File - Utah Western Colorado District

Transcript File - Utah Western Colorado District

Local Church PPR/SPR Committee Handbook

Utah/Western Colorado District of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church 1

A Prayer for Pastor and People Gracious and Ever-loving God, help us to remember always that ours is a sacred trust from you as we seek to enhance relations between pastor and people. May we know we are in this relationship together with you.

Guide us in our quest for honesty and fairness. Help us to be quick to listen and slow to judge. Strengthen us in our ability to sift through the petty as we seek to expose that which is worthy of our thought and attention.

Inspire us to stick to issues and not stick it to each other.

When things are going well, let us rejoice and be grateful. When things are not going so well, let us reaffirm our faith in Christ and patiently and lovingly work toward a solution.

Teach us humility in all our working relationships and help us to exemplify the spirit of the Christ in dialogue and in deed.

Give us strength, courage and understanding as we strive to be accountable as pastor and people. And let us forever be grateful that we are part of the United Methodist Church.

We offer our prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Jesus. Amen.

~ Lonnie Johnston 2

• • • • •

Why do we need training?

To understand the role of the committee To help the committee address concerns in a healthy way To help the pastor to be as effective as possible in the church To help the church work more effectively with pastors To help us all become better church leaders 3

TRUE

FALSE?

True or False?

When a church wants a new pastor, the SPRC chairperson holds a meeting with the congregation to take a vote.

False

•SPRC confers with the DS and the church to determine how the best interests of church & pastor can be served •Committee cooperates with the pastor, district superintendent, and bishop •Committee relationship with DS & bishop is advisory only •The Bishop, in consultation with the SPRC and the Cabinet, appoints pastors 7

True or False?

The SPRC does not have to meet unless there is a crisis in pastoral leadership.

False

•The committee shall meet at least quarterly. 10

True or False?

At least one youth or young adult should serve on the SPRC.

True

One of the members shall be a young adult and one member may be a youth.

True or False?

If the pastor’s spouse is the lay member of annual conference, then s/he can serve on the SPRC.

False

No staff member or immediate family member of a pastor or staff member may serve on the committee.

True or False?

Since the Lay Member to Annual Conference and the Lay Leader serve as committee members by virtue of their offices, they do not have a vote.

False

True or False?

The SPRC may meet only with the knowledge of the pastor and/or the district superintendent.

True

Committee meets only with the knowledge of the pastor and/or DS.

True or False?

The SPRC annually enlists and recommends persons from their congregation for ordained ministry.

True

• Interview • Evaluate • Review SPRC role is to: • Enlist • And recommend annually to charge conference lay ministers & persons for candidacy for ordained ministry 24

True or False?

The SPRC is the group in the church charged to interpret the work of the Ministerial Education Fund to the congregation.

True

SPRC interprets to congregation the process of preparation for ordained ministry and the role of the Ministerial Education Fund 27

True or False?

The SPRC has the responsibility of developing and updating regularly a personnel policy manual for all church employees.

True

True or False?

When a vacancy occurs in pastoral leadership, the Bishop provides a list of available clergy names, which the SPRC prioritizes for interviews.

False

True or False?

The SPRC should poll the congregation every year to determine whether or not to keep their pastor.

False

• • • • The SPRC should cultivate an art of listening to the congregation to assess the effectiveness of the pastor. They should NOT: Poll the church Ask congregants leading questions Hold a “town hall” styled meeting to assess the pastor’s popularity Invite and share anonymous complaints about the pastor or staff 34

• • • • • • The SPRC SHOULD: Listen, listen, listen Weigh complaints and determine whether a problem is shared by many or only a few Be non-anxious in conflict Share complements as well as complaints Invite conversation around the strengths and gifts of the pastor Be specific in addressing problems; avoid generalities and sharing anonymous 35

True or False?

Conflict should be avoided, if possible, to maintain harmony in the church.

