Spiritual Qualities of an Intentional Interim Pastor
What qualities are important in the life of an interim pastor? I’d suggest the following:
Self-awareness — This is critical for spiritual and emotional maturity. John Calvin taught that unless you know yourself, you can’t know your God. That’s on the first page of his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion. You can’t ask a church to become aware of its issues unless you are aware of yours. This means taking the time to do the hard inner work of reflection that comes only in times of silence and solitude. It’s very difficult. It may also mean getting feedback from people who love you and being willing to listen to the feedback of those who clearly don’t.
Willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit — This means hearing what the Spirit is saying to you personally. Revelation 2-3 repeatedly challenges the church to hear what the Spirit says. We must listen for the Spirit’s still small voice with reference to our own lives as well. Don’t quench the Holy Spirit’s voice! Acts 13 notes that while leaders were praying and fasting, the Spirit said, “Set aside Paul and Barnabas to the work I’ve called them to.” We must be willing to do the same.
Lifestyle of repentance — This is at the core of a gospel-driven life. The constant willingness to change our mind about our sin and to call it what it is, even publicly as necessary. How can we call others to do that when we don’t do so ourselves? Live a lifestyle of repentance.
Take a serious look at the idols that govern our lives — Martin Luther once noted that you can’t break commandments 2-10 without breaking commandment one: “You shall have no other gods before me.” At its root, all sin is an issue of idolatry. Addressing the issues in your life means delving into the idols that govern your life.
Remind yourself daily of the gospel’s power—Tim Keller notes that the gospel teaches us we are more sinful than we ever dared imagine, yet more loved than we ever dared hope. That message, when repeated over and over, will transform our hearts (Romans 1:16-17). Titus 2:11 tells us that the grace of God that brings salvation (that’s the gospel) teaches us, or trains us, to renounce ungodliness and worldly lusts. The term “teach” or “train” here is the word tutor. You let the gospel tutor you, argue with you, and debate with you about your spiritual life. When tempted to sin, let the gospel tell you, “Hey, don’t do that. Jesus died to save you from that.” Let it argue with you.
Taking the time to develop these spiritual qualities will go a long way toward preparing you to do your job effectively as an interim pastor.
