At VitalChurch we work with all types of churches—small, large, rural, urban, and also with churches from many different denominations.
Some of the denominations that we have a great working relationship with include the Christian and Missionary Alliance and the Evangelical Presbyterian Churches. In the last year, we’ve also worked with member churches from denominations such as Brethren, Converge (formerly Baptist General Conference), and the Evangelical Free Church of America.
We love serving as interim pastors in denominational churches! These churches have an extra support system that independent churches typically don’t have. They are part of a larger organization and body of believers who are looking out for, praying for, and want the best for their churches. Because of this, the interim pastors at VitalChurch always go into denominational churches with the idea that they will be working hand-in-hand with both the denominational district office and the specific church in which they are serving.
Strong Communication with Denominations from the Beginning
Our interim pastors are very intentional about maintaining communication with denominational leadership. This starts with the diagnostic analysis we perform when we first come to a church. This extensive church health assessment is designed to uncover a church’s strengths and weaknesses. It highlights what the church is doing right and what they value as a congregation, and what areas could use some attention.
After the assessment is complete, VitalChurch always puts together an extensive report that they share with church leadership and the congregation. When we work with a denominational church, the report is also shared with district leadership.
Once one of our interim pastors is placed in a denominational church, he will continue to stay in touch with the district office by supplying regular updates. The goal is to connect with the district office at least quarterly to inform them of the progress being made in the church, though some of our interim pastors are in touch even more frequently than this.
Additionally, VitalChurch’s interim pastors undergo an evaluation every six months by the church in which they are serving. These evaluations are sent to VitalChurch’s Executive Director, who then shares them with the denomination’s district office.
It is always our goal to make our experience with a denominational office a positive one through regular and open communication. We welcome feedback from denominational leadership and work hard to maintain a good relationship.
Working Within the Bounds of Denominational Governance
Every denomination is different. Some give their churches a large amount of freedom to make their own decisions, while others require denominational approval for certain things. For example, in some denominational churches, district approval is required before a church is able to call a new pastor. This means that our interim pastors need to take this extra step in the pastoral search process.
Whenever our interim pastors serve in a denominational church, they take the time to learn how the church operates in relation to their district office and what is required or expected of an interim pastor. We never want to overstep our bounds; instead we strive to work within the governance of the denomination.
How Can Denominational Churches Connect with VitalChurch for an Interim Pastor?
Denominational churches can contact us directly to learn more about hiring one of our interim pastors. We are also open to conversations with denominational leadership to see how VitalChurch can partner with denominations and support your member churches, either through church health assessments or through interim pastoring. Get in touch with us today to learn more.