We've talked about the UMC appointment system before, which has many critics. One common view is that switching pastors every few years is detrimental to church growth.
Still, the numbers don't look good: we're in numerical decline across the country.
Perhaps we've been going about this the wrong way. Let's think outside the box. Making appointments last 10 years instead of 5 hasn't been helping, so let's go in the other direction. I propose that we move pastors every four hours. That way, pastors can gain valuable experience in many different churches, learning about the work of the ordained ministry in different contexts.
What do you think?
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
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7 comments:
Every four hours, huh?
I like it. We're always in the "honeymoon" stage.
Yes, and the church to which you move should be the next church to the north. Then, after you get to the most northern church, you go on all the way around the globe and work your way back up from the south again. Great plan!
Itenerantly Yours,
Andy B.
As a relitivly young pastor (6 years) I always thought that long pastorates were the way to go. Granted, I still do, but I am beginnging to see the wisdom in moving pastors.
For example, in a long pastorate, you have to reinvent yourself every 5-7 years. If you remain constant, the church's needs will outpace you.
I think this is a good question (put in a humorous fashion) that deserves some real discussion.
Andy,
Your suggestion lends itself to a new clergy recruiting program..."Become an Elder in the UMC and see the world!"
Wayne
It takes 5-7 years to become established as a trusted leader in a church. Moving pastors around to keep things fresh only dooms a local church to whatever direction it's more outspoken members wants to take.
If you're going to move them every 3-5 years, it makes just as much sense to move every 4 hours. Equip each pastor with a Winnebego and sell all the parsonages. Big money savings there.
To quote Wesley, "The Winnebago is my parish."
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