S/PPRC Training

2012-2013Welcome !

Scripture Lessons for the SessionPhilippians 1:9-10Exodus 18:13-26Acts 6:1-7Acts 2:36-471 Corinthians 12:1,4-131 Peter 5:1-5Prayerfully reflect on the what the Spirit is saying to you about the proper leadership needed to live among and lead God’s people responsibly. (10 minutes)A Time of Sharing: (10 minutes)Setting a goal for the quarter

Christian Leadership and Spiritual Development

The First Responsibility of S/PPRC Members People serving on this committee must be engaged in and be attentive to their Christian Spiritual Development so as to give proper leadership

in the responsibilities with which the committee is entrusted.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (NRSV)Ephesians 4:15-16 (NRSV)

But speaking the truth in love,But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him we must grow up in every way into him

who is the head, into Christwho is the head, into Christ from whom the whole body,from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joined and knit together by every

ligament with which it is equipped,ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properlyas each part is working properly promotes the body’s growth in building promotes the body’s growth in building

itself up in love.itself up in love.

The Local Church

Ephesians 4:15-16 Ephesians 4:15-16 (The Message)(The Message)

“ “ God wants us to grow up, to know the whole God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love..”love..”

The Local ChurchThe Local Church2008 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 2012008 Book of Discipline, Paragraph 201

A local church is a community of true believers A local church is a community of true believers under the Lordship of Christ.under the Lordship of Christ.

It is the redemptive fellowship in which the It is the redemptive fellowship in which the Word of God is preached by persons divinely Word of God is preached by persons divinely called, and the Sacraments are duly called, and the Sacraments are duly administered according to Christ’s own administered according to Christ’s own appointment.appointment.

Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the Under the discipline of the Holy Spirit the church exists for the maintenance of church exists for the maintenance of worship, the edification of believers, and the worship, the edification of believers, and the redemption of the world.redemption of the world.

TheTheCommitteeCommitteeononPastor-Parish RelationsPastor-Parish Relationsor Staff-Parish Relationsor Staff-Parish Relations

Minimum of 5 elected members, Maximum of 9, not incl. LL Minimum of 5 elected members, Maximum of 9, not incl. LL and a LMAC.and a LMAC.

Must be professing member or associate member of Must be professing member or associate member of congregation.congregation.

Members elected for 3 year term with 1/3 being elected Members elected for 3 year term with 1/3 being elected annually.annually.

Members on PPRC may succeed themselves for one Members on PPRC may succeed themselves for one additional term for a total of 6 years.additional term for a total of 6 years.

No staff or immediate family of staff may serve.No staff or immediate family of staff may serve. Only one person from immediate family in same household Only one person from immediate family in same household

may serve.may serve. Lay Member of A.C. (Delegate) is voting member.Lay Member of A.C. (Delegate) is voting member. Lay Leader of church is also voting member.Lay Leader of church is also voting member. Chair is nominated by Committee on Nominations & Chair is nominated by Committee on Nominations &

Leadership Development (Nominating Committee) from one Leadership Development (Nominating Committee) from one of the three-year classes.of the three-year classes.

All members elected at Charge ConferenceAll members elected at Charge Conference A young adult SHALL be included on PPRC (19-30).A young adult SHALL be included on PPRC (19-30). A youth MAY be included on PPRC (12-18).A youth MAY be included on PPRC (12-18).

Paragraph 258.2 says the Paragraph 258.2 says the PPRC…PPRC…

……is required to meet at least quarterly.is required to meet at least quarterly. ……meeting may be called by the bishop, DS, meeting may be called by the bishop, DS,

pastor, any staff member, or the PPRC chairpastor, any staff member, or the PPRC chair ……cannot meet without the knowledge of the pastor cannot meet without the knowledge of the pastor

and/or DSand/or DS ……may meet with DS without the pastor or staff may meet with DS without the pastor or staff

member present, but they must be have prior member present, but they must be have prior notice and brought into consultation immediately notice and brought into consultation immediately after the meeting.after the meeting.

……shall meet in “closed session, and information shall meet in “closed session, and information shared in the committee shall be confidential.”shared in the committee shall be confidential.”

In multiple staff churches…In multiple staff churches…

……the Pastor-Parish Relations Committeethe Pastor-Parish Relations Committee

is called the is called the Staff-Parish Relations Staff-Parish Relations CommitteeCommittee..

