[Magdalen] Epiphany

[Roger Stokes]

On 09/01/2016 21:37, Lynn Ronkainen wrote:
> From: "James Oppenheimer-Crawford" > I think this is essentially the 
> way the Methodist Church operates.
>
>
> In my experience, most Methodist conferences (?) re-assign their 
> pastors every 7 years. I'm not sure how much 'fit' is considered. Once 
> that rhythm is created, it seems to work. There's always a definite 
> horizon and a new sun rise.

That is also the case with Methodists this side of the pond. Ministers 
are appointed to circuits which contain a number of churches initially 
for 5 uears (it used to be 3 but it was decided this was too short.  
There will have been consideration of the minister's particular skills 
and of the circuit's needs. Some significant time (about 18 months) 
before the appointment is due to end the circuit decides whether or not 
to reinvite the minister for a further period, and if they do reinvite 
then the minister decides whether to accept or not.  If there is need 
for some reason then the appointment can be curtailed.

The system does have advantages over the system here in the C/E and in 
TEC on two counts that I can see.  One is that the annual "shuffle" 
uccurs at a fixed time of the year - during schools' Summer break.  The 
other is that unless the minister has been removed from ministry for 
misconduct then they are guaranteed continuity of accommodation and 
stipend.  This means that they will not be deprived of accommodation and 
income when a particular appointment comes to an end.

Roger