Intentional Interim Covenant

One unique element of the Intentional Interim Ministry is the requirement of a covenant between the Intentional Interim Minister and the church. This covenant articulates the expectations of both pastor and church. I think that it is important to clearly express exactly what the expectations are for both the Intentional Interim Minister and the congregation. When expectations are clearly delineated, it prevents a multitude of problems later.

The congregation of Susan Song Baptist and I recently worked through the following covenant. We will devote a portion of this week's Sunday morning service to signing this document.

INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY COVENANT
Between Susan Song Baptist Church and Taran
August 27, 2006

Part I:This covenant commits Taran and Susan Song Baptist Church as partners together for the Intentional Interim Ministry for a period of six months.

Part II: Taran’s responsibilities:

*Taran will be responsible for leading the ongoing ministry of Susan Song Baptist Church. Duties are to include:

*The Sunday morning preaching and worship leadership
*Wednesday Evening Bible study
*Preparation time for Sunday morning and Wednesday Evening
*Weekly Transition Team meeting and preparation
*Other--pastoral care, counseling, weddings, funerals, as Taran’s schedule allows.

Goals of Interim Pastor:
*Taran will consult with the Transition Team to lead the church through the Five Developmental Tasks of the Intentional Interim Ministry. These tasks are:
History, Identity, Leadership and Decision Making, Denominational Connection, and Preparation for New Leadership

*Taran will work to maintain the momentum and ministries of the church
*Taran will lead in the spiritual direction of the church


Part III:Details of the Susan Song Baptist Church’s responsibilities:
*The Congregation of Susan Song Baptist Church commits to provide $XX.XX salary per week for the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services.

*In addition, other travel associated with normal pastoral responsibilities will be reimbursed at the current government mileage rate.

*The Church will commit to a time of Reflections at the end of the Intentional Interim Ministry that will cost $300.00. Susan Song Baptist Church will determine at the appropriate time whether the cost of this Reflections time will be paid by the church or by Taran.

*The congregation will participate in the Intentional Interim Ministry though prayer, attendance, financial support, and cooperation.

Part IV:Additional information:
*Taran is not a candidate for the role of permanent pastor
*This covenant may be extended by mutual agreement between Susan Song Baptist Church and Taran.
*This covenant may be cancelled by either party with two week’s notice.
*The Intentional Interim Minister will report directly to the Transition Team which will make all recommendations concerning his employment.


Please note any questions or suggestions that you may have. This is my first covenant to draw up and would surely benefit from additional counsel.

Thanks in advance!