Multiple Church ChargesMultiple Church Charges

There is ONE Charge-wide Pastor Parish There is ONE Charge-wide Pastor Parish Relations Committee with all churches represented Relations Committee with all churches represented in the elected membership of the committee. in the elected membership of the committee. Membership is based on percentage paid on salary Membership is based on percentage paid on salary w/ 1 person required from each churchw/ 1 person required from each church

When one church has concerns, the members of When one church has concerns, the members of the PPRC from that church can meet separately the PPRC from that church can meet separately with knowledge of the Pastor and/or DSwith knowledge of the Pastor and/or DS

Suggested Meeting Suggested Meeting Schedule & ContentSchedule & Content

January-March/First QuarterJanuary-March/First QuarterDiscuss prior year’s evaluation of clergy and staff Discuss prior year’s evaluation of clergy and staff with new S/PPRC members, set priorities for with new S/PPRC members, set priorities for clergy and staff, possible consultations with DS in clergy and staff, possible consultations with DS in cases of potential moves.cases of potential moves.

April-June/Second QuarterApril-June/Second QuarterPossible Introductory VisitsPossible Introductory VisitsParsonage Visit/Assess Housing CostsParsonage Visit/Assess Housing CostsSupport the Parsonage Family/Church StaffSupport the Parsonage Family/Church Staff

Meetings & Content Meetings & Content (Cont.)(Cont.)

July-September/Third QuarterJuly-September/Third Quarter

Note: Set-Up Meeting Schedule in preparation Note: Set-Up Meeting Schedule in preparation for Charge Conference; recommended that for Charge Conference; recommended that S/PPRC meet monthly with new clergyS/PPRC meet monthly with new clergy

Set the Clergy/Staff SalariesSet the Clergy/Staff Salaries

October-December/Fourth QuarterOctober-December/Fourth Quarter

Annual EvaluationAnnual Evaluation

Advisory Response FormsAdvisory Response Forms

Duties of the PPRCDuties of the PPRC

To encourage, strengthen, nurture, support, and To encourage, strengthen, nurture, support, and respect the pastor(s) and staff and their familiesrespect the pastor(s) and staff and their families

To promote unity in the church(es)To promote unity in the church(es) To confer with and counsel the pastor(s) and staff To confer with and counsel the pastor(s) and staff

on the matters of effectiveness and relationship on the matters of effectiveness and relationship with the congregationwith the congregation

To confer with and counsel the pastor(s) and staff To confer with and counsel the pastor(s) and staff pertaining to priorities in the use of his or her gifts, pertaining to priorities in the use of his or her gifts, skill, and timeskill, and time

Duties, cont…Duties, cont…

To provide annual evaluation of pastor and To provide annual evaluation of pastor and staff and continuing education needsstaff and continuing education needs

To communicate and interpret to the To communicate and interpret to the congregation the nature and function of congregation the nature and function of ministry regarding open itinerancyministry regarding open itinerancy

To develop and approve written job To develop and approve written job descriptions and titles for associate pastors descriptions and titles for associate pastors and staff membersand staff members

To consult with the pastor and staff To consult with the pastor and staff concerning continuing education and concerning continuing education and spiritual renewalspiritual renewal

Duties, cont…Duties, cont…

To enlist, interview, evaluate, review, and To enlist, interview, evaluate, review, and recommend annually to the charge conference recommend annually to the charge conference candidates for ordained ministrycandidates for ordained ministry

To interpret preparation for ordained ministryTo interpret preparation for ordained ministry To promote the Ministerial Education FundTo promote the Ministerial Education Fund To confer with the pastor and /or other appointed To confer with the pastor and /or other appointed

members of the staff when a change is in the members of the staff when a change is in the best interest of all; when there is no personnel best interest of all; when there is no personnel policy about dismissal PPRC and Pastor must policy about dismissal PPRC and Pastor must agree to dismiss someoneagree to dismiss someone

Duties, cont…Duties, cont…

To recommend to the Church Council, To recommend to the Church Council, after consultation with the pastor, the need after consultation with the pastor, the need for additional staff whether employee or for additional staff whether employee or contractcontract

To recommend to the charge conference, To recommend to the charge conference, when the size of the staff makes it when the size of the staff makes it desirable to have a Personnel Committeedesirable to have a Personnel Committee

To educate the church on the value of To educate the church on the value of diversity of selection of clergy/staffdiversity of selection of clergy/staff

Duties, cont…Duties, cont… Members of the PPRC shall keep informed of Members of the PPRC shall keep informed of

personnel matters in relationship to Church policy, personnel matters in relationship to Church policy, professional standards, liability issues, & civil law; professional standards, liability issues, & civil law; and recommend personnel policies to Ch. Council. and recommend personnel policies to Ch. Council.