False

Where two or more are gathered together, there will be conflict. When addressed with genuine care and consideration, conflict can be beneficial to the health of the church and the pastor.

Guidelines to help with “holy conferencing” can be found in the resources section of this presentation.

True or False?

An ordained deacon is a layperson who plans activities at the church.

False

Deacons are persons: • Called by God • Authorized by the Church • Ordained by the bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word & Service to both community & congregation in ministry that connects the two.

Ministry of Deacon

• • • • • Ordained to Word and service Gives leadership in the church’s life Called and set apart for ministry of service Conference membership Appointment 42

True or False?

An ordained elder is at least 55 years old and teaches younger clergy how to be pastors.

False

Elders are persons: • Called by God • Authorized by the Church • Ordained by the bishop to Word, Sacrament and Order.

Ministry of Elder

• • • • • Ordained to Word, sacrament and order Give spiritual & temporal leadership in the church’s life Are members of the conference rather than the local church Are appointed by the bishop Are eligible for 46

True or False?

A licensed Local Pastor can perform fully as a pastor of the church where he/she is appointed.

True

Licensed Local Pastor

• • • • May perform all duties of a pastor, including: Sacraments of baptism, Holy Communion Service of marriage, burial, confirmation, membership reception License may be renewed annually Upon completion of the Course of Study, a Local Pastor may apply for Associate Membership.

True or False?

A Certified Lay Minister is appointed by the bishop.

False

A certified Lay Minister is a layperson who is assigned by the district superintendent to a variety of ministries within the local church.

Certified Lay Minister

• • • • May preach the Word, provide a care ministry, assist in program leadership, serve as a part of the ministry team & must: Be recommended by local church pastor Complete Lay Ministry Training Demonstrate appreciation of history, polity, doctrine, worship & liturgy of UMC through service in local church Comply with application & certification process 53

True or False?

An SPRC meeting is closed to persons not elected to the committee.

True

Meetings of the SPRC deal with many sensitive issues, such as staff performance, relationship problems and other human resources topics. Members may be asked to keep some of the conversation confidential. Minutes are kept, but should not be distributed throughout the congregation if they contain sensitive material.

True or False?

The SPRC must walk through the parsonage every year.

True

Church-owned parsonages must be kept up to minimal conference standards. The SPRC should walk through the parsonage annually to assess the condition and maintenance needs of the home and work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that repairs are completed in a timely manner.

Pastors, too, have responsibility to be “good tenants” when living in a parsonage.

The Role of the SPRC

• • • Provides leadership integrating staff and congregational interests focusing on the mission of the church Connects communications – Congregation – District Superintendent/Cabinet Assures healthy spiritual leadership and lay service to the church 60

• • •

The SPRC is Responsible to

The Pastor – – To support, encourage and help the pastor to succeed in the church To recommend and support the pastor’s professional growth The Congregation – To interpret the work of the pastor(s) and/or lay staff to the congregation and to listen to their concerns The Conference Cabinet – To help ensure a healthy relationship between pastor(s) and congregation 61

•

United Methodist Church

Episcopacy: Bishops elected and consecrated by jurisdictional & central conferences; empowered to make all appointments in episcopal area • Book of Discipline – UM book of law, plan, government and process. Can only be amended by General Conference • Conference Guidelines – summary of authority/responsibilities of PPR/SPR 62

• • • •

Roles

Bishop – Superintending officer and spiritual leader of Annual Conference District Superintendent (DS) – Presiding elder appointed by Bishop and assigned to responsibilities of oversight and supervision within a district, serving as an extension of Bishop’s office Cabinet – Bishop, Superintendents, and Director of Appointed Leader Development who serve on Annual Conference in the appointive process Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) – Responsible in local church for support and evaluation of all paid staff, including pastor(s) 63

YEARLY MEETING SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

SPRC Rhythm of the Year

ITEM

Budget Parsonage Review

J F M A M J J A S O N D

x x x x x x x x x Advisory Report Evaluation/Assessment Continuing Education/ Spiritual Renewal x x x x x x Counseling/Concerns/ Issues Interpretation SPRC Training Candidacy Profile x x x x x x 65

