March 2010 - Appointment Season Prompts Prayer
United Methodists are in the midst of an unofficial season in the church year that's not marked on calendars, but prompts much prayer and change in routine nonetheless. It's known as "appointment season" -- the time a bishop and the district superintendents on his Cabinet consider where each clergyperson will be appointed to serve in the coming year (July 1-June 30).
In The United Methodist Church, all clergy are appointed to their places of ministry by the bishop assigned to their conference (region). Each appointment is for one year, but the majority of clergy are reappointed to the same church multiple times. Local congregations are represented in the appointment process by their Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) that is elected annually by the congregation. Each year, both that committee and the pastor consult with the district superintendent about the pastoral appointment for the next year. They may request a continuation of the appointment or express a need for change.
"Our philosophy is that that longevity is desirable in pastoral appointments and if both the pastor and PPRC recommend the continuation of an appointment, we will attempt to honor that request," said Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton. "However, because we must consider the total scope of needs in all the churches and communities of Western Pennsylvania, there are times when we cannot."
The United Methodist system of appointing pastors is different from the way churches in other denominations secure pastoral leadership. In some, it is up to each local church to call or hire its own pastor, who may also be dismissed by the local church leaders. In United Methodist churches, both the appointed pastors and the congregations to which they are appointed are part of a connection which can provide support, training, mediation, and prayerful supervision.
A pastoral change is difficult and it's important that all who are affected seek God's wisdom and guidance. Pray for the congregations, clergy, Bishop and Cabinet as they move through appointment season.
The way pastors, their families, and congregations respond to this time of change can greatly impact lives and ministries. Seminars will be offered this Spring to help those affected address the issues faced when a pastor moves. Check www.wpaumc.org for details.
By Jackie Campbell, WPAUMC News