Assessments and Consultations
Greetings in the name of our living Lord, Jesus Christ!
One of the primary tasks I share with the Appointive Cabinet of the Arkansas Conference is the annual appointment of pastors to congregations. We do this work carefully and prayerfully, with sensitivity to the church’s mission field, the needs of the church, the pastors’ skills and effectiveness, and the larger mission of the United Methodist Church. We also pay special attention to the consultation process with clergy and congregations, as mandated by our Book of Discipline.
In an effort to streamline and better utilize the consultation information we receive, we have worked with our database provider to move the consultation process to the same format we use for our ministry financial and statistical records. This access has been completed and is ready for use. This year, clergy and SPRC Committees will complete their consultation forms online, where they will also be prompted to update their profile information. Having this information input directly into the database will help us maintain accurate, integrated records and will make your consultation information available in the most timely way. I am, as always, grateful to our district staff for working hard to improve our communication with one another.
Please email your district administrator for links and instructions on how to complete your paperwork for your 2025 Pastoral Appointment Consultation Forms. All appointed pastors and assigned supply pastors need to complete and submit the 2025 Appointment Consultation Form to your District Office no later than December 5, 2024.
Even though the consultation information will be submitted online, the SPRC and pastor should still plan on meeting together in person for discussion. At an appropriate time during that meeting, the pastor may choose to step out of the room to allow committee members to make their recommendations without him or her present. However, immediately following the vote, the full committee must share the assessment with the pastor and discuss their recommendation concerning the pastoral appointment. After that conversation is concluded, the online form may be submitted. Remember, like all Pastor/Staff Parish Committee work, this recommendation is confidential and may not be discussed with anyone who is not on the Pastor/Staff Parish Committee.
Please keep in mind as you complete your work:
- The consultation recommendations of both the Pastor and Pastor/Staff Parish Committee are strictly advisory to the Bishop and Appointive Cabinet.
- The current Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee is responsible for making the consultation recommendation.
- Please use a different Assessment and Consultation Form for each appointed clergyperson.
- Please complete this form during your meeting using a computer, phone, or other mobile device. For the long answer question, you may wish to write it in a word processor document and paste it into the space provided.
- After you click “SUBMIT,” you can print a copy for yourself and your pastor using the print icon in the upper right-hand corner. Please save a copy for your records.
- Once you have submitted your consultation information, the district office will receive and verify it. Should you need to amend your consultation, please contact your district office so it can be “unverified” to allow for your changes.
Consultations will be held in early December, but if you are anticipating a move or would like to speak with your District Superintendent regarding your appointive ministry sooner than December, please contact your district office to schedule a consultation appointment.
The work of the Appointive Cabinet continues year-round. Please pray with us as we seek the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit to make the most faithful and fruitful mission field appointments possible.
Grace and peace,
Bishop Laura Merrill