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Interim Pastor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diocese of Gary

Interim Principal

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Interim Principal (If interested in only seeking a non-interim option, still apply and state that ... The Principal collaborates closely with the Pastor, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Big ...

Diocese of Gary

Interim Principal

Merrillville, IN · On-site

Interim Principal (If interested in only seeking a non-interim option, still apply and state that ... The Principal collaborates closely with the Pastor, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Big ...

CCS Fundraising

Strategy, Evaluation & Planning * Interim Development Management * Learning & Leadership ... Consultants build strong relationships with pastors, volunteers, and donors while developing ...

CCS Fundraising

ID · On-site

Strategy, Evaluation & Planning * Interim Development Management * Learning & Leadership ... Consultants build strong relationships with pastors, volunteers, and donors while developing ...

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How much do interim pastor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for interim pastor in the United States is $60,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interim pastor?

An Interim Pastor is a temporary church leader who provides pastoral care, preaching, and guidance during a transition period between permanent pastors. They help maintain stability, assist with church needs, and may prepare the congregation for the next long-term pastor. Interim Pastors often focus on healing, vision casting, and organizational development. Their role is crucial in ensuring a smooth leadership transition while keeping the church spiritually and administratively healthy.

What are the typical responsibilities of an interim pastor during a church transition period?

As an Interim Pastor, your primary responsibilities include leading worship services, providing pastoral care, facilitating communication within the congregation, and working with church leadership to assess and address the church’s needs during a transition. You may also be involved in helping the church prepare for the arrival of a permanent pastor and advising on organizational changes or conflict resolution. This role typically requires collaboration with staff, volunteer teams, and denominational representatives, ensuring continuity and stability for the congregation. While the assignment is temporary, it is highly impactful, requiring a sensitive approach to both spiritual and operational concerns.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the interim pastor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interim Pastor, you need a strong background in pastoral care, preaching, and church administration, often supported by a theological degree or seminary training. Familiarity with church management software, online communication platforms, and denominational guidelines is useful. Excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and crisis management abilities distinguish outstanding Interim Pastors. These competencies are important for providing steady leadership, guiding congregations through transitions, and maintaining church operations during periods of change.

Can an interim pastor become a pastor?

An interim pastor can become a permanent pastor if they meet the church's requirements, such as having appropriate theological training, ordination, and experience. Transitioning from interim to permanent pastor often involves a formal hiring process, interviews, and approval by church leadership or a governing body.

What are the qualifications of an interim pastor?

An interim pastor typically has a bachelor's degree in theology, ministry, or a related field, along with significant pastoral experience. Certification from a recognized religious organization and strong leadership, counseling, and communication skills are also important for effectively guiding a congregation during transitional periods.
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Interim Pastor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interim Pastor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,902 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Interim Pastor/Head of Staff

Deerfield, IL • On-site

Chicagopresbytery
See more jobs at Chicagopresbyteryexternal

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Interim Pastor/Head of Staff - First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield - Deerfield, IL

Position type:Interim Pastor/Head of Staff

Description:

Interim Pastor (full-time)

Position Summary:

First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield seeks an experienced Interim Senior Pastor to lead our congregation through a season of discernment, renewal, and transition. We seek a collaborative leader with exceptional preaching, pastoral care, emotional intelligence, and communication skills who will inspire worship, nurture spiritual growth, strengthen staff and lay leadership, and prepare the congregation to welcome its next installed pastor.

The Interim Pastor will guide the congregation through the developmental tasks of interim ministry by honoring our history, strengthening leadership, clarifying our mission and vision, encouraging healthy dialogue, and equipping the church for its next chapter. We hope this leader will bring energy, compassion, creativity, and a thoughtful perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the Church today.

Our Church and Community

Our mission is to be awelcoming, Christ-centered congregation, committed in faith and love to embracing, nurturing, and equipping all to serve God.This statement guides every aspect of our ministry and is reflected in our worship, communications, outreach, and congregational life.

First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield recently celebrated its150th anniversaryand has long been an active presence in the Deerfield community. Located in Chicago's northern suburbs, Deerfield is a thriving and diverse community of approximately 20,000 residents with outstanding schools, strong civic engagement, and a rich variety of religious traditions.

Our congregation values thoughtful worship, meaningful relationships, service to others, lifelong faith formation, and welcoming people of all ages into an authentic Christian community.

Primary Responsibilities

The Interim Senior Pastor will:

  • Serve as Head of Staff, providing collaborative leadership, supervision, mentoring, and support for church staff.
  • Lead inspiring, Christ-centered worship through preaching, administration of the Sacraments, and officiating baptisms, weddings, funerals, and memorial services.
  • Provide compassionate pastoral care through visitation, counseling, prayer, and spiritual encouragement.
  • Foster spiritual growth through Scripture-based teaching, faith formation, and discipleship for all generations.
  • Encourage intergenerational fellowship, community engagement, and participation in local and global mission.
  • Work collaboratively with Session, Deacons, ministry teams, and volunteers to strengthen shared leadership.
  • Welcome and engage visitors and new members while supporting outreach to the broader community.
  • Help cultivate a vibrant ministry of fellowship, prayer, stewardship, and congregational care.
  • Guide the congregation through the developmental work of interim ministry and assist the Session and Pastor Nominating Committee in preparing a Ministry Discernment Profile for the next installed pastor.

Desired Skills and Qualities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Inspiring, biblically grounded preaching and worship leadership.
  • Strong interpersonal, pastoral, and communication skills.
  • Emotional intelligence, humility, and collaborative leadership.
  • Experience leading congregations through periods of transition and change.
  • A commitment to developing staff, volunteers, and emerging leaders.
  • Creativity in designing meaningful opportunities for worship, learning, and discipleship.
  • A visible, approachable pastoral presence within the congregation.
  • The ability to encourage thoughtful engagement with contemporary cultural and societal issues through a Christ-centered perspective.
  • A passion for hospitality, outreach, and helping people discover opportunities to serve.

Our Hope

We seek an Interim Senior Pastor who will provide faithful leadership during this important season of transition—someone who will nurture our congregation, strengthen our ministries, deepen our relationships with one another and our community, and help prepare us, with confidence and hope, to call our next installed pastor.

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