Introducing Interim Pastor Ministries

• Interim Pastor Ministries desires to provide quality interim pastors for local churches and ministry opportunities for experienced pastors.
• We desire to assist in the development of healthy churches.
• We seek to support and serve with district and denominational leaders. We desire to be a resource for these leaders and the churches we serve.
• This ministry began in 1990, as a response to a need for highly qualified, experienced interim pastors.
• Our home office is in Walcott, Iowa.
• Our Executive Director, Arnold Conrad, and our Associate Director, Carl Backie, have over 70 years of continual pastoral experience.
• At the present time, we have over 120 pastors in our organization.
• We began by serving one church in 1990 and have grown to serving 75 churches in 2007.
• Our interim pastors have served in a variety of evangelical fellowships in various parts of the United States, as well as ministering in other parts of the world.
• All IPM pastors agree with our doctrinal statement and have been prescreened regarding ministry effectiveness.
• Many of our pastors have experience in multiple staff ministries and some have doctoral degrees.
• Our staff consists of men who can serve either as Transitional or Interventionist Interim Pastors.
• Our pastors bring experience, wisdom, maturity, and energy to the churches they serve.
• Our interim pastors are available to serve either part-time or full-time.
• We serve congregations of all sizes.
• None of our pastors are available to become the next regular pastor of any church served.
• Interim Pastors may serve as a bridge between the church planter and a church's first pastor or from one pastor to the next pastor.

Churches Using Interim Pastors Are Healthier as a Result
Seven Key Ways an Interim Pastor Can Help Your Church Become Healthier

The time between pastors can be one of the most effective periods in the life of a church. The interim pastor can help the church utilize this time to evaluate, refocus, heal, solve problems, and prepare for the calling of the next pastor.
Church attendance tends to remain higher when an interim pastor is serving the church. He brings continuity to the ministry, and this helps maintain positive growth with most (if not all) "fringe folk" remaining in the congregation.
Visitor retention can be higher when pastoral care is present. Without the stability of consistent pastoral ministry, newcomers may continue their search for a church home and fail to take a second look at your church.
Giving tends to remain higher. Giving is often generated by need. If the local church seeks to save money during the interim period, they may find it difficult to regain that income when it is needed to provide for the new pastor. When churches have a full-time interim pastor from the start of their pastoral vacancy, everyone knows that the budget needs are similar, and giving reductions usually do not happen.
The senior pastor's leadership position is strengthened. Some churches reassign a staff member to fill the senior pastor role during the interim. This may create some potential difficulty when the new pastor arrives and the staff person must return to their previous assignment.
The energy of church leaders remains higher and burnout is avoided. With the presence of an interim pastor, they are not carrying an increased load of ministry. As a result, when the permanent pastor arrives, they are energized to begin ministry together.
With an interim pastor present, the church can take the necessary time to prayerfully and diligently engage in the search process for a new pastor. It is extremely important for potential pastoral candidates and the church that the right "match" occur. Either, or both, can be hurt and the cause of Christ hindered by a careless or rushed search process.

The Values IPM Brings to a Local Church

Competence - We offer pastors who are members (who are employed by IPM) of the IPM network. This means they are credentialed, experienced, and mature with good references.
Caring - Our pastors are not only preachers, but also men who care for the needs of the people.
Intentional - We can design the ministry of the interim to meet the current needs of your church. Some churches only need regular pulpit supply, while others need serious crisis intervention.
Freedom - We want you to be able to search for your next permanent pastor without distraction.
Flexibility - Because of the age and circumstances of our members, we can offer a program that will work. We offer full-time, half-time, and weekend-time packages, and we can work with the current church financial condition.
Simplicity - The church sends us two checks each month, and that takes care of everything relative to your pastoral needs.
Consistency in the pulpit

