For a church - Time between permanent Ministers can be an opportunity for re-focusing of ministry. TMAA trains and supervises Intentional Interim Ministers. Intentional Interim Ministers are placed through normal denominational channels.
This site provides:
- General information
- Resources for registered Intentional Interim Ministers
Intentional Interim Ministry is a process for a church to improve the church’s health in the interim between permanent pastors. The "intention" is the intent of the church to employ the process.
The process involves a fresh focus by the congregation. They examine five developmental tasks:
- Coming to terms with history
- Dealing with leadership and decision-making concerns
- Re-thinking linkage with other churches and the denomination
- Developing a new identity
- Committing to new leadership
The methods of working with the tasks are unique to each church. The result of the process can assist a search committee in finding a new pastor.
The Australian association was formed to facilitate on-going training and development of Intentional Interim Ministries in Australia. In the first 3 years of Intentional Interim Ministry in Australia, training was carried out by the Center for Congregational Health. In 2001, 4 Australian pastors were equipped as trainers.
The association works with denominational leaders of Intentional Interim Ministers and ministers - to date Baptists, Churches of Christ, Uniting, Anglican, Presbyterian, independent Pentecostal.
2008 Trainers are:
Dr Lionel Berthlesen - NSW Churches of Christ
Rev Dr Geoff Cramb - Queensland Baptists
Rev Laurie Purdy - Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT
Rev Bob McKay - Anglican Church in Tasmania
Rev Ron Chapman - Churches of Christ VicTas