When a church becomes pastorless, a time of transition begins. The average time without a pastor in a Baptist church is nine to eighteen months. During that time, many of these churches need interim pastors with experience, training and ministry gifts that ensure high-quality leadership.

Some of the skills an interim pastor needs are: spiritual discernment, leadership, pastoral care, proclamation, relationships and conflict management. Interim pastors must also commit to remaining with a church until it calls a permanent pastor. Through the Today’s Interim Pastor Training, interim pastors are prepared to lead churches through any type of transition.