In the United Methodist system, the dawning of a new year brings with it more than new budgets and calendars, it brings the beginning of the appointive process.  Unfortunately it carries an excessive preoccupation for us that will linger over the next six months.  The beauty of our system lies in the Apostolic nature of it (being "sent"), the means through which to develop leadership through experience, and a process to make leadership changes without necessarily dividing congregations.  The downside however, has been in the great temptation to always be looking ahead, to run from problems rather than work through them, and to foster a sense of competitiveness among clergy.  We would think that our divine "calling" would protect us from such things, but our humanity and cultural immersion relentlessly plays upon our hearts and minds.
     A couple of important things to remember as we enter this season of PPR meetings, paperwork, and consultations:

1) Longer term pastorates are proving to be far more effective in growing the church.  It takes years to build the kind of leadership trust and clout to make the significant changes often necessary to take a church to a new place in its life and ministry.

2) Work hard to always leave returning as an option, even if you are open to a new opportunity.  It may just be that where we are is better than we think when we see the alternatives.

3) Remember Bishop King's analogy of David when Samuel came looking to anoint a new king.  David was in the field taking care of his sheep, not lining up for the position, but God knew where he was all the time, and He knows where we are if He needs us.

4) We are a blessed and "kept" clergy in an economic environment where jobs are precarious, be thankful for the opportunity we have been given.

     Be in prayer for the Bishop, Cabinet, pastors, families, and churches, as we begin this process once again.

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