FIRST QUARTER

First Quarter (January – March)

• • • • • Provide training for new SPRC members Updates “Church and Pastoral Profile” Explore nature and function of Church and ministry Review pastoral and staff duties which are being performed, negotiate priorities Consult with District Superintendent with any information you wish to share regarding pastoral appointments 67

Church & Pastoral Profile

• • • • Brief but complete Identifies problems, forecasts trends Includes demographic & financial information Identifies church specific needs for pastoral leadership 68

SECOND QUARTER

Second Quarter (April – June)

• • • • • • Review church’s/charge’s plan of mission and ministry Assign individual SPRC members to relate to pastor(s) and staff members Share formal and informal evaluation of church’s ministry as ascertained from various segments and individuals in congregation Complete “Clergy Evaluation” for each pastor Arrange for parsonage tour with parsonage family(ies) and chairperson of Board of Trustees for maintenance needs If there is a change in pastoral appointments, make plans for – – Expressions of appreciation to outgoing pastor and family, Welcoming incoming pastor and family, and 70

THIRD QUARTER

Third Quarter: July-September

• • • • • • • Review present compensation for pastor and staff, review benefits Complete pastor/staff evaluations Interview local church candidates for ministry Meet and get to know Certified Lay Leaders in congregation Liaison reports Quarterly in-service training Coordinate with Church Council regarding Church goals and resulting staff needs 72

FOURTH QUARTER

• • •

Fourth Quarter (October – December)

Consult with District Superintendent prior to December 1 with any information you wish to share regarding pastoral appointments – District Superintendent will meet with SPRC if requested Complete “Appointment Advisory Form, Staff/Parish Relations Committee” – Send to District Superintendent by December 1 After Charge Conference, compare local church mission statement and goals with pastor(s) and staff job descriptions – Revise job descriptions as needed 74

Fourth Quarter (continued)

• • • • Evaluate SPRC’s work during year – Allow pastor(s) and staff members to give their evaluation of SPRC’s work Agree on year-end report to Administrative Board/Council Express appreciation to any members leaving SPRC Consider appropriate Christmas gifts for pastor(s), their families and staff members

RESOURCES

Resources

• Book of Discipline – Committee on S/PPR – – Ordained Deacon Ordained Elder – Local Church Property – – – Candidacy for Licensed and Ordained Ministry Evaluation for Continuing Formation Change of Conference Relationship • Trainings & References – – Intentional Interim Pastorates Suggestions for Smooth Transition – – – – Conflict Resolution Child Care Creating Sanctuary (Ethics) After-Pastor 77

Web Links

1. The clergy compensation form can be found at: http://rmcumc.org/rmc/forms/427-clergy-compensation-form-2010.html

2. The clergy evaluation form can be found at: http://rmcumc.org/rmc/forms/570-clergy-evaluation-2010.html

3. The clergy continuing education form can be found at: http://rmcumc.org/CHI/DistrictSites/Forms/ContEdReport.pdf

4. The annual parsonage walk-through form can be found at: http://rmcumc.org/rmc/forms/66-church-or-charge-conference-forms.html

5. The church & pastoral profile form can be found at: http://rmcumc.org/rmc/forms/379-profile-forms.html

6. The candidacy process checklist can be found at: http ://rmcumc.org/COI/BOM/forms/Candidacy%20Process%20Checklist% 202 009 78

Web Links, cont.

