One of the things I've been vocal about in terms of the lack of young clergy has to do with the arduous ordination process the United Methodist Church has set up. I remember after the 1996 General Conference meeting with a member from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry who came to explain the new process to us. (I was under the 1992 Book of Discipline so it did not apply to me!) The general sense after he shared the changes with us was that it would take about 10-12 years to complete the process--that's a LONG TIME. On top of that, the General Church and local Annual Conferences continue to add more requirements to the process stating, "if the candidates do X, they'll be better prepared."
While those folks approach these extra hoops with good intentions, let's be honest: what's expected of pastors is overwhelming at best, and impossible at worst. We're expected to be experts of all things (and Lord knows I try!). So here's my hope: that you will take a minute, check out this LINK, and considering signing the petition attached. The recommendation right now to General Conference is that we don't make any changes to the process this year....we wait four years. I hate to break it them, but really don't have any time to waste. We NEED to make changes if we want to have any chance of encouraging young people to consider entering the process. Thanks to the Texas Annual Conference folks for pushing this point and trying to get General Conference to do something about this!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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6 comments:
Not Methodist, so can't sign...but I know what you mean about too many hoops and expectations for being all things to all people....
(PS, the Riches in one week)...
I dig the spotted owl theme.
I'm also hungry for us (the church) to figure out how to free people up for ministry, rather than tighten down the processes; it seems absurd to imagine a process that will give ensure everyone has all the tools and qualifications they need. It seems like, in doing so, we're blocking out people who might have particular gifts, strengths and passions that we're desperately in need of.
So, thanks for the link.
(And, just in case it's helpful and hopeful, the General Conference has, in past, rejected reports of ministry study committees. So it wouldn't have to be a first...)
I feel like we're in this awful place--asked to make decisions that could have big implications without enough conversation beforehand OR asked to shelve a decision for another four long years, in which a study committee might or might not do a better job.
I say we err on the side of freeing things up...
here here! I agree wholeheartedly to shortening the process. And perhaps a whole new ethos about the selection process. Instead of a "Proove you're worthy of the church" method, maybe something more affirming?
As Molly knows, one of my favorite pieces of ordination-themed pop culture is an episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer called "Checkpoint" from Season 5.
It focuses on a test the Council of Watchers put Buffy through for her to prove she has the abilities to do the job she's been doing for 5 years. She goes through all these inane exams, physical and mental, until she realizes... she is the one with the power. THEY NEED HER. They exist because they need her.
I have shown this episode now to 5 people before Ordination interviews as a way to remind candidates that the Board of Ordained Ministry NEEDS new clergy. We as the church NEED new clergy.
It's also an excellent way to convert people to be Buffy fans.
You know I credit that Buffy episode with having been my theme throughout the interview process. (As I write this, I wonder if a theme-episode is possible. Dude.)
I've signed the petition, now I need to see that Buffy episode!
karen, you can come by anytime to see it: i live at the corner of Seivingskingsdamm. can you make it tomorrow? :)
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