To consult on matters pertaining to pulpit supply, To consult on matters pertaining to pulpit supply, proposals for compensation , travel expense, proposals for compensation , travel expense, vacation, health and life insurance, pension, vacation, health and life insurance, pension, housing (annual review).housing (annual review).

To make annual salary recommendations to the To make annual salary recommendations to the Church Council for action after presenting them to Church Council for action after presenting them to the Finance Committee for information. Final the Finance Committee for information. Final action on salary is responsibility of the Charge action on salary is responsibility of the Charge Conference.Conference.

New Hire Reporting New Hire Reporting RequirementsRequirements

Federal RequirementsFederal Requirements::I-9 Form: Verification of EmploymentI-9 Form: Verification of Employment

The local church needs to have this form The local church needs to have this form on file for each employee of the church, on file for each employee of the church, this includes the minister.this includes the minister.

Acceptable I.D. documents are Driver’s Acceptable I.D. documents are Driver’s License, Passport, Social Security Card, License, Passport, Social Security Card, Voter Registration, Official Birth Voter Registration, Official Birth Certificate, etc.Certificate, etc.

New Hire Reporting New Hire Reporting RequirementsRequirements

South Carolina RequirementsSouth Carolina Requirements:: The local church should have on file a copy of a SC The local church should have on file a copy of a SC

Issued Driver’s License or a License from a State Issued Driver’s License or a License from a State whose requirements are similar to SC for people whose requirements are similar to SC for people hired after July 1, 2010.hired after July 1, 2010. If you cannot meet this then SC Law says you If you cannot meet this then SC Law says you

need to use E-Verify.need to use E-Verify. See See www.llr.state.sc.us/immigration

For New Hires the local church needs notify South For New Hires the local church needs notify South Carolina Department of Social Services, see Carolina Department of Social Services, see www.scnewhire.com

Clergy RecruitmentClergy Recruitment“Within The United Methodist Church, there are those called to servant leadership, lay and ordained. Such callings are evidenced by specific gifts, evidence of God’s grace, and promise of usefulness.” The Book of Discipline, Paragraph 137

The Pastor Parish Relations Committee is responsible for identifying and recruiting persons who are receiving God’s call to ministry as a vocation.

Are YOU fulfilling this important responsibility?

Helping Persons RespondHelping Persons RespondThe Call to Pastoral MinistryThe Call to Pastoral Ministry All pastors come from membership in local All pastors come from membership in local

churches.churches. All are interviewed by the PPRC before being All are interviewed by the PPRC before being

recommended.recommended. Each must receive at least a 2/3 positive vote by Each must receive at least a 2/3 positive vote by

written ballot of the Charge Conference.written ballot of the Charge Conference. Are you affirming those who may be called?Are you affirming those who may be called? Are you encouraging them?Are you encouraging them? Would you welcome the candidate as your Would you welcome the candidate as your

pastor?pastor?

The CandidateThe CandidateBeforeBefore a person is presented to the Charge a person is presented to the Charge Conference for vote of recommendation, he Conference for vote of recommendation, he or she must be an official “Candidate” for or she must be an official “Candidate” for ministry who…ministry who…

……has met with the District Superintendent,has met with the District Superintendent, ……been assigned to a Candidacy Mentor, an elder been assigned to a Candidacy Mentor, an elder

deacon or licensed clergy specially trained to deacon or licensed clergy specially trained to encourage and assist,encourage and assist,

……is officially enrolled with the Division on Higher is officially enrolled with the Division on Higher Education and Ministry,Education and Ministry,

……and is meeting with the mentor assigned to and is meeting with the mentor assigned to further explore God’s call and United Methodist further explore God’s call and United Methodist ministry.ministry.

ClergyClergy

Clergy Compensation Clergy Compensation RemindersReminders

Clergy are Employees for Income Tax Clergy are Employees for Income Tax per IRS, cf. Par. 142, per IRS, cf. Par. 142, 2008 Book of 2008 Book of DisciplineDiscipline; Housing Allowance (anything ; Housing Allowance (anything spent on/in house except food and maid spent on/in house except food and maid service) is excluded from Income Tax.service) is excluded from Income Tax.

