Top 13 Characteristics of Effective Clergy

Some of the hoopla around guaranteed appointments is around the question - How do you determine what makes for an effective clergy person? That's easy. Straight from paragraph 340 of the Book of Discipline, an effective clergy person will...

• love God and love their neighbor.

• preach, teach, lead worship and engage people in witness.

• provide spiritual guidance.

• marry and bury.

• visit people in their homes to provide care.

• practice integrity in maintaining confidences.

• be responsible for sharing baptism and holy communion.

• provide administration for the local church, annual conference and general church.

• be inclusive.

• live as a servant leader.

• organize the church to live out their faith in the world.

• equip others in the care and spiritual formation of others.

• work for unity in the church.

If a clergy person is gifted and effective in these things, there will be clear evidence in the church.

A clergy person with evidence of gifts and effectiveness will continue to be appointed regardless of her or his appointment being guaranteed.