that does not belong to you! Rules. Stick to your rules!! Hard to let yall go :(

Debbie East

You two have been a terrific example and encouragement to me in your time here. I’ve seen you be sincere, level-headed, accepting (even inviting) of criticism in order to grow and improve, humble, gentle and kind-hearted. I believe that any church you work with on an extended basis will be better for having you there. You (Jerrie) are the most disciplined person I’ve ever known and it’s inspiring to hear your accomplishments. I appreciate your lesson on self-discipline, especially because I know you practiced those principles in your own life. Gail is kind, gentle and tender-hearted. She taught ladies class and did many behind-the-scenes acts of kindness that probably went unnoticed by some. The Sunday morning Bible class was in the auditorium and the acoustics were such that it was difficult to hear class members when they read scripture or made a comment.

Vikki Stemler

One of the very best preachers I have heard. I was raised in the church so I have heard a few. Uses a lot of humor which is a very useful tool. Look at scriptures with a different perspective, which is also good. It makes you think for yourself. He runs barefooted.

Betty McMillen