Clergy are Self-Employed for Social Clergy are Self-Employed for Social Security per IRS/SSA. Total income incl. Security per IRS/SSA. Total income incl. Housing is taxed at 15.3%Housing is taxed at 15.3%

Compensation Reminders Compensation Reminders ContinuedContinued

Clergy must acquire Tenant Clergy must acquire Tenant Homeowner’s Insurance for their own Homeowner’s Insurance for their own possessions. Local church’s insurance possessions. Local church’s insurance only covers church property.only covers church property.

““Full Time” 2013Full Time” 2013

To be considered full time, a pastor must To be considered full time, a pastor must work a minimum of forty (40) hours on work a minimum of forty (40) hours on his/her charge and cannot work more his/her charge and cannot work more than ten (10) hours per week outside than ten (10) hours per week outside the parish ministry.the parish ministry.

““¾ Time” 2013¾ Time” 2013

Three Quarter Time Pastors means Three Quarter Time Pastors means compensation is at least $38,320 (60% of compensation is at least $38,320 (60% of DAC $63,867 incl. Housing); andDAC $63,867 incl. Housing); and

Service time is no less than 35 hours per Service time is no less than 35 hours per week.week.

““1/2 Time” 20131/2 Time” 2013

One-half Time Pastors means One-half Time Pastors means compensation is at least $25,547(40% of compensation is at least $25,547(40% of DAC $63,867 incl. Housing); andDAC $63,867 incl. Housing); and

Service time is no less than 28 hours per Service time is no less than 28 hours per week.week.

““1/4 Time” 20131/4 Time” 2013

One-Quarter Time Pastors means One-Quarter Time Pastors means compensation is at least $12,773 (20% of compensation is at least $12,773 (20% of DAC $63,867 incl. Housing); andDAC $63,867 incl. Housing); and

Service time is no less than 15 hours per Service time is no less than 15 hours per week.week.

Full & ¾ Time Pastor BenefitsFull & ¾ Time Pastor BenefitsBilled to the Church 2013Billed to the Church 2013

Medical Insurance PremiumsMedical Insurance Premiums Participant OnlyParticipant Only $ 5,568$ 5,568 Participant plus SpouseParticipant plus Spouse $ $

11,71211,712 Participant plus ChildParticipant plus Child $ 7,812$ 7,812 Participant plus ChildrenParticipant plus Children $ 10,596$ 10,596 Family CoverageFamily Coverage $ 15,600$ 15,600 Mandatory Coverage FeeMandatory Coverage Fee $ 7,956$ 7,956 Clergy Couple per churchClergy Couple per church $ 7,800$ 7,800 Clergy Couple Co-PastorsClergy Couple Co-Pastors $ 15,600$ 15,600

Full & ¾ Time Pastor BenefitsFull & ¾ Time Pastor BenefitsBilled to the Church 2013Billed to the Church 2013

Pension Costs Pension Costs Disability & Death Benefit Disability & Death Benefit 3% of Compensation3% of Compensation (Full Time only)(Full Time only) Defined ContributionDefined Contribution 3% of 3% of

CompensationCompensation Defined Benefit (Full Time) Defined Benefit (Full Time) $ 6,936 per year $ 6,936 per year Defined Benefit (3/4 Time)Defined Benefit (3/4 Time) $ 5,5202 per year$ 5,5202 per year Defined Benefit (1/2 Time)Defined Benefit (1/2 Time) $ 3,468 per year$ 3,468 per year Defined Benefit (1/4 Time)Defined Benefit (1/4 Time) $ 1,734 per year$ 1,734 per year(based on FTE “Full Time Equivalency” status: 100%, (based on FTE “Full Time Equivalency” status: 100%,

75%, 50%, 25%)75%, 50%, 25%)

Full & ¾ Time Pastor BenefitsFull & ¾ Time Pastor BenefitsBilled to the Pastor 2013Billed to the Pastor 2013

Medical Insurance PremiumsMedical Insurance Premiums Participant OnlyParticipant Only $ 2,388$ 2,388 Participant plus SpouseParticipant plus Spouse $ 5,016$ 5,016 Participant plus ChildParticipant plus Child $ 3,348$ 3,348 Participant plus ChildrenParticipant plus Children $ 4,536$ 4,536 Participant plus FamilyParticipant plus Family $ 6,696$ 6,696

Pension Contribution amount is set by the clergy Pension Contribution amount is set by the clergy as before or after-taxas before or after-tax

Minimum Salaries 2013*Minimum Salaries 2013*The minimum full time salary for The minimum full time salary for pastors is based on a percentage of the pastors is based on a percentage of the Conference Average Compensation from Conference Average Compensation from prior year.prior year.