7. Everything you want to know about the United Methodist system of ordaining clergy and consecrating Certified Lay Ministers. http://www.gbhem.org/site/c.lsKSL3POLvF/b.3463037/k.B0E1/Ordained_Minis try.htm

8. The Utah/Western Colorado Web site. http://utahwestco.weebly.com/index.html

9. This PowerPoint presentation may be found at http://utahwestco.weebly.com/church-resources.html

10. “Holy Conferencing” guidelines to help the SPRC have healthier conflict: http://utahwestco.weebly.com/church-resources.html

Appendices

• • • • Appendix 1 - Clergy Effectiveness (slide 68) Appendix 2 - Appointment Process (slide 82) Appendix 3 - Clergy Continuing Formation (Education) (slide 96) Appendix 4 - Clergy Appointment Advisory (slide 98) 80

Clergy Effectiveness

Appendix 1 81

Components of Clergy Effectiveness

• Leadership • • • • Community Spirituality Transformation Service 82

Measuring & Resourcing Effectiveness

• Purpose – Growth and development of both individual clergy and congregations so that all might work together to be formed as disciples of Jesus Christ and to offer the path of faith to others 83

•

Measuring & Resourcing Effectiveness

Resources for Sustaining Effectiveness – – – – Peer accountability Preventive and proactive aspects of Conference Health Plan Quadrennial ethical training (Creating Sanctuary) Appointment exit interviews – – – – Transition check list Vacation, study leave, sabbatical Participation in RMC functions Mentors 84

ASSESSMENT & CLERGY ROLES

Three Parts to Evaluation

• Congregation’s evaluation of its own mission and ministry, completed by team • Clergy self-evaluation • Clergy evaluation 86

Components of Congregational Effectiveness

• • • • • • Worship Nurture/Education Service Evangelism Stewardship Administration 87

Measuring & Resourcing Effectiveness

• Tools for Measuring Effectiveness – Yearly SPRC evaluation of clergy and congregation – Yearly supervisory meeting of clergy and District Superintendent 88

• • • • •

Not a Test, But an Opportunity to:

Identify and build on strengths Identify challenging behaviors or attitudes Affirm gifts and graces of pastor/deacon and congregation Identify areas limiting growth and development Set priorities for ministry 89

Congregational Evaluation

• • • • Completed in its entirety every 3 years – During interim, Administrative/Church Council revisits strengths, skills to be improved, and actions, continuing to work on these areas for further transformation of congregation Evaluates congregation’s progress in making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of world Completed by team (clergy, SPRC chairperson, church council chairperson, lay leader) – Team shares evaluation with SPRC for clarification Synopsis is reported to church council and congregation by church council chairperson 90

Clergy Self-Evaluation

• • Completed by clergy being evaluated Shared with SPRC for further dialogue and clarification – From time to time, it is appropriate to modify information based on conversation and clarification with SPRC

Clergy Evaluation

• • • • Each SPRC member completes an evaluation for each clergy serving congregation SPRC meets to review clergy’s self evaluation(s), collate their own responses, reflect together, and agree upon final clergy evaluation SPRC meets with clergy to share evaluation For associate pastor(s)/staff member(s): – – Lead clergy may be part of evaluation process Evaluation shared with associate pastor(s)/staff member(s) with lead clergy 92

Evaluation Process Timeline

• • • • • • Senior clergy and SPRC chairperson set dates for evaluation process Clergy complete(s) self-evaluation Team completes congregation’s evaluation SPRC members complete clergy evaluation SPRC meets to reach agreement on clergy evaluation and presents to clergy Completed evaluations sent to District Superintendent 93

Tips for Evaluations

• • • • • • Begin with prayer to discern Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Focus on entirety of clergy’s ministry in given year, not on isolated events/activities.

Focus on professional and ministry concerns, not on personal issues.

Be honest with yourself and person you are evaluating.

Identify specific examples and actions that illustrate positive ministry and areas for improvement by clergy/congregation.

Identify concrete steps that will lead to better future, rather than vague desires/activities that will not generate growth and development.

