The Unintentional Interim | Ministry in Times of Transition (Nelson)

Every pastor is an interim

Few pastors begin their ministry in a congregation believing it will be a short-term partnership ... and few congregations call a new pastor with the expectation that the ministry will be transitional. Yet the pace of change is such that pastorates are rarely "settled" positions in the church today.

The Unintentional Interim uplifts the value of change leadership and encourages the intentional, ongoing discernment of pastors—no matter how long or short their tenure may be.

Praise for The Unintentional Interim

"Jeffrey Nelson successfully argues that in these times of change and uncertainty—whether they want it or not—all clergy leaders are called to help lead their faith communities through transition."

~The Rev. Dr. Jonathan New, Executive Director
Interim Ministry Network 

"Jeffrey Nelson revisits the hostility, anxiety, and grief often defining the pastoral experience, [and] anticipates transitions that do not derail. Rediscover hope, grace, and trust in ministry."

~The Rev. Dr. Jaco J. Hamman, Professor
Vanderbilt Divinity School

About the Author

Jeffrey A. Nelson serves on the United Church of Christ national staff as the Minister for Ministerial Calls & Transitions. He has previously authored/edited Four Weeks: Reflections for Advent (2023), Prayer in Motion: Connecting with God in Fidgety Times (2018), and Coffeehouse Contemplative: Spiritual Direction for the Everyday (2016).

Paperback
ISBN 978-0-8298-0128-6
2025