From The Desk of Shelton Craig Daniel
​As you experience this major transition in the life of your congregation, I want you to know that assistance is available for you. First, I must acknowledge that no transition is easy, but God’s people are equipped with the ability to pivot and adapt in challenging seasons. Having carried God’s gospel and led His people for over 30 years, I offer my experience to you during this time. often, determining the next steps during a transition can be best accomplished with the help of interim leadership.
The period of transition and change will be a time of growth and regrouping, a time of self-study, reassessment, and setting new directions, or reaffirming past mission emphases. It is my prayer that I can assist you while working in collaboration with your church team to help fill the pulpit and provide guidance during this period.
While the interim pastor is not called by the congregation to be installed in any official capacity, the tasks of ministry are essentially the same as those you are accustomed to from a permanent pastor. The primary responsibility of an interim
pastor is to prepare your congregation for your future, permanently installed pastor. A trained interim pastor understands the challenges and concerns your congregation may have during this “in-between” time and possesses the pastoral skills to address them. As the interim pastor is usually not a candidate for the permanent position, they can be relatively objective in assisting your congregation in decision-making. They will understand what this transition period is like and will be able to assist with the feelings that often surround the ending of one pastorate and the beginning of another.
I’ve had much success in this type of leadership and would be honored to assist during the next phase of your church’s journey. This is an important and exciting time in the history of the congregation. Your prayers and faithfulness are vital to the church’s continued success because “the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much!” I look forward to working with your church leadership team and await your positive response.
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Blessing,
Bishop Shelton C. Daniel
Interim Pastor