DANVERS — The Rev. Steven Alspach doesn't mind moving from church to church every few years. In fact, he rather enjoys it.
Alspach is making his home at the Maple Street Congregational Church, where he took over as interim minister on Tuesday.
He's replacing the Rev. Charles Gross, who has retired after more than 22 years of ministry. Alspach's first sermon will be Sunday at 10 a.m. Alspach and his wife, Betsy, live in Holden.
How long have you been a minister?
For 27 years. I've been a professional interim minister for the last 15 years. I was a full-time minister for two different churches when I felt called to become an interim minister ... as a way to help churches through change, and to grow and be healthy.
Do you enjoy being an interim, even though you are not at one place for very long?
I do like it. It is hard at times, especially when you are leaving a church. But overall, I find it a good challenge too. ... It's a growing opportunity, both spiritually and emotionally.
Are you excited to be at Maple Street?
Yes. I'm looking forward to getting to know Danvers better. And I enjoy getting to know the church and the community and town that it's a part of. ... We are here in Danvers for a reason.
How long will you be here?
About a year and a half to two years. It could be as short as a year and a half, but we're not expecting that because they are not searching for a new pastor right away.
Besides Sunday sermons, what are your responsibilities?
Helping if there is any conflict that needs to be resolved. But for the most part, this is a time for the church to do a self-reflection, a time for them to know who they are, where they are going. (This) will help them in the search process for a new minister. ... It's a church-created process, and I just help them.
What is your favorite aspect of being a minister?
I would have to say growth. I like to see people grow in their faith, and that helps me to grow in my faith. Before, the times of interim ministers were not often seen as growth times, but seen as a muddle-through time. But really, it is a vibrant time of growing in preparation for a new minister.
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