Comments from Churches We Have Served

"Pastor Larry, Thanks! You folks listened to the Spirit's call on our behalf. You brought a fresh approach and enthusiasm that refreshed us all. On behalf of the Church and the leadership, I want to express appreciation for your Biblical leadership and discernment, your full support of our stand, and your willingness to be flexible to our methods of doing things. Thank you for all your help in the pastoral search, too. You were God's answer to our prayers. Thank you for opening your home and hearts to us." (Bruce Bruckner, Elder, Malta Community church, Malta, MT)


"Thank you for providing such a quality interim for our church. Pastor Essington and Barbara were such a blessing and encouragement." (Mike Ianniello, Chili Crossroads Bible Church, Fresno, OH)


"When Christ Church of Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania, became in need of a senior pastor, we weren't quite sure of what direction God wanted us to go. So our church bathed the whole process in prayer. We knew there was healing and growing that needed to happen, we believed God wanted it, but who was the man He wanted to help us through it?

"Our E. Free district recommended we check out "interim Pastors Ministries." When I first called, you were so helpful in getting things in place; the recommendation of Dr.Tom Burris was truly a God-sent guidance. Pastor Tom took our people under his wing and saw what was needed to help us move to the place where God wanted our church to be. He is truly a godly man sent by God to do a job in Beaver Springs. I sit here typing with mixed emotions, excited that next week our new senior pastor and his family arrive, and excited about seeing what God has in the future for our church with our new pastor. Also, a tinge of sadness as the time comes for Pastor Tom and his wife, Linda, to move on to the next area where God will use them. They are good friends and godly leaders that I would highly recommend to any church going through the transition of pastors.

"Also, thank you for seeing the need and being open to God's leading in forming "Interim Pastor Ministries" - you are providing a very much-needed ministry to the Christian church in pastoral transition. God bless you and Pastor Tom in all your service to Him." (Carmon Wright, Council President, Christ Church of Beaver Springs, Pennsylvania)


"We appreciate the spiritual leadership and dedication that D. Wayne and Janice Bearbower extended to the Alma Evangelical Free Church. They continually stood firm on the word of God and were committed to His service not only for the church family, but the community of Alma. We truly believe they were sent through God's guidance to enhance spiritual growth in our hearts and challenge our willingness to serve Christ. We would highly recommend the service IPM provided for us with Pastor Bearbower as our interim pastor. This gave our church the needed time to prayerfully consider a new pastor and the opportunity of growing together as a church family. The Bearbowers filled the role with Christ's guidance in excellent fashion. We will truly miss them." (Alma Evangelical Free Church Elder Board, Alma, NE)


"Our church didn't realize how much we needed Dr. Edward Veldhuizen's loving but firm guidance. He had been recommended to us by Dr. Arnold Conrad of Interim Pastor Ministries and by our area representative. We had been without a pastor for almost four months and felt the cohesiveness of our congregation dissolving. Arnie Conrad was always available and helpful as we committed to hiring an interim pastor. He and IPM made it easy and affordable for our church. Pastor Ed and Janis, his wonderful wife, brought relief from the moment they arrived. The congregation could not help but love them both as they reached out to everyone. Pastor Veldhuizen has more energy and enthusiasm than people half his age. His love for Jesus Christ, godly wisdom, and experience guided our lost church back to a sure course and laid the foundation needed for our next pastor. We are so thankful to God and IPM for sending us just the right man for the job and for the lasting fruit of his labors." (Janice Devoe, Mountain View Congregational Church)


"Charles E. Schleich, 'Chuck,' has served the Church of Bethel in Bethel, Connecticut, well during the time that he has been with us. Chuck and Nan came among us with love in their hearts, and to a person, we accepted them and loved them in return. As the Interim Pastor, Chuck used his experience to help the church heal our pain from a fractured ministry.

