By Dwight Brown

Over the past 8 years, I have been doing something I would never have dreamed possible. I have been providing interim pastoral ministry for a number of different church denominations in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. How this came about is another story.

More than once, friends have asked me how this was possible. What about your personal position on certain doctrinal matters? How did people receive you knowing that you hold to beliefs that are obviously different from theirs?

Let me share what I see as keys to making this shift successful and welcomed.

Perhaps the most deliberate effort has been made with respect to doctrinal positions. I have consciously kept quiet on matters of doctrine that I know would clash with those in the local church I served. During the brief interim period, I have found ample common ground in the Scriptures to preach and teach that I have been led by the Lord to share with the congregation. I have, however, reserved the privilege of sharing my personal perspectives on Biblical truth in private with anyone who comes to me with questions. The subject is never initiated by me, but if my view on an issue is requested, I feel comfortable in sharing from my perspective.

Every church that I have served as an interim pastor, regardless of denomination label, has indicated a hunger for the Word of God. I have found that clear preaching of the Scriptures, without applying man-formulated doctrines, has been warmly welcomed by all. I have purposely worked at making the Scriptures understandable, interesting, and relevant for each local church. Never once has it been pointed out to me that I presented something that conflicted with the denomination’s theology.

Whenever I have been interviewed for the role of an interim pastor, I have made it clear that I would come as a servant leader who is prepared to provide ministry and help wherever it is needed, and that I carry with me no personal agenda. That is, I am not there to effect change in how church is done, but rather, I come to minister healing where it is wanted, to love the people as I believe Jesus would, and to feed them the pure Word of God to the best of my ability.

If there is a personal goal on my part other than that, it is to create a better understanding of God and His purposes, a greater love for the Lord Jesus, and an increased appetite for the Word of God. Anything less than that would reduce me to a hired “church-sitter,” and that does not interest me, nor do I believe that serves the purposes of God.

If the Apostle Paul could make adjustments in His preaching the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) to win unbelievers, then I see it worthwhile the make the necessary adjustments to serve various streams of the Church as an interim while the search for a permanent pastor is underway.

Love for the family of God makes room for concessions that do not impact the eternal purposes of God for the Church. This ministry of consideration should prove threatening to no one. Also, I am of the opinion that it brings pleasure to our Lord Jesus.

As long as I am at liberty to preach the Word of God, I will serve as a transitional leader for any local church in any denomination that values the Scriptures and has a genuine heart for God.

Dwight Brown

Kitimat First Baptist Church

Interim Pastor 2005-2006

dnbrown@shaw.ca