The interim period between church staff members isn't just dead space to endure—it's a strategic inflection point that shapes your church's future. Todd Rhodes explains how this critical time either heals what's broken or hides it deeper, with no neutral middle ground.

• Churches often treat staff transitions like a pause button while redistributing roles and waiting for a new hire
• The interim isn't about holding down the fort—it's a formative period that will make or break your next hire
• New staff don't walk into a blank slate but inherit whatever environment the interim created
• Name and process the grief associated with departures, regardless of whether they ended well
• Clarify roles during the transition with realistic expectations to prevent resentment
• Reassess your organizational needs—don't just reuse old job descriptions
• Consider bringing in outside perspectives during this transitional period
• Identify and address ministry areas that are fragile, toxic, or underdeveloped
• Invest in the health of remaining staff who carry extra burdens during the interim
• View the interim as a stewardship opportunity to rethink direction and clarify culture

Grab your copy of "Silent Alarm: The Quiet Collapse of the Church Staff Pipeline and How to Rebuild it Before it's Too Late" at chemistrystaffing.com/silentalarm. If you need help navigating your church's interim period, reach out to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com.

Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com

Be sure to subscribe to The Healthy Church Staff Podcast wherever you regularly listen to podcasts.

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Is Your Church Hiring?
If your church is searching for a new staff member, reach out to Todd for a conversation on how he might be able to help.

Are You Looking for a New Ministry Role?
If you are open to a new church role in the next few months, add your free resume and profile at ChemistryStaffing.com.