Introduction
In a previous essay, the process often used during the interim transitional period when ministerial changes occur in a congregation was outlined. See my Interim Ministry in Churches of Christ. The purpose of this essay is to expand the four characteristics distinguish intention interim or transitional ministry from the practice of simply filling the pulpit with "fill in preachers."

The transition process is pre-established.
Congregations often become hurried and frustrated during the ministerial search. Search committees are rushed. Congregational comments are focused almost exclusively on the acquiring of the new minister with little awareness of the interim process. Interim transitions which honor the nature of this unique time in the life of a church carefully establish in advance the activities and processes to be used. We will do this, then this, then that. Timetables can be helpful in helping the congregation see that progress is being made. Once the process is established, it should not be accelerated. One important factor to be understood by all is that God is at work here--this is not dependent entirely on the efforts of the congregation, the elders, the interim team, or the search committee. If God is at work, can we let God do his work in his time?

An interim team is identified and involved.
The involvement of an interim team (as opposed to a group purely labeled as "search committee") is a sign that the congregation is thinking in terms of interim processes rather than fill-in preaching.

A self-study is completed.
The details of a self-study are too complex to outline in this essay, but one of the characteristics of a genuine interim period is that the congregation commits itself to allowing the benefits of a self-study to guide the process.

The process is used reflectively to establish strong foundations for the future.
Finally, an interim mentality allows the church to think about more than who the next preacher will be. The interim is a time to establish the foundations for the future--refreshed leadership, healthy attitudes, recommitment, refocused ministries, and reenergized missions.