The interim pastor
Calvary is blessed to have Bruce Greer as our interim senior minister. He brings expertise and experience to the unique dynamics of this time. The following statement was presented to the congregation in November 2005 when the Transition Team began its work.

A competent and intentional interim pastor will provide:

• A sense of continuity and confidence, helping the congregation to continue offering quality worship, ministry and service as the congregation moves through a time of change and uncertainty.
• Attention to the grieving process, an awareness of the impact of the loss of a beloved pastor and attending to accompanying behaviors and emotions, such as anger, anxiety, avoidance, bargaining, conflict, denial, depression, distancing, doubt, withdrawal and withholding.
• Attention to promise and possibility. Mindful of the grieving process and its dynamics, nevertheless, the congregation is encouraged to assess its assets to have a realistic assessment of its promise and possibility for mission and ministry, and the leadership needed to go forward.
• Resident consultant for staff, lay leaders and members, bringing a fresh, outside perspective to the congregation’s organizational/emotional/relational system, “saying what needs to be said” to encourage collaboration, consensus and change.
• A sense of creative tension, helping the congregation maintain the delicate, tense balance between moving too quickly or too slowly through the transition process. Transition offers an important opportunity for reflection and renewal. Good process enhances the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Following widely accepted interim ministry practice; Bruce cannot and will not be considered as a candidate for senior pastor. The role of the interim pastor is unique and important and can be compromised by becoming a candidate. Keep Bruce in your prayers as he works faithfully during this time of interim transition and helps the Calvary congregation prepare for the future.