April 19, 2010
Appointment making: prayer, discussion, and discernment
Appointment making seemed so simple to me. There were a certain number of preachers and a certain number of churches so all that was needed was to fill the slots. Then I was appointed as a district superintendent.
I remember the first time I shared in the responsibility of appointment making. Along with my colleagues I had always been able to make “good” appointments but I discovered it was much more difficult when you had to consider all of the churches and all of the clergy. There are so many factors to consider and every decision affects many people. I am not sure it is possible to adequately communicate the complexity of this endeavor.
The manner in which clergy are deployed is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the United Methodist Church. Clergy in the United Methodist Church are appointed by the Bishop. They are not called by congregations. Every church (there are approximately 950 in the North Georgia Conference) is entitled to a pastor and every commissioned or ordained clergy is guaranteed a place to serve.
Last week Bishop Watson and the North Georgia Appointive Cabinet (of 14 persons) completed the long and arduous task of appointment making for the next conference year. This process began in January when staff-parish relations committees and clergy expressed their preferences. This information was received and consultation with the bishop and the district superintendents occurred.
The next step in this complicated process involved the bishop and his cabinet in many days of prayer, discussion, and discernment. Every full-time pastor, many part-time pastors, and every church was named and discussed. The result of all this was approximately 100 new appointments that will be effective July 1. District Superintendents have contacted all of the staff-parish relations committees and clergy that will be involved in these changes. The Cabinet will meet again May 10-11 to address any extenuating circumstances that warrant re-consideration. Public announcements of all new appointments will be made Sunday, May 16.
Finally, Bishop Watson will read the appointments at the close of Annual Conference in Athens on June 18.
After God called me there were two things that I had to resolve before I could become a United Methodist preacher. One of them was itineracy. At that time I had no clue about what all that meant but, after much prayer, I concluded that I could trust God to direct my ministry through a bishop and cabinet. 38 years later I still believe that for me and for my United Methodist clergy brothers and sisters.
Jamie Jenkins
jjenkins@ngumc.org
Be sure to check out next week's edition of the North Georgia Advocate where Jamie Jenkins will describe his perception of the complex issues that affect the appointment making process.
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North Georgia Conference News Brief
Registration for the 2010 Annual Conference Session now available on-line
Beginning Monday, April 19, a new on-line process will be available to register lay and clergy conference members for the 2010 Annual Conference Session. All members attending are encouraged to pre-register their attendance electronically on the conference web site at www.ngumc.org/ac2010register. Registration for the 2010 Annual Conference Session includes a $30 registration fee.
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North Georgia Conference Event Spotlight
30th Anniversary Charles V. Gerkin Pastoral Care Symposium
April 21 | 9:30am | Decatur First UMC
“Dreaded Conversations” is an special event that will help spiritual leaders equip parents and guardians to address difficult topics with children. Topics discussed will be: abuse and neglect; human sexuality; violence and aggression against others and self; tough goodbyes and grief; chronic health issues and disabilities. For more information, contact Cynthia L Daniels at Emory Clergy Care at 678.924.9260 or via email at Cynthial@emoryclergy.net.
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Upcoming Events this Week from the Conference Calendar
Monday, April 19
Atlanta Roswell District Clergy Meeting
Athens Elberton Children's Ministry Network Meeting
Wednesday, April 21
Pastoral Care Symposium: Dreaded Conversations
Thursday, April 22
Atlanta Roswell District Finance Meeting
Athens Elberton Sub-district Worship Service
Older Adult Training Event
Youth Worker Gathering
Saturday, April 24
Change the World Event (April 24, 25)
Changing Strategies for Stewardship
Come to the Rock Because God Said So!
Sunday, April 25
Northwest District Laity Rally with Bishop Watson
World Malaria Day
View the Entire Conference Calendar
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North Georgia Conference Links of Interest
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The North Georgia Advocate
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Lectionary Scriptures for this Sunday
April 25, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43
Psalm 23 (UMH 754 or 137)
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30
Visit the General Board of Discipleship website for lectionary planning helps