Speaking in behalf of the Church of Bethel Search Committee, Pastor Chuck was so very valuable to us. He is an 'orderly detail person' who developed evaluation sheets that helped work our way through the huge number of resumes that were received. On Sunday, May 10, 2009, the work of the Search Committee to find God's choice, and our choice, of a new Pastor/Shepherd/Teacher for the Church of Bethel was completed. The members of our Congregation accepted the candidate that was interviewed, preached for us, and was called. He and his wife received a 100% vote of confidence." (Barton E. Morse, Chairman, Church of Bethel, Bethel, Connecticut)


"At Hillside, we are very pleased with the Interim Pastor Ministries. The pastor that we received from this placement service is very knowledgeable. He takes initiative in his work, he anticipates needs and is diligent in the areas of responsibility. Pastor David also establishes appropriate goals, priorities, and implements effective courses of action for plans to be completed on time. He effectively adapts to unexpected situations and volunteers for ministry in situations that require extra assistance or leadership. Pastor also maintains a set schedule of activities to assure that a full workload is carried out efficiently and effectively in accordance with the church's priorities. We feel that we are very fortunate to have pastor David as an interim pastor. We couldn't ask for a better leader for our church during this time of transition." (Erwin Van Veldhuizen, Moderator, Hillside Baptist Church)


"I just want to say that having Dave at our church as an interim pastor was the best decision our church could make. He has helped us to get back on track and get focused on what the Lord would have us do as His church. I have appreciated and admired Dave's desire to serve Christ with all that he has. He is gifted in many ways, such as music, relational ministry, and reconciliation. He truly has a heart to see people come to Christ. Even after his stroke, while in the hospital, he never stopped trying to evangelize. He truly knows and loves God's Word.

He has recovered remarkably since his stroke. His speech and ability to communicate gets better every week. He works very hard at his therapy. He still is able to minister to people even though he can't communicate as well as he would like. I thank God for Dave and Carol, and pray that they can continue to minister to people, telling them the Good News of Jesus, coming along side them in their trials, and being their friend." (Alan L. Darling)


"Interim Pastor Ministries was a breath of fresh air. We were without a pastor for a total of two years. The first year, we had a different person speak every Sunday. We had several pastors come and speak once a month. The second year, we decided that our church needed consistency. We contacted Interim Pastor Ministries because of a recommendation from our district office. Having an interim pastor was so beneficial and stabilizing. Dr. Conrad provided a list of individuals, and we worked through that list. Our interim pastor was extremely helpful with guiding the leadership team, as well as providing the stability we so needed. God provided through this ministry, and we at Twin Valley Church are so grateful. Praise God!!!" (Rick Hall, Twin Valley EFC, Bellevue, NE, Jan. 2008)


"I would highly recommend Interim Pastor Ministries to any church that has recently lost their pastor. They work with you to find the pastor that will fit in well with your church. We had Pastor Jonathan Smith, and he did a good job of preaching the Word of God on Sundays and delivering an excellent devotional before every Wednesday night prayer meeting. He also did a great job of keeping in contact with members and making visitations when they were needed. This group of men is truly a blessing, especially when they can come into a church and just do what they love, which is preach. This was my second time leading our pastor search committee , and it has been so much smoother not having to worry about filling the pulpit every Sunday." (Chris Armacost, PSC Chairman, Faith Bible Church, La Marque, TX, Feb. 2008)


"When Howard and Lois pulled into our driveway on the day before the Sunday he was to preach and they got out of their van, my first thoughts were, 'My, they're old. How are they ever going to keep up with US?' I now know the question should have been 'How or Can we keep up with them?' The only part about Howard and Lois being old is their birthdays. They have no lack of energy, vision, or ideas - especially ideas. We, as a church, have been very busy this past year, and much has happened. Howard prepared and taught the elder board. All the elders have really appreciated the study time with him. We know what we need to be about, and with God's help, we will be the elder board that God needs here at this time. Thank you, Howard and Lois, for your ministry here. You will never be forgotten, and those thoughts will always be loving memories." (Larry Jacobson, Elder Chairman, Clear Lake E. Free Church, March 2008)


"I would like to report on the experience we have had as a board of elders and as a church with the interim pastor that came to us through Interim Pastor Ministries.com.

