Moving from Acting Interim to Applying Interim

  

Book Review of Soaring Between Pastors

by Tom Harris and George Bullard

“This book details the eight actions you can take in the interim between pastors so your church can soar and thrive- not just survive.” (The authors, p 11.)

I have been a full-time pastor in one church for 16 years, and an interim pastor in 9 different churches, the last five occasions with Interim Pastor Ministries. My experiences have caused me to conclude that very few churches in pastoral transition can ‘soar’ without an intentional interim pastor.  I wish I had known the plan detailed in this book in my first 4 attempts in interim ministry. It has been like night and day.

The greatest challenges in all of these churches have been a lack of vision and a vague mission. Harris and Bullard are especially effective in defining these needs and describing how to meet them. Chapter 5 illustrates the importance of vision using an SUV.  Direction is established by whoever is in the driver’s seat. A church that knows the driver will get to the desired location.

If you are in a church that is looking for a pastor your church leaders will be encouraged and motivated by reading this book. (They may want to start with Action 8) If you are a pastor in a church that has lost its passion and direction you will find guidance here. If you are looking for an opportunity to continue pastoral ministry after officially ‘retiring’ this volume will urge you forward.