Future Posts in “Between Preachers”

My intention when I wrote my last post, Intermission, was to let this blog rest until the book is published. Mike Baker interrupted that with a question and suggestion: “Are you going to write about your observations on more than ten years of interim ministry?”. His question started me thinking and listing observations.

I delivered material for a book to an editor who is working. During this time, I have a few ideas that might be interesting. I am listing them. I would appreciate other questions, comments, observations, and criticisms to suggest other topics.

What Did You Learn from That? (Fifty-seven years of preaching; eleven years of interim ministry)

Here is a list of thoughts inspired by Mikes question:

  • Could you help us look for a preacher so we can have a new one when our present preacher finishes?
  • How many churches do you help in interim ministry?
  • What is the main goal of leaders?
  • What is the most unusual request of elders since you started interim ministry?
  • When people in a church know who is causing problems, what do they do?
  • How soon do you start suggesting ways to improve the church?
  • Why do many troubled churches not get better? How could elders and members improve church health?
  • How much influence do elders have? Do many members follow them?
  • What is one of the most overlooked commands to members in their relationship to elders?
  • How well are leaders differentiating roles of elders and deacons?
  • What is one of the biggest mistakes of the search process?
  • How do you find a church where everyone wants an interim preacher?
  • Do preachers call you when they are considering coming to the church where you are an interim?
  • How much do churches grow while you are serving as an interim?
  • How do you help churches select a new preacher who will fix everything?

What questions or observations do you have?
[reminder]

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Jerrie Barber
Disciple of Jesus, husband, grandfather, preacher, barefoot runner, ventriloquist

6 Responses to “Future Posts in “Between Preachers”

  • Jerry Stumpf
    6 years ago

    As an experienced preacher and elder, how can I best serve the brotherhood in ministering to handle the questions – and more – you have listed in this post?

    Secondly, why do we too often not seek out “outside help” to gain a fresh perspective on a congregation’s situation?

    Finally, is there a place you think our brotherhood will seek consultants for smaller to mid sized congregations in the transition period?

    Thanks for your unique ministry, Jerrie!

    • Jerrie W. Barber
      6 years ago

      I appreciate your suggestions.

  • Jerry Stumpf
    6 years ago

    Not sure if I mentioned to you that I forwarded your 4 “Preacher Search Posts”” to an elder in N. Beckley, WV to help in their search.

    • Jerrie W. Barber
      6 years ago

      Jerry,

      Thank you for your encouragement.

  • Chuck Lipford
    6 years ago

    If you went to a Church that was replacing a problem preacher or a Church experiencing problems, What were the issues that were causing the disunity or problem. Maybe it did not result in the preacher being dismissed but you were the counselor to help find a solution. Your proposed solutions.

    • Jerrie W. Barber
      6 years ago

      Chuck,

      Good question. I look forward to addressing it.