"The vast wealth of knowledge and experience, and a heart to nurture the body of Christ, was very evident in our interim (Don Urey). Our church saw growth while the interim was here. The preaching was excellent. He counseled families. He also mentored and trained church leadership at their request. This has been a great experience; we feel ready to be effective change managers as our new senior pastor climbs into the saddle. (General Comments)

"Having Dr. Don Urey as interim pastor here has been an amazing growth experience for everyone, including him, I think. He has recently concluded a Biblical Leadership Training conference with SREFC elders and staff. With emphasis on purpose, objectives (task/process), and goals, we've looked at quality of leadership, delegation, administration, managing people, change and decision making, and evaluation. Through this, we've discovered better ways to organize and address needs in our church effectively.

"We've discovered we have been conditioned to a hands off, seat-of-the-pants kind of leadership style, which has not been the healthiest thing for this body. By 'conditioned,' I mean we struggle to make changes from that. Pastor Urey has strongly recommended we form a 'Deacon Board' of qualified individuals who will share the load of ministering to our church and community. He was careful to say we could call this group of people what ever we wanted, just to be sure we follow the scriptural guidelines of delegating to others some of the people things and building stuff. We have many people doing great and wonderful things now, but it's not organized in a way where the pastor, elders, or staff are necessarily 'in the loop.'

"Pastor Urey has been very busy preaching and doing personal counseling. He has also been a great mentor in helping the elders and staff visit with families and volunteers, especially conflict resolution and reconciliation. He has helped our Search Committee. Recently, he helped me organize a temporary steering committee for Women's Ministry, which is going well. He's also helped another elder organize ushers. Pastor Urey has made other good recommendations that we are considering or working on. There's a lot of things going on here, but I've tried to hit the highlights that would be relevant to your interest." (Matt Grosinger, Elder Board Chairman, Snowy Range Evangelical Free Church, July 2008)


"Our church has deeply appreciated 'Interim Pastor Ministry.' You sent us Pastor Abel Threeton, and he has been such a blessing to us this past year. Our church had just gone through some pretty tough times with several families leaving our small congregation. Well, Pastor Threeton was like 'oil on troubled waters.' He helped reestablish peace and tranquility within our church through God's help, and he will be deeply missed as he leaves us now.

"Thank you so much for your wonderful ministry of using these wise, experienced ministers to help churches like ours through tough times. We would definitely consider using your ministry again in the future! God bless you!" (Mark Tombre, Governing Board Secretary, Savage, MT, June 2008)


"We have greatly appreciated pastor Ron Bergman, and he has been very good for us...and has been quite helpful in the pastoral search process." (Steve Meyer, Chairman, Pastoral Search Team, Grace Bible Fellowship, Ashland/Washburn, Wisconsin area)


"It was a privilege for us to have Rev. John Hibbard as our interim pastor. Pastor Hibbard has been an excellent pastor. During a difficult transition, the Lord used him to unify the congregation. His love and compassion for each one was evident to all, especially to our large number of sick and shut-ins. He was always ready to give counsel to those who requested it. In addition, his wonderful wit brought joy and encouragement to our people.

"Pastor Hibbard's ministry of God's Word was outstanding, his depth, yet simplicity in his presentation of the Word challenged and encouraged everyone. Along with Pastor Hibbard, his wife, Carolyn, served in numerous ways in the church. Pastor Hibbard and Carolyn are a wonderful team as they serve the Lord." (Bruce J. Ingraham, Vice Chairman, Ocean County Evangelical Free Church, New Jersey)


"I want to thank your organization and tell you how appreciative Midlands Evangelical Free Church is of Interim Pastor Norm Cole. He has done a wonderful work in our church, and he will be missed by many. We are thankful that your ministry was available to help us through our time of looking for a new pastor. I do hope we will not need your ministry for many years to come, but if we need to, we will not hesitate to contact IPM." (James Croson, Deacon of Worship, Midlands Evangelical Free Church)