tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35889031.post8344691469056593567..comments2023-11-05T00:58:55.352-07:00Comments on A Peculiar Prophet: A Short Account of a Continuing Journey – 2William H. Willimonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00002821401928222858noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35889031.post-91892226656667435172009-01-25T14:04:00.000-08:002009-01-25T14:04:00.000-08:00RE: In addition to this, the Cabinet took steps to...RE: In addition to this, the Cabinet took steps to exit some of our noticeable clergy non-performers, attempting to deal compassionately with those clergy who seemed unable to function well in a new culture of growth and accountability for outreach.<BR/>It sounds like to me you are trying to "exit" all of your clergy over the age of 35. In this business model you are promoting, this is known as discrimination, something you are well versed in since you and the cabinet have practiced it from the beginning of your tenure. It seems like you have thrown the age-old adage of placing pastors in churches based on their "gifts and graces" and deferred to the new approach of young is the only way to make churches grow. More specifically, if you are under 35, white, and male, you can make a church grow. This would fit in line with the idea female pastors have very little room for advancement in your current system unless they become a token D.S. So keep on transforming Bishop, and you might just get what you asked for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35889031.post-17587086684752723992009-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:002009-01-21T18:59:00.000-08:00Chris,I inherited the vision statement and have be...Chris,<BR/><BR/>I inherited the vision statement and have been quite pleased with its clarity and effectiveness in our conference. To answer your question, fruitfulness can be achieved by those that are called to faithfully use their gifts. Reflective leaders and entrepreneurial leaders are needed in different situations. <BR/><BR/>Larry,<BR/><BR/>Hope that you are doing well. I also thank you for helping to reach a new generation of clergy!<BR/>Thanks for encouraging and guiding this young man. Please get his name to Amelia Sims at the Conference office. She tracks all our candidates and she can be very helpful to this young man. <BR/><BR/>I would also urge you to get him in touch with your District Superintendent. He can respond to all your questions and get this young man on the right road through the process. We've found that its important to utilize the Dist. Committee on ministry and to get the clock ticking. The question of which seminary can best be answered after getting to know this young mans gifts and situation.<BR/><BR/>You are giving your church a great gift in leading this young man in this way. <BR/><BR/>Thanks to you both,<BR/>WillWilliam H. Willimonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00002821401928222858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35889031.post-78174307701507740202009-01-14T18:17:00.000-08:002009-01-14T18:17:00.000-08:00I've been approached by a young 18 year old male w...I've been approached by a young 18 year old male who has felt a call of God upon his life, and wants to enter the ministry. He asked me what I do as a pastor, and how I've been effective in serving Christ. I told him I wasn't sure he was asking the right person on that one. Yet I gave him the same advice that Dr. Harry Denman gave another young 18 year old starting his journey into ministry some 39 years ago...Dr. Denman said " Son, to be a good pastor you've got to pray, preach, and visit. Do those things faithfully, and if your calling is true, God will grant you a fruitful ministry."<BR/>Now Bishop, please advise me so I can further mentor this young man...What new skill sets does he need to enhance his growth and development in ministry? When he chooses a seminary, which ones teach such a set of skills? Of all our UM seminaries, which one would do the job? I need specific answers because I want this bright young man to press on in the upward calling of Christ. I want him to come back from seminary to this annual conference and contribute to the fulfillment of our vision statement.<BR/>I want the journey to continue past my own time into his future.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35889031.post-17279207151737436582009-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:002009-01-12T13:52:00.000-08:00Three of the five have to do with changing clergy....Three of the five have to do with changing clergy. What does it mean to be a transformative pastor? Is this role open to quiet, reflective persons, or is it only geared to the outgoing, entrepreneurial types?<BR/><BR/>I looked up the vision statement and think it's excellent.<BR/><BR/>Peace to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com