Full ConnectionFull Connection $40,500 $40,500 Provisional & Associate Provisional & Associate $36,800$36,800 Full Time Local Pastor Full Time Local Pastor $34,150$34,150

* Does not include Experience Merit (After 5 yrs. * Does not include Experience Merit (After 5 yrs. Fulltime service add $175 per yr, up to 10 yrs, Fulltime service add $175 per yr, up to 10 yrs, $875-$1,575; 11+ years $1,750.)$875-$1,575; 11+ years $1,750.)

Paying PastorsPaying Pastors

Remember that your pastor pays her/his own taxes, Remember that your pastor pays her/his own taxes, including 15.3% of Fair Rental Value of Parsonage and/or including 15.3% of Fair Rental Value of Parsonage and/or Housing Allowance.Housing Allowance.

Pay the cost of guest preachers when your pastor is away Pay the cost of guest preachers when your pastor is away for vacation, annual conference, and for continuing for vacation, annual conference, and for continuing education. Church should budget enough to cover this (not education. Church should budget enough to cover this (not the pastor).the pastor).

Pastors should receive a weekly day-off, and a minimum of Pastors should receive a weekly day-off, and a minimum of two weeks paid vacation annually, after 5 AC yrs, 3 wks; two weeks paid vacation annually, after 5 AC yrs, 3 wks; 10+ AC years, 4 wks.10+ AC years, 4 wks.

Remember: Reimbursements after receipts are presented Remember: Reimbursements after receipts are presented is the only way your pastor can avoid income tax on is the only way your pastor can avoid income tax on professional expenses. Work out payment Schedule professional expenses. Work out payment Schedule between church and clergy before arrival.between church and clergy before arrival.

AC Vacation Policy for All AC Vacation Policy for All ClergyClergy

Total years of ServiceTotal years of Service # of Weeks# of WeeksLess Than 5 yearsLess Than 5 years Min. of 2 WksMin. of 2 Wks

5 years – 10 years5 years – 10 years Min. of 3 WksMin. of 3 Wks

More than 10 yearsMore than 10 years Min. of 4 WksMin. of 4 Wks

(Wks includes Sundays)(Wks includes Sundays)

Criteria for Effective MinistryCriteria for Effective Ministry

Good Relational Skills…observed and reported by Good Relational Skills…observed and reported by the PPRCthe PPRC

Able to articulate the Gospel clearly backed up Able to articulate the Gospel clearly backed up Christian lifestyleChristian lifestyle

Positive Growing Relationships in the congregationPositive Growing Relationships in the congregation The church reflects good pastoral leadership by The church reflects good pastoral leadership by

showing signs of growth and improvement, spiritually showing signs of growth and improvement, spiritually and physicallyand physically

Challenges and Affirms the congregation toward Challenges and Affirms the congregation toward growth and missiongrowth and mission

Effective Ministry continued…Effective Ministry continued…

Evidence of adequate time spent in the parish…Evidence of adequate time spent in the parish…hours in office, availability to parishioners, visitation hours in office, availability to parishioners, visitation and outreach, training and teaching laity.and outreach, training and teaching laity.

Supportive of Connectional Ministry…willing to Supportive of Connectional Ministry…willing to itinerate, encourages and supports itinerate, encourages and supports apportionments, meets regularly with other pastors apportionments, meets regularly with other pastors for support, attends meetings of the district, etc.for support, attends meetings of the district, etc.

Caring for Self…spiritually, physically, emotionallyCaring for Self…spiritually, physically, emotionally

GIVING FEEDBACK TO GIVING FEEDBACK TO CLERGYCLERGY

Do you listen politely to concerns of church Do you listen politely to concerns of church members and of your pastor(s)/clergy?members and of your pastor(s)/clergy?

Are you meeting regularly with your Are you meeting regularly with your pastor(s)/clergy to give them feedback?pastor(s)/clergy to give them feedback?

