I recognize there is debate about how to determine what makes a clergy person effective. Whatever criteria is used, when a clergy person is determined to be ineffective she or he should find another job before the end of the appointive year. This doesn’t mean being kicked out of the church or Christian community. It […]
Tag: clergy
According to the 2008 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, “Every effective elder in full connection who is in good standing shall be continued under appointment by the bishop…” (¶334.1) There is conversation about changing the “shall” in this paragraph to “may.” This would, in effect, end a guaranteed appointment to serve at […]
A few of the key points in favor of continuing guaranteed appointments include: Guaranteed appointments prevents a congregation from hiring or firing a clergy person based on her or his race, color, national origin, or sex. Guaranteed appointments prevents a congregation from hiring or firing a clergy person in response to their prophetic voice in […]
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 […]
If I could change one thing in the United Methodist Church today, I would end guaranteed clergy appointments. Here are the top 10 reasons to end this practice: 8. Ineffective clergy will be more easily removed from leading a United Methodist church. 7. Effective clergy will be responsible for a increasing number of churches. 6. […]
Last night was the clergy session of the Kansas West Annual Conference. My name was raised under the following questions: 31. Who are elected as members in full connection? b) Elders 33. Who are elected for ordination as elders? Along with 8 other elder and 2 deacon provisional members, I walked in to Mabee Arena […]
I just read the following article: Lutherans to Allow Sexually Active Gays as Clergy. In addition, the ELCA Adopts Full Communion Agreement with the United Methodist Church. I am not sure how these are going to co-exist. According to the above article, “Full communion makes possible a variety of joint ministries, sharing of resources and […]
Thursday and Friday I am at a gathering of 10 young adult leaders to discern best practices for supporting clergy in the UMC. I invite you to join us live and contribute: http://www.scribblelive.com/Event/UMC_Young_Clergy_Meeting I and others are live blogging the event. It’s fun. I invite you to check it out
The final quote from Bishop Jones for this week is striking in its simplicity and profundity. United Methodist clergy live in their conference. I have heard this many times from Bishop Jones and each time he makes sure that the audience takes time to let it sink in. It has implications for ministry, relationships with […]
This quote from Bishop Jones came at the Kansas East Residency Retreat in response to a question about what characterizes an effective clergy person. Effective clergy lead congregations to increasing missional effectiveness. I really appreciated this answer. I believe it is the right answer for the renewal of the denomination and for encouraging pastors in […]
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Speedlinking – January 19, 2009
I trust Kevin and have added to my wish list from his Top 10 Books of 2008. Thanks to Dagney for the open, honest and raw expression at A Very Serious Post, Not for the Feint Hearted. Make sure that you are not Swatting at gnats Why not? A UMC Coffee House My Family is […]
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Get Fit to Preach
I saw this ad when I was browsing Facebook. I am not making this up. I understand that pastors could as a whole be healthier, but this is ridiculous! Get Fit To Preach Even with the busy schedule of a pastor, you can get in great shape without the gym or lifting weights. I’ll show […]
Rev. Andrew Conard 