What does it mean to be an 'interim pastor?'

Since Oct. 29, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Weenink has been serving Palms Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Beach, as the interim senior pastor. He comes with an exceptional record of experience to serve in this specialized ministry field.
A number of mainline Christian denominations use the transitional mission of interim pastors. They serve when the former pastor retires or answers a call to another congregation. Their service ends when the congregation calls its new pastor.
Weenink says this is “the land of in-between“ when congregations, hopefully, engage in “review, reflection, rediscovery, re-visioning and re-orientation.” With all that in mind, it is not a short journey.
Sandra Hedrick, clerk of the Presbytery of St. Augustine, describes the interim pastor’s job is “to prepare for the next pastor; not to be the next pastor.” There is no set time frame, Hedrick said, but it is usually between one to three years.
“It takes what it takes.”
Palms Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbytery of St. Augustine, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Presbyteries exist “to help congregations and the church as a whole to be more faithful participants in the mission of Christ.“ This presbytery consists of 58 Presbyterian churches and their members in Florida’s northeast and north central regions.
Weenink wants people to know he is “real.” Smiling, he said, this is the answer when people ask, “When is the real minister coming?”
The responsibilities of an interim ministry are not a “retirement job,” nor are they best served by a pastor just out of seminary. As with Weenink, it takes unique skills and experience to be a successful.
The third generation in professional church service, Weenink grew up in the parsonage with his career path set very early. His grandfather was the church organist and his father was a pastor.
He has 39 years of ordained ministry, which include three long-time pastorates, service to presbyteries and the general assembly, as well as time in the mission field. Most recently, he was interim pastor for the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford, N.Y.
It is clear that he feels a call to what he sometimes referred to as “itinerate ministry” – the transitional pastorate.
“I believe in it,” he said. “Keeping normalcy but also entering into the system to build trust, learning how things work, what are the unique things about this congregation and its history. In other words, what are the sacred cows and where is the flexibility?
“I parachute in while the congregation is still ‘saying goodbye’ to the previous preacher.”
In a position as head of staff, the interim must quickly begin the regular duties of that role while engaging the congregation, looking at where the church is now, and its current organization and leadership patterns.
“Dedicated scholarship” is Weenink’s descriptions of this time.
“This is the black magic of transitional ministry,” Weenink said.
Helping congregations “get over” the relationship to his predecessor can be quite difficult.
“You put your heart and soul into relationships, and severing them can be quite painful.
“The interim is not there to shake everything up. We embrace the beauty and strengths of those who have served before.”
There is a sign in his office which says “God answers knee-mail.”
It is obvious he has the experience in ministry to be a calming presence.
“I’ve seen it all and I am not anxious or reactive to surprises.”
Families of transitional ministers are required to be itinerate also. Weenink relates that before answering this or any call, there is a family conference.
Jeffrey's wife, Jeanne, is a retired, early elementary school educator, and a potter. They have three daughters, Jenneke (Dutch for Jennifer – "Jenn-eh-kah"), Justyne and Jaime. Two of the three are out and away from home. The family also includes Jaelah, their diva golden retriever dog.
Interim ministries make lasting impressions, no matter their length of service. Good or bad.
For this particular interim pastor at Palms Presbyterian Church, his goal is to “come in with seasoned experience and gifts in ministry, love for the church and a presence which will ease anxiety."
“Walking with God is a magnificent adventure, one which is full of serendipities, surprises and good gifts.”
Palms Presbyterian Church is located at 3410 S. 3rd St.