Transitional Pastor Information
Below is a letter from the Interim Pastor Search Committee:
Dear EPBC Church Family,
As your Interim Pastor Search Committee, we’ve spent time in prayer, discussion, and careful thought about what will best serve our church during this time of transition. On Sunday, June 22, following the worship service, EPBC members will vote on whether to move forward with the process of calling a transitional pastor.
This vote is not about calling a specific person—it’s simply to decide whether this is the path our church should take. We believe it is, and we want to clearly and simply explain what this means and why we’re recommending it. We hope the information below will be helpful.
Our church bylaws outline the formation of the Interim Pastor Search Committee, and as you’ll see, its members are leaders from several EPBC committees.
This has not been an easy process. We ask that you continue to pray with us as we seek God’s will for our church.
Tommy Davis (Chair) – Personnel Committee
Lance Harbison & Bob Weekley – Deacons
Kristi Wilhite – Stewardship Committee
Steven Isbell – Nominating Committee
Kenya Burgin – Committee on Committees
___
Why a Transitional Pastor?
A transitional pastor is more than someone who fills the pulpit. He is a trained and experienced pastor who walks with a church during the time between permanent pastors. His role is to preach, care for the church family, and guide us through a time of reflection, healing, and preparation so that when the time comes to call our next pastor, we do so with unity and clarity.
A transitional pastor does not come to take over or push an agenda. His job is to listen well, assess where we are as a church, and help us move forward in a healthy, prayerful way.
Without a transitional pastor, we’re essentially left to figure out the process ourselves—and without a shepherd to lead and guide during this season, we may move too quickly or miss important steps that will affect our future.
If the church votes to move forward with the transitional path, our committee will begin searching for someone who fits EPBC well. That person will be introduced to the church and will be available to answer any questions before the church decides whether to call him as our transitional pastor.
___
What We’re Voting On
At the business meeting on Wednesday, the committee presented a motion recommending that the church adopt the transitional pastor model. The motion was thoroughly discussed, and the full congregation will vote without further discussion this Sunday, June 22, immediately after the worship service.
If you have any questions, our committee welcomes you to contact us. We will also be available in the choir room beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
___
What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple way to understand the different types of pastoral leadership during a transition:
Resources to Help You Prepare
We've attached two helpful resources shared at Wednesday’s meeting:
If you have questions or would like to speak with a committee member, please reach out or join us Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. We thank you for your continued prayers and support as we seek God’s direction together.
In Christ,
The Interim Pastor Search Committee
Dear EPBC Church Family,
As your Interim Pastor Search Committee, we’ve spent time in prayer, discussion, and careful thought about what will best serve our church during this time of transition. On Sunday, June 22, following the worship service, EPBC members will vote on whether to move forward with the process of calling a transitional pastor.
This vote is not about calling a specific person—it’s simply to decide whether this is the path our church should take. We believe it is, and we want to clearly and simply explain what this means and why we’re recommending it. We hope the information below will be helpful.
Our church bylaws outline the formation of the Interim Pastor Search Committee, and as you’ll see, its members are leaders from several EPBC committees.
This has not been an easy process. We ask that you continue to pray with us as we seek God’s will for our church.
Tommy Davis (Chair) – Personnel Committee
Lance Harbison & Bob Weekley – Deacons
Kristi Wilhite – Stewardship Committee
Steven Isbell – Nominating Committee
Kenya Burgin – Committee on Committees
___
Why a Transitional Pastor?
A transitional pastor is more than someone who fills the pulpit. He is a trained and experienced pastor who walks with a church during the time between permanent pastors. His role is to preach, care for the church family, and guide us through a time of reflection, healing, and preparation so that when the time comes to call our next pastor, we do so with unity and clarity.
A transitional pastor does not come to take over or push an agenda. His job is to listen well, assess where we are as a church, and help us move forward in a healthy, prayerful way.
Without a transitional pastor, we’re essentially left to figure out the process ourselves—and without a shepherd to lead and guide during this season, we may move too quickly or miss important steps that will affect our future.
If the church votes to move forward with the transitional path, our committee will begin searching for someone who fits EPBC well. That person will be introduced to the church and will be available to answer any questions before the church decides whether to call him as our transitional pastor.
___
What We’re Voting On
At the business meeting on Wednesday, the committee presented a motion recommending that the church adopt the transitional pastor model. The motion was thoroughly discussed, and the full congregation will vote without further discussion this Sunday, June 22, immediately after the worship service.
If you have any questions, our committee welcomes you to contact us. We will also be available in the choir room beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
___
What’s the Difference?
Here’s a simple way to understand the different types of pastoral leadership during a transition:
- Supply Preacher: Fills the pulpit occasionally. No leadership role.
- Interim Pastor: Preaches more regularly for a short time. Provides stability but limited leadership.
- Transitional Pastor: Preaches and also guides—offering pastoral care, helping the church assess its current health, and preparing us for our next permanent pastor.
Resources to Help You Prepare
We've attached two helpful resources shared at Wednesday’s meeting:
- [PowerPoint Overview] – Explains the Transitional Pastor Ministry from the Alabama State Board of Missions
- [Bullet-Point Summary] – A quick-reference version of the Committee’s Wednesday night presentation
If you have questions or would like to speak with a committee member, please reach out or join us Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in the Choir Room. We thank you for your continued prayers and support as we seek God’s direction together.
In Christ,
The Interim Pastor Search Committee