Dr. Olu Peters (M.Div; Th.M; Ph.D)

In a performance oriented society where what we achieve and acquire appear more important than who we are, we need to give special attention to not just the functions but the character of the Transitional Pastor. At the root of the functions and mechanics of Transitional ministry are character issues and personal qualities that determine the outcome (failure or success) of a ministry. That “functions” flow out of “being” is an important “ministry factor” to take seriously by the Transitional Pastor. As I have moved from one Church Transition to another over the past nine years, there are several personal qualities that I have learned and applied for an effective Transitional ministry. These qualities, in the first place, arise from my study of the Transitional ministry of Nehemiah:the Transitional Governor who came from the citadel of Susa to rebuild the ruined city and restore the distressed people of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1 – 2). Beyond what Nehemiah accomplished, in terms of rebuilding the walls and reviving the people of Jerusalem, we read of the personal characteristics that made him such an effective Transitional Governor. Developing personal qualities that facilitate the performance of a required task is so crucial for the Transitional Pastor. Here then are few personal qualities that I, as an Intentional Interim Pastor, have picked up from the example of Nehemiah.

I. Sensitivity

As Nehemiah embarked on his Transitional task of rebuilding the walls and regrouping the people of Jerusalem he demonstrated a great deal of interest in and concern for the people and their city (Neh1:1-4). In addition, to be sure that his interest and concern are not misdirected, Nehemiah made sure that he was well informed about the people and the task of rebuilding the broken walls (Neh 1:11-18). He certainly knew the condition that they were in and what it would really take to clean up the ashes and transform the city into beauty and safety. Similarly, the Transitional Pastor should be well knowledgeable about the needs of the congregation in transition and also very sensitive to their hurts and concerns. Performing a ministry that is not well informed and directed by a sensitive spirit could lead to a terrible disaster! In my experience as a Transitional Pastor, I have realized the importance of getting to know the congregation in transition before embarking on any ministry. This knowledge which includes an awareness of the past history and present circumstances of the congregation has enhanced my sensitivity. A sound knowledge of the congregation, I believe, helps one to know how best to serve the congregation in transition.

II. Flexibility

The transitional Pastor should be able to move into and accommodate a new setting of life and ministry. In the case of Nehemiah, he moved from the position of “serving wine” to the King in the citadel of Susa to that of becoming an Interim Transitional Governor for the ruined city of Jerusalem (Neh 1:1&11). The reality exists that Transitional ministry for both the congregation in transition and the interim Pastor implies a situation of change and instability that calls for a positive response. An effective Transitional Pastor should not be marked by rigidity and dogmatism. He should be able to adapt principles (not so much patterns) of Transitional ministry to a unique setting of life and ministry. In my experience, I have learned the importance of being open to freshness, newness, and uniqueness in every ministry context. Every church in transition is different even though they all share similar needs, concerns, and challenges. The key for the Transitional Pastor is flexibility in terms of contextualizing the principles of Transitional ministry.

III. Courage

Obviously, coming to the city of Jerusalem from the citadel of Susa was not that easy or safe for Nehemiah. He was faced with challenges (Neh 1:8), necessities (Neh 1:8), and opposition (Neh 1:10). But as a man of courage he was not deterred. Similarly, Transitional ministry requires a great deal of courage as the Transitional Pastor takes on new challenges. In my case, I have had to summon up courage to face several challenging Transitional situations. Apart from having to minister in what appears at the beginning as a “strange and unfamiliar” ministry context, there is the challenge of making an impact on a church in need of recovery from the experience of terrible grief and sorrow due to the sudden death, resignation, or retirement of their “beloved Pastor”, facilitating a renewal process for a congregation in a state of “paralysis”, decline or loss of vision, and assisting some other churches in resolving conflicts and tensions that have often led to the presence of several “camps” even under the same roof. What a challenge, especially when many churches are oblivious to their state of affairs!

IV. Connection with God

The hallmark of an effective Transitional Pastor is his ability to draw resources for life and ministry from God. It is this godly character that enables the Transitional Pastor to have a meaningful impact and influence on the congregation that is in transition. A successful Church transition doesn’t just happen! It is brought about by several factors including what I have identified (in my own experience) as the “divine element.” On several occasions Nehemiah called upon God for divine assistance and enablement (Neh 1:4-11; 2:4; 4:4-5). And, thus, he was prospered by God. In a time of instability and uncertainty, the Church in transition needs a man/woman who can assure them of the “good hand” of the Lord, and the difference that divine intervention makes. For me as a Transitional Pastor, a primary focus of my Intentional Interim Pastoral ministry is to improve the quality of the prayer life of the congregation in transition, through my own personal example, pulpit ministry, and church program.

Indeed, Transitional ministry has a lot to do with personal qualities and not just the performance of the Transitional Pastor. Sensitivity, flexibility, courage, and connection with God are essential personal qualities to develop for and demonstrate in an effective Transitional ministry.

Dr. Olu Peters is an enthusiastic and well loved professor of Bible at Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario. As a complement to his teaching ministry, he has served (part time) as an Intentional Interim Pastor in several churches (in Ontario) in the past nine years. With his rich experience in Canada and Nigeria, he combines a teaching and pastoral ministry that cuts across cultural and denominational lines.