Do you promote healthy RELATIONS between Do you promote healthy RELATIONS between pastor/clergy and congregation? Transactional pastor/clergy and congregation? Transactional Analysis?Analysis?

Are you being honest?Are you being honest? Do you maintain confidentiality?Do you maintain confidentiality? Do you give “prior notice” of meetings?Do you give “prior notice” of meetings?

2012 Evaluation Process2012 Evaluation Process

Use 2012 Clergy Assessment Document.Use 2012 Clergy Assessment Document. SPRC Chair provides copy of SPRC Chair provides copy of

Assessment to all SPRC members.Assessment to all SPRC members. Each Person fills it out and brings to Each Person fills it out and brings to

meeting.meeting. Open Discussion with clergy and then Open Discussion with clergy and then

S/PPRC fills out a composite S/PPRC fills out a composite Assessment Document.Assessment Document.

Your Role in Your Pastor’s Your Role in Your Pastor’s EducationEducation

Local Pastors must participate regularly and Local Pastors must participate regularly and faithfully in the official Course of Studyfaithfully in the official Course of Study

Pastors who have completed the basic education Pastors who have completed the basic education must participate each year in Continuing must participate each year in Continuing Education; 3 CEU’s avg (30 Contact Hrs).Education; 3 CEU’s avg (30 Contact Hrs).

You are responsible (min. $750) for supporting You are responsible (min. $750) for supporting them and helping them identify areas for growth.them and helping them identify areas for growth.

Growing pastors are important to growing Growing pastors are important to growing churches.churches.

Education time is not vacation time.Education time is not vacation time. You can guide the continuing education of your You can guide the continuing education of your

pastor into areas where growth and improvement pastor into areas where growth and improvement are needed.are needed.

How We Deploy PastorsHow We Deploy Pastors

ItinerancyItinerancy One of the most characteristic features of the One of the most characteristic features of the

United Methodist Church.United Methodist Church. Pastors are appointed to serve from year to year Pastors are appointed to serve from year to year

where they are needed by the bishop.where they are needed by the bishop. At least annually, each pastor/clergy and At least annually, each pastor/clergy and

pastoral charge is evaluated and reviewed.pastoral charge is evaluated and reviewed. Itinerancy was instituted by John Wesley in 1746 Itinerancy was instituted by John Wesley in 1746

when he appointed lay preachers whom he when he appointed lay preachers whom he called “helpers” to definitive circuits.called “helpers” to definitive circuits.

Wesley died believing in itinerancy as “The Wesley died believing in itinerancy as “The Apostolic Plan of Evangelization.”Apostolic Plan of Evangelization.”

The Appointment ProcessThe Appointment ProcessPeoplePeople

BishopBishop Responsible for Appointing ClergyResponsible for Appointing Clergy

District SuperintendentDistrict Superintendent Represents the Bishop in a regionRepresents the Bishop in a region

CabinetCabinet Bishop and District Superintendents working Bishop and District Superintendents working

togethertogether Together…prayerfully, honestly…works out the Together…prayerfully, honestly…works out the

AppointmentsAppointments

The Appointment ProcessThe Appointment ProcessTerminologyTerminology

AppointmentAppointment Assignment of a pastor to her/his specific workAssignment of a pastor to her/his specific work

ConsultationConsultation Relational process whereby gifts/needs/situation of Relational process whereby gifts/needs/situation of

pastor and congregations becomes knownpastor and congregations becomes known Conversations leading to and interpreting the Conversations leading to and interpreting the

AppointmentAppointment Advisory ResponseAdvisory Response

The combined wisdom of the pastor and the Pastor The combined wisdom of the pastor and the Pastor Parish Relations Committee in anticipation of their Parish Relations Committee in anticipation of their AppointmentAppointment

The Appointment ProcessThe Appointment ProcessPrinciplesPrinciples

Pastors are appointed to the total community, Pastors are appointed to the total community, not just the local congregation, with the goal of not just the local congregation, with the goal of leading the congregation in mission and leading the congregation in mission and ministry in the total community.ministry in the total community.

Pastors exist to help shape congregations in Pastors exist to help shape congregations in accordance with the lordship of Jesus Christ. accordance with the lordship of Jesus Christ. Congregations do not exist to support the Congregations do not exist to support the upward mobility of pastors.upward mobility of pastors.

Mission and morale of congregations have Mission and morale of congregations have priority over morale and personal priority over morale and personal professional goals of pastors.professional goals of pastors.

