Interim Ministry Partners (IMP) — Organization Profile
Interim Ministry Partners (IMP) is a ministry that helps churches navigate the season between ministers—especially when a congregation is searching for a new pulpit or senior preaching minister. IMP is a division of HOPE Network Ministries, and it frames minister transition as a critical moment in the life of a church that benefits from experienced, outside guidance and a clear process.
IMP’s core focus is guiding churches through an “interim season” with a proven search process rather than treating the transition as a gap to simply “get through.” IMP encourages leaders to view transition as an opportunity to assess congregational identity, clarify direction, and address health issues that can be ignored when ministry is stable. Their approach begins with church-centered questions—“Who are we?” and “Where are we going?”—before narrowing in on the kind of minister a congregation needs.
The ministry is built around the conviction that churches need qualified leadership during transition and that most congregational leaders do not manage minister searches often enough to have a reliable, repeatable method. IMP describes its partners as experienced pulpit ministers who understand congregational leadership and who have guided many churches through the search for new preaching leadership. This emphasis on coaching and process aims to reduce avoidable conflict, prevent hurried decisions, and help churches move toward unity and clarity as they evaluate candidates.
IMP outlines a straightforward, step-by-step framework for working with churches. Their process begins with an Interview & Assessment (often via an initial video conference with church leadership). From there, IMP may lead an Interim Season Seminar to prepare the congregation, leaders, and search committee for the opportunities and challenges of transition. In fuller engagements, a partner is then appointed to work alongside the church through the interim season, helping provide pulpit continuity and guidance toward a healthy future.
Because churches vary in size, needs, and resources, IMP offers multiple “levels of service.” These include a recommended Full Service relationship, a more focused Search Consulting option that centers on finding the right minister, and the Interim Season Seminar format designed to equip a church with a practical roadmap and training for leaders and search committees. Across these options, IMP highlights recurring support areas such as pulpit preaching/teaching continuity, coaching for elders and ministers, assistance with communication, and tools that help churches assess and nurture congregational health.
Churches and leaders can engage with IMP by requesting an initial conversation, exploring their resources for transition-season planning, and considering which level of service best fits their congregation’s situation. IMP serves churches in transition across the United States through its partner network and coaching-driven process, working to help congregations renew vision and pursue a strong ministry match for the next season of church life.
Key Links
- Website: https://interimministrypartners.com/
- Who We Are: https://interimministrypartners.com/who-we-are/
- Our Partners: https://interimministrypartners.com/our-partners/
- Levels of Service: https://interimministrypartners.com/how-we-help/levels-of-service/
- Interim Season Seminar: https://interimministrypartners.com/how-we-help/levels-of-service/interim-season-seminar/
- Resources: https://interimministrypartners.com/resources/
- Testimonials: https://interimministrypartners.com/testimonials/
- Donate: https://interimministrypartners.com/donate/
- Contact: https://interimministrypartners.com/contact-us/
Contact Information
- Email: co*****@*****mp.com
- Phone: 214-586-0375
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterimMinistryPartners/
Leadership
- Brent Isbell — Managing Partner
- Mark Frost — Partner
- Grady King — Partner
- Rodney Plunket — Partner
- Steve Shaffer — Partner
