The Context Methodism: a connexional Church
Committed to the best use of resources for the good of the whole church
Committed to best & consistent practice Committed to trust & prayerful discernment Free from all wrongful forms of discrimination
Ministry: an itinerant system Attention to the needs of the Circuits
Ministers matched to appointments Attention to needs & aspirations of ministers
Supreme Court ruling Ministers are not employees There is no contract with the circuit (or indeed with
anyone else) All Ministers are stationed annually by the
Conference
(consultation, CPD, but not consent!)
A two-part process 1. Consideration of current invitation [June –
September] Should the present invitation be extended ?
Vocational Reflection & Circuit Consultations Discernment & Recommendation (up to 5 yrs) Circuit Meeting Decision New letter of understanding
2. Stationing [September onwards] What ministry should I exercise next ?
Writing & reading profiles The Matching Process
Part One: Consideration of current invitation: an overview 1. Initial preparations*
2. Briefing of those involved
3. Consultation with minister
4. Consultation with churches
5. Preparing a recommendation and CIC
6. The Circuit Meeting
7. Letter of understanding or seeking new appointment
1. Initial Preparations Personal prayer & reflection [D6]
Where am I being led in ministry ? What is my experience in this appointment so far ? What are the opportunities for development here ? How do my gifts match the future needs of the Circuit ? What other factors are important ?
Who else could help me discern the way ? Colleagues; mentor; spiritual director ? Stationing Advisory Committee?
Personal support What are my anxieties? Who might walk this journey with me?
2. Consultation with minister part 1. Chair & Lay Stationing Rep
Exploring the vocational journey Reviewing the current factors
Circuit Stewards (& Invitations Committee) Initial reflections Personal and vocational aspirations
2. Consultation with minister part 2. Feedback from Circuit stewards
Exploring feedback Reflection on response to feedback Who reflects on it with you if it is difficult?
Meeting with Invitations Committee Hearing feedback and response Personal and vocational aspirations Opportunity for conversation
On-going conversation and support
3. Briefing
Circuit stewards and church stewards
Presbyters & Deacons
Others involved in the process
4. The Consultation Process Purpose Questions to be asked * People to be consulted
Within the local churches As ecumenical or community partners
Time-frame Feed-back Discernment & recommendation Right to prepare alternative statement
Asking Appropriate Questions What are the gifts & skills you appreciate ? Are pastoral needs being addressed ? Are styles of worship helpful ? Has there been outreach to the community ? How might a change of ministry affect
ecumenical or community partners ? What ongoing work would benefit from
continuity ? Is there a need for a change of ministry to
bring different gifts & skills
Asking appropriate questions for a diaconal appointment In what ways has the vision… developed ? Have the expectations of the Circuit and
Deacon been met ? Has the work developed in new directions ? How does the appointment relate to Circuit
priorities ? What kind of ministry does the Circuit wish to
offer and to whom ? Is a different set of gifts/skills now needed?
5. Preparing a recommendation Circuit stewards receive reports & check
range of those consulted Circuit Stewards produce report of
consultation & share with minister Invitation Committee meets to receive
written report, hear minister’s reflections and produce written recommendation, with reasons
5. Preparing a recommendation Invitations Committee
Recommendation shared with Minister, District Chair & Lay Stationing rep
circulated to Circuit Meeting Right to prepare alternative statement NB E11 re unopposed extension
6. Circuit Meeting Ct Stewards present recommendation Minister can address meeting and/or respond
to points raised in discussion If no opposition registered, recommendation
taken as agreed; otherwise… Minister (and any family member)leaves
before ballot vote taken 60% of those present & voting required for re-
invitation; 75% if for 11th or more years
Minister informed of result
7. After the circuit meeting
Letter of understanding Importance of using template Subject to the Conference
Seeking of new appointment What kind of appointment? What do I need to say to the church in terms of
important considerations?
Part Two: Stationing
The Minister’s Profile The Circuit Profiles The Matching Process for Presbyters The Matching Process for Deacons The Visit The Invitation & Letter of Understanding Before September 2015
The Minister’s Profile What is it for ?
To describe you: experience, gifts, aspirations To inform the matching process
How is it prepared ? By you – checked by those who know you ? In consultation with the Chair
When is it needed ? 25 September (Chair & Warden)
Other Options ?
The Circuit Profiles Profiles dispatched by 17 October
Identify possible matches
Consult Chair re 5 (3) best matches +
NB no direct contact allowed
The Matching Process [H1-12/M1-2] Matching process:
3-6 Nov/1-2 Dec: SMG 1 & 2 5-6 January: Initial Stationing Sub-committee 13 January: SMG 3
Matching practice: Ministers are matched to appointments Each appointment is matched as it is called
Stationing Matching Group until 31 May 2015
The Visit [I1-13; N1-12] Within 10 days of the matching process
Normally Saturdays – 8 or 15/11; 6 or 13/12; Purpose:
mutual discernment – not interview! Practicalities:
Information pack Programme – Presentation? Conversation with Invitations Committee Hospitality & family considerations ?
Invitation & Letter of Understanding The Circuit issues the invitation – or not
Delegated authority for Invitation Cttee ? Special Circuit Meeting in place ?
Feed-back to Circuit (& Chair) within 2 days Letter of Understanding
confirming any verbal agreements re (eg)
Tasks, Manse, Resources etc.
Before September 2014
Agree how you will keep in touch eg re Manse; Circuit changes; dates etc.
Help current Churches & Circuit prepare for new ministry
Plan well for ‘good endings’ Note Charter for Incoming Ministers
CPD p. 741 applies to your successor too!