I studied and became certified in interim ministry with Norm Bendroth, the guy who literally wrote the book. Both IMN training and boundary awareness training have made a great deal of difference in my understanding of the work of the local church and its leadership.  The church is GOD’S church.  Interim ministers are called to the holy work of helping congregations discover God’s call and vision for THEIR congregation. That does not mean that I should not be challenging the congregation to look at its past, present and future, and doing what I can to pave the way for the next settled pastor, but ultimately the decisions on how to proceed are theirs. I can help work through a vision for the church, I can help a church deal with technical problems (the organ is broken, we need a new roof, etc.) and I can help with problems which are not straightforward and require change in the culture of the church (no one wants to serve on our committees anymore…) As an interim pastor,  I can help the church become more aware of the changing landscape of the world around them, cast a vision and make a plan, set goals for the interim time, all the while providing fine worship and preaching and congregational care.