Acknowledging that congregations may have “special transitional needs,” The United Methodist Book of Discipline, in paragraphs 331.7c and 338.2e, 338.3, proposes several appointive possibilities, including:

• Appointments made mid-year
• Appointments to less than full-time service
• Appointments across conference boundary lines
• Appointments made for a specified time period
• Appointments made for less than one year

To support and facilitate such appointments, the Texas Conference Interim Ministry Program identifies and trains experienced clergy to meet special congregational needs. Currently, thirty-eight trained T.I.M.S. (Transitional /Interim Ministry Specialists) are available for after-care ministry to churches in the event of the death, disability or misconduct of a pastor.  Also, T.I.M.S. may assist a church working through conflict or support fellow clergy by maintaining church ministry while the pastor is on short-term sabbatical leave.   

More Information

txctims@txcumc.org

Texas Conference T.I.M.S.

Dr. Suzan Carter

The Reverend Doctor Suzan Carter serves as the Interim Ministry Program Director for the Texas Annual Conference.  In addition to her T.I.M.S. training and experience, Dr. Carter utilizes knowledge of Family Systems Theory to help congregations assess and improve committee functioning to increase effectiveness in ministry.