The Intentional Interim is a congregational process that involves a five-phase movement of evaluation and envisioning, leading to a search for a Pastor whose gifts, abilities and experience best match the direction the church has discerned as God's call in its setting. I refer to these five phases as follows:

• Taking a look at history;

• Taking a look at the decision-making and power dynamics;

• Taking a look at the relationships with the denomination and the larger body of Christ;

• Taking a look at the call of God through prayerful envisioning;

• Taking charge of the future through implementing ministries and the search for a Pastor.

For a church to engage in the Intentional Interim process, two steps are involved:

• The first is to educate the congregation about the transitional process, and for the congregation to vote to do this type of interim. It is a congregational process, and it's greatest effectiveness occurs with the most possible congregational participation.

• The second step is the search for a candidate for the Intentional Interim Pastor. Specialized training for this ministry is provided by the Center for Congregational Health, www.healthychurch.org, and the Interim Ministry Network, www.imnedu.org. Some transitional Pastors are certified by both organizations.

The Intentional Interim is a very healthy and rewarding process and allows the congregation to take ownership of its destiny. This is usually done by the election of a Transition Team, who works with the Intentional Interim Pastor in planning the involvement of the church throughout the process.

The Intentional Interim Pastor is very often full-time, carrying out the regular duties of a Pastor, and also facilitating the Intentional Interim process. Being full-time, the rule of thumb is that the salary would be at least that of the former Pastor with some extra considerations for housing and travel expenses. There are otherwise very little costs in doing the process.

Often a church looks at the interim as a time to save money and build the treasury. My experience is that frequently members' giving reduces when they do not see the need for as much finances. Quite often they make major purchases during this time, and when the church once again needs their financial support, they are too financially obligated to come back at the same level of giving. The interim time is probably better viewed as a time of financial investment in the church's future.