Much is said and written today about successful ministries – success being defined in various ways. Some talk involves ministry size and growth. Some has as its focus strategies for connecting members demographically to relational or ministry groups. I hear talk and read discussions about sermon preparation, burnout, forced terminations, conflict resolution, and myriad other topics, all of them needed and helpful.
What I don't hear about often enough is the ministry of interim pastors. Having served in that capacity in five churches, and knowing retired ministers who have served in twice as many interim pastorates, I'd like to offer these pastors a little recognition. Their work is often lightly esteemed, though very important.
Each time I consider serving a church as interim pastor, I take time to clarify what I believe the church is asking me to do. If they want only a stand-in preacher, I may still be willing to be considered. But if the church is looking for an interim pastor, I want to ensure they hear themselves say, "We are looking for a pastor - an interim to be sure, but a pastor nonetheless." I have the sense to know I am not coming to launch a family life center building program or rewrite the church constitution (except under unusual circumstances), but I am there to be a pastor, a poimein, a shepherd.
The life and ministry of Dr. Samuel Maddox informs my view, who in my opinion is the standard for godly interim pastors. He was an exceptional full-time pastor as well, serving most notably the First Baptist Church of Dothan, Alabama, and First Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. After he retired from full-time responsibilities, he launched a ministry to pastor-less churches. He served 18 interim pastorates, one of which was a church I came to in 1989. His ministry was stellar. He helped believers grieve the loss of a former pastor and look forward to the new pastor God would send.
After I began my ministry at this church, I was surprised to learn that Dr. Maddox would continue to send cards of concern to hurting or ill church members. He would also visit them in the hospital. I thought it was odd, but never once did I perceive any competition or a desire to maintain influence. He was always my biggest supporter. He faithfully supported me personally and in my leadership. He simply cared for the flock he served for nearly a year and continued to demonstrate that love. He did the same for every church he served as interim. All our members loved him, and so did I.
Early one morning I visited Mabel, the dying wife of our deacon chairman. When I entered her hospital room, she informed me that Dr. Maddox had been to see her. I said, "Mabel, it's only 7:30 in the morning. Has he already been here?" She said, "Oh no, he was here last night." I said. "What time did he come last night?" She said, "It was about 11:00 PM. I was already asleep, but I heard some rustling that woke me. I looked and saw him on his knees, praying for me." Dr. Maddox was well past 70 years old, with two prosthetic knees. His church had even installed a handrail to assist him in ascending to the pulpit. Now at 11:00 PM, there he was on his knees praying for a dying Christian woman who belonged to a church he once served as interim pastor!
Mabel explained that the florescent lights from the hallway cascaded into her darkened room that night. When she awoke and looked to the foot of her bed, she saw Dr. Maddox kneeling in prayer for her. The light on his gold suit pinstripes, and the golden hairs of his toupee, caused a halo to appear around him. Mabel said, "Brother Steve, at first I thought it was Jesus praying for me." I said, "Mable, you were wrong, but not too far. Dr. Maddox is the closest thing to Jesus I have ever seen."
Thank God for interim pastors who don't simply take a preaching post to pad an inadequate retirement check, but who are real pastors doing a real work of ministry for a congregation who needs love and guidance as they make their way toward a new chapter in their history.