Stationing Code of Practice for ministers involved in Stationing 2015

The Context Methodism: a connexional Church

Committed to the best use of resources for the good of the whole church

Committed to best & consistent practice Committed to trust & prayerful discernment Free from all wrongful forms of discrimination

Ministry: an itinerant system Attention to the needs of the Circuits

Ministers matched to appointments Attention to needs & aspirations of ministers

Supreme Court ruling Ministers are not employees There is no contract with the circuit (or indeed with

anyone else) All Ministers are stationed annually by the

Conference

(consultation, CPD, but not consent!)

A two-part process 1. Consideration of current invitation [June –

September] Should the present invitation be extended ?

Vocational Reflection & Circuit Consultations Discernment & Recommendation (up to 5 yrs) Circuit Meeting Decision New letter of understanding

2. Stationing [September onwards] What ministry should I exercise next ?

Writing & reading profiles The Matching Process

Part One: Consideration of current invitation: an overview 1. Initial preparations*

2. Briefing of those involved

3. Consultation with minister

4. Consultation with churches

5. Preparing a recommendation and CIC

6. The Circuit Meeting

7. Letter of understanding or seeking new appointment

1. Initial Preparations Personal prayer & reflection [D6]

Where am I being led in ministry ? What is my experience in this appointment so far ? What are the opportunities for development here ? How do my gifts match the future needs of the Circuit ? What other factors are important ?

Who else could help me discern the way ? Colleagues; mentor; spiritual director ? Stationing Advisory Committee?

Personal support What are my anxieties? Who might walk this journey with me?

2. Consultation with minister part 1. Chair & Lay Stationing Rep

Exploring the vocational journey Reviewing the current factors

Circuit Stewards (& Invitations Committee) Initial reflections Personal and vocational aspirations

2. Consultation with minister part 2. Feedback from Circuit stewards

Exploring feedback Reflection on response to feedback Who reflects on it with you if it is difficult?

Meeting with Invitations Committee Hearing feedback and response Personal and vocational aspirations Opportunity for conversation

On-going conversation and support

3. Briefing

Circuit stewards and church stewards

Presbyters & Deacons

Others involved in the process

4. The Consultation Process Purpose Questions to be asked * People to be consulted

Within the local churches As ecumenical or community partners

Time-frame Feed-back Discernment & recommendation Right to prepare alternative statement

Asking Appropriate Questions What are the gifts & skills you appreciate ? Are pastoral needs being addressed ? Are styles of worship helpful ? Has there been outreach to the community ? How might a change of ministry affect

ecumenical or community partners ? What ongoing work would benefit from

continuity ? Is there a need for a change of ministry to

bring different gifts & skills

Asking appropriate questions for a diaconal appointment In what ways has the vision… developed ? Have the expectations of the Circuit and

Deacon been met ? Has the work developed in new directions ? How does the appointment relate to Circuit

priorities ? What kind of ministry does the Circuit wish to

offer and to whom ? Is a different set of gifts/skills now needed?

5. Preparing a recommendation Circuit stewards receive reports & check

range of those consulted Circuit Stewards produce report of

consultation & share with minister Invitation Committee meets to receive

written report, hear minister’s reflections and produce written recommendation, with reasons

5. Preparing a recommendation Invitations Committee

Recommendation shared with Minister, District Chair & Lay Stationing rep

circulated to Circuit Meeting Right to prepare alternative statement NB E11 re unopposed extension

6. Circuit Meeting Ct Stewards present recommendation Minister can address meeting and/or respond

to points raised in discussion If no opposition registered, recommendation

taken as agreed; otherwise… Minister (and any family member)leaves

before ballot vote taken 60% of those present & voting required for re-

invitation; 75% if for 11th or more years

Minister informed of result

7. After the circuit meeting

Letter of understanding Importance of using template Subject to the Conference

Seeking of new appointment What kind of appointment? What do I need to say to the church in terms of

important considerations?

Part Two: Stationing

The Minister’s Profile The Circuit Profiles The Matching Process for Presbyters The Matching Process for Deacons The Visit The Invitation & Letter of Understanding Before September 2015

The Minister’s Profile What is it for ?

To describe you: experience, gifts, aspirations To inform the matching process

How is it prepared ? By you – checked by those who know you ? In consultation with the Chair

When is it needed ? 25 September (Chair & Warden)

Other Options ?

The Circuit Profiles Profiles dispatched by 17 October

Identify possible matches

Consult Chair re 5 (3) best matches +

NB no direct contact allowed

The Matching Process [H1-12/M1-2] Matching process:

3-6 Nov/1-2 Dec: SMG 1 & 2 5-6 January: Initial Stationing Sub-committee 13 January: SMG 3

Matching practice: Ministers are matched to appointments Each appointment is matched as it is called

Stationing Matching Group until 31 May 2015

The Visit [I1-13; N1-12] Within 10 days of the matching process

Normally Saturdays – 8 or 15/11; 6 or 13/12; Purpose:

mutual discernment – not interview! Practicalities:

Information pack Programme – Presentation? Conversation with Invitations Committee Hospitality & family considerations ?

Invitation & Letter of Understanding The Circuit issues the invitation – or not

Delegated authority for Invitation Cttee ? Special Circuit Meeting in place ?

Feed-back to Circuit (& Chair) within 2 days Letter of Understanding

confirming any verbal agreements re (eg)

Tasks, Manse, Resources etc.

Before September 2014

Agree how you will keep in touch eg re Manse; Circuit changes; dates etc.

Help current Churches & Circuit prepare for new ministry

Plan well for ‘good endings’ Note Charter for Incoming Ministers

CPD p. 741 applies to your successor too!

Key Dates & Deadlines By 20 September - Circuit Meeting 25 September - all profiles to Chair/Warden By 17 October – Circuit profiles available 6 November/2 December – matches emerge 8/15 November – 1st round visits 6/13 December – 2nd round visits