The Transitional Pastor has the following goals:

• To decrease the percentage of SBC churches without a pastor
• To Increase the tenure of pastors and decrease frequent pastoral changes
• To help churches develop more effective church practices
• To assist churches that have stalled to experience spiritual and numerical growth
• To assist churches to grow in their understanding of pastoral ministry and appreciation of pastors and their families
• To equip more members to become personally involved in their churches' ministries
• To help church members rediscover and celebrate their spiritual passion
• To lead the church away from forced termination as a means of solving pastor-church problems.

The ministry of the Transitional Pastor takes place over a 12-18 month time period and follows an eight stage transitional flow:

• Stage 1.  Calling a Transitional Pastor
• Stage 2. Viewing the Church's History through the Eyes of Christ
• Stage 3.  Affirming a Biblical-Principles Approach to Church Growth
• Stage 4.  Shaping a Results-Oriented Structure for Effective Church Practice
• Stage 5.  Allocating Resources to Support Effective Church Practice
• Stage 6.  Finding a Pastor to Lead in Fulfilling God's Future for the Church
• Stage 7.  Helping the Pastor Get a Good Start in the Church and Community
• Stage 8.  Completing and Celebrating Transitional Pastor Leadership

For additional information contact Associational Services and Pastoral Ministries Office at 803 765-0030, extension 1400.