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Residency in Ministry
A Program of The Arkansas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry
Who is in Residency & the RIM program?
Commissioned provisional elders and provisional deacons who- have completed all educational requirements,
- received a full time appointment (less than full-time appointments are considered on a case-by-base basis), and
- are seeking full membership and ordination in the Arkansas Conference
What are the goals and expectations of the RIM program?
“The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Our Arkansas Annual Conference Trajectory for the coming years: “Creating vital congregations that make disciples of Jesus Christ, who make disciples, equipped and sent to transform lives, communities and the world.” Together as United Methodists of Arkansas, we live out this mission and this trajectory. The Residency in Ministry process seeks to fulfill this mission by fulfilling the following goals:- Provide the BOM with the evaluative tools necessary to gauge the effectiveness of provisional members seeking ordination and full connection.
- Assist provisional members in their transition into ministry, guiding them into deeper fruitfulness and effectiveness in becoming excellent and passionate clergy, toward the goal of fulfilling the mission of the UMC and the Arkansas Conference.
- Create opportunities for communities of practice for peer group learning, discipleship, and support among the residents.
RIM Forms and Documents
- RIM Handbook
- Fruitfulness Project Proposal Form
- AR105 – Application for Clergy Relationship to the Arkansas Conference
Additional Documents:
- Bearing Fruit Study Guide (PDF, 2017-2018 Study Book)
- Strengthening the Soul of Leadership, Chapter 1 (PDF, 2018-2019 Study Book)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the RIM Program for S/PPRCs, Boards, and Supervisors (2 page PDF)
- The Sending of Pastors (The It’s Biblical Series by Dr. Michael Roberts) (PDF)
- Fruitfulness Project Resource by the Lewis Center (1 Page PDF)
Evaluation Forms (Due January 31)
- PPRC or SPRC Evaluation Form
- Senior Pastor Evaluation of Associate Pastors
- Residents Self Evaluation Form
- RIM Chair Evaluation
- District Superintendent (DS) Evaluation and Recommendation Form
Do you have a Resident at your Church?
What will our Resident need to accomplish while at our church?- The Resident will need to be active and fruitful in ministry with the congregation/ministry setting. The BOM requires a minimum of two years of effective and fruitful ministry at a single appointment.
- The Resident will need to utilize experiences at the local church in creating assignments, such as Sermon & Worship Leadership Videos, SMART Goals, and a Fruitfulness Project which serves as a capstone project.
- Attend meetings, retreats, and BOM interviews as she journeys toward Full Connection and Ordination
- Pray for your resident, her ministry, and her continual pastoral formation.
- Meet with the Resident Periodically and give appropriate and constructive feedback.
- Help the Resident craft SMART Goals that connect to the congregation’s vision and mission.
- Encourage attendance. These meetings are mandatory for provisional members of the conference and should not be considered vacation or even continuing education time away.
- Complete an annual Local Church BOM evaluation by January 31. This form is located online at the RIM page of the conference website. The entire SPRC should study the form early in the year, watch the training video and then all have input on the Resident’s annual evaluation. The BOM ministry assessment process is rooted in Wesleyan theology that is grace-filled and built upon covenantal relationships and disciplines. The ministry assessment process assists the Resident in reflecting on the consistency (or inconsistency) between her beliefs and her practice, provides feedback in a manner that encourages and supports learning from experience, extends care to Residents as they gain new insights from failures, and celebrates growth. The process holds Residents accountable for demonstrating fruitfulness and keeping commitments made in covenant with the community of faith.
- Pray for your resident, her ministry, and her continual pastoral formation.
- Use the years you share in ministry as an opportunity to mentor and encourage the Resident as a new pastor and colleague.
- Invite and include the resident in committee meetings, especially Disciplinary committees like SPRC, Finance, Trustees, and Nominations. During this time of learning, experience in those settings are crucial for future success.
- Encourage attendance. These meetings are mandatory for provisional members of the conference and should not be considered vacation or even continuing education time away.
- Complete an annual Supervisor’s BOM evaluation by January 31. This form is identical to the SPRC evaluation and is located on this page.
- SPECIFIC
- MEASURABLE
- ATTAINABLE
- RELEVANT
- TIME BOUND