Interim Ministry
Building Bridges in ELCA Congregations
Interim ministry is primarily one of Word and Sacrament, but following the resignation or retirement of a congregation’s pastor, the interim pastor can assist the congregation with the transition following an extended pastorate and often the resolution of recent or long-term conflicts. This ministry is usually done by a person who has received special interim ministry training.
The Interim Ministry Association of the ELCA (IMA) is a partner ministry of the ELCA, relating to this church through the Vocation and Education program unit. The IMA is the recognized “voice” of interim ministry practitioners within this Church.
Membership in the IMA is open to all ELCA rostered clergy and lay ministers, and to the rostered leaders of full communion partner denominations who serve ELCA congregations.