The Cabinet functions in the appointment The Cabinet functions in the appointment process for the benefit of the whole process for the benefit of the whole Conference with superintendents sharing Conference with superintendents sharing openly, candidly, and confidentially.openly, candidly, and confidentially.

All relevant information regarding pastors All relevant information regarding pastors and congregations is to be shared with the and congregations is to be shared with the Cabinet.Cabinet.

All conversations within the appointment process All conversations within the appointment process are confidential and are not to be shared outside are confidential and are not to be shared outside the Cabinet.the Cabinet.

Differences and disagreements are to be Differences and disagreements are to be expressed openly in the Cabinet sessions, and expressed openly in the Cabinet sessions, and when decisions are made, the decisions become when decisions are made, the decisions become “Cabinet decisions.”“Cabinet decisions.”

Every appointment has ambiguity, and there are Every appointment has ambiguity, and there are no “perfect” churches or pastors.no “perfect” churches or pastors.

Families of clergy are an important factor in the Families of clergy are an important factor in the appointment considerations, and every effort will appointment considerations, and every effort will be made to provide context for ministry which be made to provide context for ministry which enables the clergy family to meet basic enables the clergy family to meet basic educational and other needs.educational and other needs.

Consensus will be sought on each appointment, Consensus will be sought on each appointment, and when such consensus is not achieved, the and when such consensus is not achieved, the bishop will make the decision.bishop will make the decision.

We will trust God to bring positive results We will trust God to bring positive results from even our imperfect decisions when from even our imperfect decisions when we do our work prayerfully and with a we do our work prayerfully and with a genuine commitment to the Church’s genuine commitment to the Church’s mission.mission.

The Appointment Process The Appointment Process 20132013

Advisory Response FormsAdvisory Response Forms

Two options for pastors and the Pastor Two options for pastors and the Pastor Parish Relations Committee:Parish Relations Committee:

CONTINUE in present appointmentCONTINUE in present appointment

CHANGE pastoral appointmentCHANGE pastoral appointment

Pastor and PPRC returns their Advisory Pastor and PPRC returns their Advisory Response Forms no later than December Response Forms no later than December 20, 2012 to DS.20, 2012 to DS.

Advisory Response FormsAdvisory Response FormsDo’s and Don’tsDo’s and Don’ts

Don’t “poll” the congregationDon’t “poll” the congregation Do announce that the process of evaluation Do announce that the process of evaluation

has begun and invite input to the PPRC.has begun and invite input to the PPRC. Do try to reach agreement (consensus) in Do try to reach agreement (consensus) in

the PPRC…this is better than voting.the PPRC…this is better than voting. Do explain your decision in the space Do explain your decision in the space

provided.provided. Do talk Do talk withwith the pastor (not just the pastor (not just aboutabout)) All members of the Committee and pastor All members of the Committee and pastor

signs the form before it is returned.signs the form before it is returned.

Advisory Response FormsAdvisory Response FormsAdvisory Only !Advisory Only !

This is just what it says: ADVISORY.This is just what it says: ADVISORY.

The decision is made by the bishop and cabinet The decision is made by the bishop and cabinet with the best interests of all concerned in mind.with the best interests of all concerned in mind.

Most of the time the advice is followed.Most of the time the advice is followed.

Sometimes a different course is chosen in view of Sometimes a different course is chosen in view of the total picture.the total picture.

The Appointment ProcessThe Appointment ProcessHow It WorksHow It Works

The DS consults with pastors and PPRCs where a The DS consults with pastors and PPRCs where a move is anticipated.move is anticipated.

This meeting may be initiated by the pastor or PPRC This meeting may be initiated by the pastor or PPRC where a change is requested after completing the where a change is requested after completing the Advisory Response Form.Advisory Response Form.

Every DS meets with Bishop to identify possible moves Every DS meets with Bishop to identify possible moves The Cabinet meets February 13-15, 2013 to prayerfully The Cabinet meets February 13-15, 2013 to prayerfully

discuss discuss everyevery pastoral appointment potentiality. pastoral appointment potentiality. .. From this discussion a clearer picture emerges of From this discussion a clearer picture emerges of

needed changes.needed changes.

March 3-8, 2013 the Cabinet spends a week March 3-8, 2013 the Cabinet spends a week together prayerfully and honestly working on together prayerfully and honestly working on the actual appointments.the actual appointments.