Appointment Process

Appendix 2 95

Supervision

• • • • Supervision is for Elders, Deacons, Licensed Local Pastors, and Certified Lay Ministers Is done annually Appointment Exit Interview Transition Checklist 96

Candidacy Status

• • • • • • • Inquiring Exploring Declared Certified Applying for Provisional Membership Local Pastor Full Membership and Orders 97

Candidacy Process

Process of qualification of full members of Annual Conference – Candidacy for Ministry • Local church membership for at least 1 year • Active in leadership for 2 years • • • Recommendation of local church SPRC Work with mentoring clergy – Psychological screening – Vocational testing and counseling Approval by District Committee on Ministry 98

Candidacy Process (continued) – Order and Annual Conference Membership • Continuing candidacy for at least 1 year • Recommendation for District Committee on Ministry • • Application to and approval by conference Board of Ordained Ministry for Provisional Membership and Commissioning to either Elders or Deacons Orders Minimum of 2 years (maximum of 8) provisional membership under

•

Key Concepts of Appointment

Key Concepts – Appointment process is every year – Annual Conference membership of clergy – – Covenant to appoint Itinerancy 100

•

Qualifying & Appointing Clergy

Assumptions – Process of qualifying clergy is adequate through Board of Ordained Ministry – Appointive Cabinet has knowledge of local church profiles/needs, of gifts and graces of Annual Conference clergy members, and of Annual Conference needs adequate to make constructive matches – Appointive Cabinet works with integrity to meet requirements of profiles, following “Covenantal Values of Appointment Making”

• – – – – • • Qualifying & Appointing Clergy Evaluation (continued) Process leading to semi-annual advisory form sent by local SPRC to district superintendent Process leading to annual advisory form sent by pastor to district superintendent Support • There are many structures of support in which local church and annual conference participate together Peer-Evaluation in Supportive Context • Professional Discernment Process, reflection with peers District Superintendent conducts supervisory interviews annually with each appointed leader 102

Appointive Values of the Rocky Mountain Conference Cabinet

• • • • • Connectional Vision Local Congregations Cabinet Teamwork Transformation in Each Ministry Setting Justice in Appointment-Making 103

Appointive Process

• • • • District Superintendent (DS) confers with SPRC to update church’s profile – DS consults with clergy to update clergy profile DS consults with cabinet to identify pastor to be appointed DS confers with pastor to be appointed about possible appointment DS notifies SPRC chairperson that cabinet has identified pastor whom bishop intends to appoint – Meeting of SPRC scheduled to introduce pastor appointee 104

Appointive Process (continued) • • • DS meets with SPRC and pastor appointee for introduction – SPRC and pastor appointee are invited to give feedback DS reports results of introduction to Cabinet – If Bishop and Cabinet determine appointment should not be carried out, process repeats until Bishop makes and fixes appointment Bishop’s office announces decision – First to all parties directly involved (Cabinet, pastor, SPRC) – – Announcement to congregations involved Public announcement through Conference

• • • •

Appointment Process for Deacons

Discernment of SPRC – In consultation with Cabinet and deacon Discernment of deacon – In consultation with Cabinet and SPRC Recommendation goes to Bishop Deacons may seek appointments across a variety of ministry settings 106

Compensation, Benefits & Leave

• • • • • Conference Minimum Base Compensation Housing/Parsonage Package Building Short-Term Equitable Compensation Support Form completed by SPRC to include above 107

Accountable Reimbursement Plan

• Policy Q’s & A’s in book • • • Ministry Expense Report Church budgeting and accounting for ministry expenses Financial support package for minister 108

Clergy Continuing Formation (Education)

Appendix 3 109

• • • • Ties to minimum standards of annual conference Support for continuing education comes from SPRC Broad variety of CE opportunities Self reported to charge conference 110

Clergy Appointment Advisory

Appendix 4 111

Clergy Appointment Advisory

• • • Clergy completes “Appointment Advisory Form” – Submit to District Office by December 1 SPRC completes “Appointment Advisory Form” – Submit to District Office by December 1 Before submission, clergy and SPRC discuss their respective forms. (The 112

Vision of Shared Ministry

113