On-Demand Video Certification

Interim Pastor Certification

Developing leaders for churches in transition

Join Thom Rainer and Sam Rainer for this video-based training that will prepare you for the common issues facing churches in the interim season and equips students to help these churches prepare for their next leader.

  • Licensed certification
  • Step-by-step training
  • Personal coach
  • Get certified in less than 6 months

$1,500

Interim Pastor Certification

Developing leaders for churches in transition

Is God Calling You to Help?

Churches all over North America need trained and certified interim pastors. With Interim Pastor University, you’ll be fully equipped to help churches reach their true potential as they seek to find a pastor for their church.  If you’re passionate about pastoral ministry and helping local churches, this program is for you.

Our Interim Pastor Certification:

  • Prepares you to address the common issues facing churches in the interim season
  • Equips you to help churches prepare for their next leader
  • Expands your network
  • Assures prospective churches that you have focused training
  • Partners you with a mentor to coach you through the process
  • Can be completed in less than six months

Who is the certification for?

  • Pastors or church leaders who desire to help other churches
  • Denominational, associational, district, and judicatory leaders
  • Retired pastors or church leaders who want to continue to add value to gospel kingdom impact
  • Church reconciliation agents

Meet Your Faculty

Thom Rainer Headshot

Thom S. Rainer

Founder, CEO, & Lead Coach
Read Thom’s Bio

Sam Rainer

President & Senior Coach
Read Sam’s Bio

How the Certification Course Works

Video-Based Learning

Course work happens online and is on demand. Participants can work at their own pace.

Download

Multiple resources are available for each module to help participants with course work and consultations.

Mentoring

Every participant will be assigned a mentor as they progress through certification.

6 Months Access to Church Answers

Church Answers Central is an online community of 1,800+ church leaders. IPU participants will be able to converse with other leaders and pastors about current trends in the church.

Publicized Certification

All graduates will be published on the IPU interim pastor directory.

Professional Certification Diploma

All graduates will receive a certification diploma.

Money-Back Guarantee

If for whatever reason you are not satisfied with Interim Pastor University, you may receive a full refund. Request must be submitted within the first 30 days. No questions asked.

“I found Interim Pastor University such a practical study at this point in my ministry. Having announced my resignation at the age of 64, I am ready for the next challenge in ministry. If God permits me to serve in an intentional interim capacity, I am better prepared to aid the church.  The resources offered were worth the price, and the lessons were worth the time. It is an investment that will pay eternal dividends!”

Dennis Thurman
Pole Creek Baptist Church in Candler, NC
8
Topics/Modules
17
Videos
3
Worksheets (PDF)
1
Mentoring Call

Watch one of the courses in Interim Pastor certification:

 

Other Certification Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the requirements for acceptance?
    • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Ministry experience is accepted in lieu of degree.
    • At least 5 years of ministry experience.
    • A love for the local church and her leaders.
  • Who will be my mentor?

    A member of the Church Answers coaching team.

  • Where do I find potential churches who need an interim pastor?

    Interim Pastor University makes no promises for the certified interim pastor to find churches who are in need of an interim. We do, however, provide proven ways for the interim pastor to find his or her own churches.

  • How long does the certification take?

    The video courses are designed for the student to go at his or her own pace. Most students can complete the certification in nine months or less. If the student needs time beyond twelve months, he or she can request an extension up to another six months.

More Questions?

Contact us at 615-669-8201 or email [email protected] for assistance.