| This research aims to explore interim ministry as an intentional support for managing pastoral transitions among English-speaking congregations in the Central District Council of the Assemblies of God of Malaysia. Four reasons prompted this research; the reality of pastoral transitions, the lack of an intentional strategy, a felt need for effective transitions, and a conviction that interim ministry could be a viable support for managing pastoral transitions in the Central District Council. This project utilized two instruments, namely a 30-question survey questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. It sought to answer three key questions: 1) what were the experiences of pastoral transitions; 2) what were the practices of managing pastoral transitions and perceptions of interim ministry; and 3) what other factors should inform an interim ministry strategy? The review of literature focused on biblical perspectives of pastoral transitions, theology of the church and pastoral ministry, change management theories and interim ministry. The framework of an interim ministry was undergirded by four concepts, namely the interim period, interim people (church in transition), interim plan ('five developmental tasks'), and the interim pastor. The findings suggest that an interim ministry strategy could be developed as an intentional support for managing pastoral transitions in the Central District Council. |
