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Introduction

In this book, we explore a range of issues related to what the Church still refers to as an interregnum (‘between reigns’), although some prefer the term vacancy. Both terms are misleading as lay people take on more responsibility in today’s church and collaborative or shared approaches to ministry become more common. Throughout this book we shall attempt to avoid both these terms and talk about the time when the parish is without a vicar. We shall also use the term ‘vicar’ to include ‘rector’ and in preference to the more formal ‘incumbent’.

When the vicar leaves, no matter how well the parish is organised there will be a need for clear planning. The main focus will be on the period when there is no vicar – how to cope and how to flourish. However, this period does not fit neatly in a box; it is a transitional period in a parish’s life. It is necessary to place it within a longer timespan, to examine the time leading up to the vicar leaving and the arrival of the new vicar and the ‘settling in’ period.

In this period between vicars there is a need to handle several matters:

 how to keep parish life going

 discussions over a replacement for the outgoing vicar

 taking on board a whole range of items dealt with by the vicar – from the minor administrative tasks to major pastoral and planning issues

 the presence of a curate, licensed readers, non-stipendiary ministers and retired clergy.

Problems may emerge:

 there may be a leadership vacuum and a jostling for power

 the decision making process may be unclear

 there may be confusion over the roles of churchwardens, the PCC and the area/rural dean.

We have written this book primarily for churchwardens who are at the sharp end. We hope that what we offer will help them face up to a challenging task with confidence. However, others – area/rural deans, PCC members, outgoing and incoming vicars as well as curates, licensed readers, non-stipendiary ministers and other church leaders – will also find useful information here.

The Reverend Herbert Lemmon realised it was time to retire