Interim Ministry
‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ John 10.10
Interim Ministry is about transformation
Interim Ministry (IM) supports the process of revitalising parishes as they adapt to changing circumstances and explore how best to respond in positive, realistic and fruitful ways.
An Interim Minister is a fixed-term strategic appointment to parishes to lead them through a collaborative process of review and reflection on their current circumstances, history, identity and mission, and help discern a vision for the future.
IM has become an established ministry worldwide over the past 50 years. It has been evolving in the Church of England particularly since 2015. Approximately 50 IM posts are advertised each year.
We are still developing IM practice in the Church of England and this site offers a resource hub for sharing best practice, experience and reflections on Interim Ministry, to support ongoing learning.
Cranmer Hall, Durham, is developing a centre for IM from 2026-2029 at funded by the Church of England’s RMF Innovations Fund.
Cranmer Hall has taken responsibility for this web resource, originally developed in 2021 by the Diocese of Chelmsford, and funded through Church of England’s Strategic Development Funding.
Latest news
Data shows surge in use of IM
23 October 2026
New data from appointments in Interim Ministry shows increased use of Interim Ministry across the Church of England, with 80% of dioceses now making IM appointments.
New investment for Interim Ministry
14 October 2026
Cranmer Hall and Ripon College Cuddesdon have secured three-year funding from The Church of England RMF Innovations Fund to develop for a national programme of training and support for Interim Ministry.
Subsidised training for IM
1 October 2026
A new training programme for Interim Ministry will launch this autumn, offering online and in-person training.
The IM Network
The IM Network is being revived in 2026 as part of the national Centre for Interim Ministry at Cranmer Hall, St John’s College, Durham.
This network aims to be a hub for knowledge and learning, to connect Interim Ministers for mutual support and skill sharing, and a place for collaboration on the development of training and information resources.
Find out more about the IM Network or email interim.ministry@durham.ac.uk
The Interim Ministry Resource Hub and IM Source Book have been transferred to Cranmer Hall, St John’s College, Durham, where they will form part of the Centre for Interim Ministry.
This resource hub and material was originally created by the Chelmsford Diocesan Board of Finance, 2021 with the support of the Strategic Development Fund, part of the Church of England’s Renewal and Reform Programme.
