Frequently asked questions.
WHAT DOES VITALCHURCH MINISTRY DO?
We are an international Intentional Interim Pastor ministry that partners with local churches during seasons of transition. Beyond placing Interim Pastors, we provide tools and support to strengthen church vitality, including leadership coaching and practical resources. Whether your congregation is between pastors, preparing for a new season of ministry, or seeking outside expertise, we can help you discern direction and implement healthy next steps. Contact us for a conversation about how we can support your church.
WHAT ARE THE CORE VALUES OF VITALCHURCH MINISTRY? VitalChurch Ministry exists to help churches THRIVE by cultivating clarity, purpose, and hope. We pursue five target outcomes:
Gospel Values Embedded
Gifted Leaders Empowered
Effective Governance Established
Compelling Mission Embraced
Discipleship Pathways Engaged
These outcomes flow from our mission, vision, and values and guide everything we do.
HOW LONG DO VITALCHURCH’S INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTORS SERVE IN A CHURCH? Service length is determined by each church’s needs, but Intentional Interim Pastor assignments typically last 12–24 months.’
WILL THE INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTOR CHANGE OUR CHURCH’S DOCTRINAL STATEMENT, DENOMINATION, OR CONGREGATIONAL DISTINCTIVES?
An Intentional Interim Pastor implements the agreed goals of the congregation. If the church chooses to review or revise its doctrinal statement, the Interim Pastor will facilitate that process and help the congregation articulate theology consistent with its tradition. An Interim Pastor will not impose their own doctrinal statement, change a congregation’s denominational affiliation, or override established distinctives without the congregation’s agreement.
DO VITALCHURCH’S INTERIM PASTORS HELP FACILITATE THE SEARCH FOR A PERMANENT LEAD PASTOR?
Yes. We come alongside your pastoral search team or elder board to help identify and evaluate candidates who fit the needs and culture of your church. We also work to prepare the congregation to be a healthy, safe, and welcoming place for your next lead pastor.
DO YOU PROVIDE INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTORS FOR DENOMINATIONAL CHURCHES? Yes.
We serve churches of any denomination that hold to the essentials of the Christian faith.
CAN WE HIRE SOMEONE FROM YOUR TEAM AS AN INTERIM PASTOR WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS?
Our experience shows that a diagnostic analysis is a vital step in effective church revitalization, so we do not normally skip it. In some circumstances, we may place an Intentional Interim Pastor before the diagnostic is complete, but the diagnostic remains an essential part of the overall process.
DOES INTENTIONAL INTERIM PASTORING HAVE SCRIPTURAL SUPPORT?
The specific term “Intentional Interim Pastor” does not appear in Scripture, but the concept of a leader sent to bring change and restoration is biblical. Examples include Nehemiah, who intervened to rebuild and reform post-exilic Israel, and Paul’s commissioning of Titus to address problems and strengthen the churches in Crete.
WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR OUR CHURCH TO ACTUALLY CHANGE?
Meaningful change usually begins with humility, repentance, and brokenness before God. Where there is humility, God’s grace is present (James 4:6). We invite congregations to a posture of surrender and to pursue reconciliation with one another. Sustained change is typically facilitated by honest self-examination, humble relationships, and a willingness to adopt new practices that promote health and mission.
What are the next steps I should take if i am interested in partnering with vitalchurch ministry?
The first place to start is by reaching out to our team to begin the discernment process. We are a ministry to the local church that desires to help the local church thrive by cultivating clarity, purpose, and hope. We operate with a gospel framework and have over 25 years of experience partnering with the local church. We can’t wait to hear from you!