The projected appointment changes are The projected appointment changes are reported March 11,2013 to the pastors and to reported March 11,2013 to the pastors and to the Pastor Parish Relations Committee the Pastor Parish Relations Committee chairpersons before they are released to the chairpersons before they are released to the congregations.congregations.

Letters of Reconsideration are due March 15, Letters of Reconsideration are due March 15, 2013.2013.

A PPRC Introductory Meeting is held for each A PPRC Introductory Meeting is held for each projected appointment.projected appointment.

Emphasis on Local ChurchEmphasis on Local Church

The Pastor and Church Profiles, due The Pastor and Church Profiles, due December 17, 2012, help the Bishop & December 17, 2012, help the Bishop & Cabinet understand the issues and Cabinet understand the issues and opportunities in church(es) and pastors. opportunities in church(es) and pastors. They are available on-line at They are available on-line at www.umcsc.org, “Resources” tab, then , “Resources” tab, then “Forms.”“Forms.”

This congregational self understanding is This congregational self understanding is key to identifying the gifts and skills key to identifying the gifts and skills needed in the pastor.needed in the pastor.

Be as clear as possible in stating these Be as clear as possible in stating these needs in the Advisory process.needs in the Advisory process.

On Moving PreachersOn Moving PreachersJohn Wesley said:John Wesley said:

“…“…I should myself preach even my I should myself preach even my congregation ‘asleep’ were I to stay in congregation ‘asleep’ were I to stay in one place an entire year.”one place an entire year.”

““No one whom I ever yet knew has all the No one whom I ever yet knew has all the talents which are needful for beginning, talents which are needful for beginning, continuing, and perfecting the work of continuing, and perfecting the work of grace in a whole congregation.”grace in a whole congregation.”

How Congregations Can How Congregations Can Sustain Pastoral ExcellenceSustain Pastoral Excellence

Be body-focused, not pastor-focusedBe body-focused, not pastor-focused Be full of grace Be full of grace andand truth with your pastor truth with your pastor Cultivate healthy congregational attitudes Cultivate healthy congregational attitudes

toward changetoward change Accept differences as normal in a healthy Accept differences as normal in a healthy

congregationcongregation

Miscellaneous FactsMiscellaneous Facts December 31 is deadline for notice to DS December 31 is deadline for notice to DS

of interest in having or being an of interest in having or being an Associate Pastor.Associate Pastor.

During the Appointment Process it may During the Appointment Process it may become necessary for the Bishop and become necessary for the Bishop and Cabinet to involve pastors and/or charge Cabinet to involve pastors and/or charge in pastoral change which were not in pastoral change which were not indicated by December 31.indicated by December 31.

Appointments set at AC on June 12.Appointments set at AC on June 12. Moving Date is June 26! Get Ready!Moving Date is June 26! Get Ready!

BEWARE!BEWARE!

Clergy Chargeable OffensesClergy Chargeable OffensesParagraph 2702.1, 2008 Book of DisciplineParagraph 2702.1, 2008 Book of Discipline

ImmoralityImmorality Practices incompatible with Christian teachingsPractices incompatible with Christian teachings CrimeCrime Failure to perform the work of ministryFailure to perform the work of ministry Disobedience to the Order & Discipline of the United Disobedience to the Order & Discipline of the United

Methodist ChurchMethodist Church Dissemination of doctrines contrary to the United Dissemination of doctrines contrary to the United

Methodist ChurchMethodist Church Undermining the ministry of another United Methodist Undermining the ministry of another United Methodist

pastorpastor Racial harassment; racial or gender discriminationRacial harassment; racial or gender discrimination Sexual abuse, misconduct or harassment; child abuseSexual abuse, misconduct or harassment; child abuse

Chargeable Chargeable OffensesOffenses for Laity for Laity (2702.3)(2702.3)

ImmoralityImmorality CrimeCrime Disobedience to the Order & Discipline of the United Disobedience to the Order & Discipline of the United

Methodist ChurchMethodist Church Dissemination of doctrines contrary to the United Dissemination of doctrines contrary to the United

Methodist ChurchMethodist Church Sexual abuse, misconduct or harassment; child abuseSexual abuse, misconduct or harassment; child abuse Racial harassment; racial or gender discriminationRacial harassment; racial or gender discrimination Relationships and/or behaviors that undermine clergy Relationships and/or behaviors that undermine clergy

while serving within an appointmentwhile serving within an appointment