Interim Ministry
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LETTER OF AGREEMENT
FOR
INTERIM PASTORAL MINISTRY
The Rocky Mountain Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in American recognizes the office of pastor. It also recognizes that there are occasion when congregations will need to be served by interim pastors while they seek permanent pastoral leadership. During service to a congregation, an interim pastor shall have the rights and duties in the congregation of a regularly called pastor. Upon completion of service, the interim pastor shall certify to the bishop of this synod that the parochial records for the period for which the interim was responsible are in order. Keeping in mind the apostolic advice that all things be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40), the church provides for the service of interim pastors.
______________________________________convenants with _________________________
NAME/CITY OF CONGREGATION NAME OF INTERIM PASTOR
to serve as Interim Pastor with the following conditions and mutual covenants:
Time period beginning ______________ and ending _____________.
Extensions of time of service shall be with consultation and approval of Bishop.
Although interim appointments normally are concluded with the acceptance of a call by a pastoral candidate, circumstances of need within the Synod may result in the re-assignment of the interim pastor prior to the arrival of the new pastor in residence. Should such a re-assignment be necessary, concurrence will be sought from the congregation’s leadership in such a manner as to provide continuing pastoral care to the congregation until the call process is complete.
This agreement may be terminated with thirty days’ written notice, by either party if necessary.
We together will:
Prepare for the arrival of the new pastor.·
·
Seek to confirm and identify current issues facing the congregation and develop ways of dealing with them·
Strengthen the congregation’s linkage with the conference, synod, churchwide units and the resources that may be available for our ministry.·
Subscribe to the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the constitution and bylaws of this congregation.You as Interim Pastor will:
·
Preach and teach the Word of God.·
Preside at worship and administer the sacraments according to the practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.·
Provide pastoral care to all members of the congregation according to our needs and uphold us in prayer.·
Give pastoral leadership for the meetings, activities and organizations of the congregation as time allows.·
Encourage us to support the total ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.·
Be responsible for the recording of baptisms, confirmations, marriages, funerals, attendance at Holy Communion, and the maintenance of the membership rosters; and report the statistics of the congregation promptly and fully as requested by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.·
Represent the Office of the Bishop by assisting the Call Committee in the call process. The Interim Pastor shall refrain, however, from exerting influence in the calling of a new pastor.·
During this interim, will give special attention to the following:__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
We, the congregation, will:
·
Commit ourselves to the Gospel by faithful participation in worship, learning and fellowship activities.·
Receive you as our Interim Pastor, uphold you in prayer, and accord you our love, respect and good will.·
Look to you to preside at baptisms, celebrations of Holy Communion, and the rites of the Church.·
In exchange for approximately _______ time pastoral support, compensate you in the following ways:1. Pay you a weekly salary and housing allowance of $_________.
2. Pay you a weekly expense allowance of $_______, for which you will provide a bimonthly accounting to the congregation’s treasurer.
3. Provide continuing education time at a rate of one week of study time per six months of interim service.
4. Grant one week of paid vacation per each three months of interim service, not to exceed four weeks per year.
5. Any coverage for this Interim Pastor under the Pension and Benefits program of the ELCA will be arranged for and agreed to by the congregation and interim pastor.
We, the Rocky Mountain Synod, will:
·
Provide mutual support for the Interim Pastor.·
Provide mutual support for the congregation through periodic consultation and assistance during the call process.·
Respond to the reports of the Interim Pastor and the congregation.·
Provide interim ministry training opportunities for interim pastors and congregations.Exceptions to any part of this agreement must be in consultation with the bishop of this synod.
AGREEMENT ISSUED BY:
_______________________________________ ____________
Congregation President Date
_______________________________________ ____________
Congregation Secretary Date
ACCEPTED BY:
_______________________________________ ____________
Interim Pastor Date
ATTESTED BY:
_______________________________________ ____________
Bishop, Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA Date
Please send the completed form to the synod office for the Bishop’s signature. The original will then be sent to the Interim Pastor, and a copy to the congregation.
Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
455 Sherman Street, Suite 160
Denver, CO 80203-4403