So what is an interim pastor?

So what is the difference between an interim pastor and an installed pastor?
I've been asked this question often in the month since I began ministry here at UPC, most recently at a gathering of residents at Monte Vista. I begin my answer by noting that as far as what a pastor does on a regular basis, folks generally will
notice no difference - which is the point of having an interim pastor: to provide the consistency in preaching and worship leadership, pastoral care, nurture, administration, and all the customary work of being a parish pastor. Of course, no two pastors - or people - are exactly alike in the experience, training, style, personality, etc which they bring to ministry - primarily because each pastor is a different person, so of course you will notice some differences in the way I do things.

The major difference between the two positions is the official relationship with the congregation and the process for establishing and ending the relationship. I believe all pastors serve as interims, in effect, when one takes the long view of the life of a congregation, whether one is the pastor for a year or two or twenty years. The expectation for an installed pastor is that they have been called by God through the work of the Pastor Nominating Committee, the vote of the congregation, and the concurrence of the presbytery, to serve for an indefinate period of time. The nature of the relationship takes time to establish and an extended time - research says at least 3-5 years - to become effective.
An interim is recommended by a search committee of session, hired by a vote of session, with approval of the presbytery, and serves on a contract basis. In this case, the contract is for one year or until a new pastor is called by the congregation. The Book of Order and the contract clearly state that the interim pastor will not seek and cannot be considered for the installed position.

In addition to the role of everyday pastor, the interim also plays the role of outside consultant. I'm here to ask questions that begin with why and how and even why not? As an interim I'm to assist the congregation make the transition, to come to terms with the past, celebrate strengths, and envision a new future.

Practically speaking this means I must live and work as a transient. I can't think long-term but must approach my ministry - and life - in the here and now. So there is always a tension between the need to learn all I can about UPC and its life and ministry and people and the knowledge that my time here will be relatively brief and temporary. This is a time to be the hare and not the tortoise! There is both freedom and sadness in knowing that there probably won't be a "next Pentecost Sunday" or more than one Christmas here. There's always a temptation to look too far down the road and begin to feel anxious about what might be next or where. But it's also a good reminder that each of us who are followers of Christ have to ask every morning, "Lord, what would you have me do today?"