The term/title "transitional pastor" is a relatively new term in church leadership. For decades, the popular term for the pastor who served temporarily was "interim pastor." In recent years, we have recognized how critical the time is when the local church finds herself "between pastors." Thus a new perspective and practice has developed along with new terminology. My role as transitional pastor is to guide, not to decide. From the moment of first conversation with the transition team, I have in mind “architecting the conditions in which the wisest, right, decisions can be made” by the church. The transitional pastor does far more than merely preach on Sunday mornings. Transitional pastors typically work with the staff, the deacons and often with key committees/teams. As a transitional pastor, I strategically, systematically, and intentionally lead a process that prepares the way for the new pastor. A successful transition leads to a smooth "passing of the baton" from transitional pastor to the next pastor. Transitional pastors bring a fresh sense of what could be that helps make the in-between time a time of renewal and revitalization, as churches rediscover a sense of mission and purpose.