1. Most of your current situation is good!...Your church is currently"on a roll," experiencing a productive season, and you desire that the present momentum continue during the time between pastors. In other words, you don't want to lose the momentum you are currently enjoying! You hope that what is often a "down" time can be an "up" time in your church's life.
2. Internal pressure or conflict...Your church is experiencing significant pressure within. Possibly even conflict. If your church has recently experienced conflict or is currently in conflict, you should consider a transitional pastor to assist the church in processing the ensuing discussions.
3. Generational tensions...You are experiencing discernable disagreement between/among generations with regard to "how we do" church. There is a gap between the old and the young that needs to be bridged.
4. Mission...Your church has forgotten why she exists, frequently referred to as "missional amnesia." The church needs a fresh injection of Spirit-led evangelism and missions away from internal focus.
5. Church growth or lack thereof....Your church has been plateaued or in a state of decline for more than two years.
6. Age...Your congregation is becoming older. Some people are asking the question, "where'd they (the younger generation) go?" Or, nobody is asking the question, "where'd they all go" but "they" are indeed gone.
7. The Search...Your church has not yet put together the search team or you do have a search team in place but not yet formally begun the search process.
8. The Search, part II...Your church hasn't had a "search" in five or more years. If it's been ten or more since you last looked for a pastor you realize just how much the world, the culture, and communication have changed dramatically.
9. Increasing financial pressures...Your church finds herself under increasing financial pressure to maintain ministry, staffing and property.
10. Revitalization...Your church needs someone to come in during the in between period and lead the church in the beginning stages of a much-needed revitalization and rediscovery of purpose.