Clergy Effectiveness Team sets direction

BY REV. SANDI MINOR
Vista Ridge UMC, Lewisville  

Can today's clergy do ministry in a society that is transient and ever changing with the same skill sets and competencies learned years ago?

 

Area Provost Rev. Jim Dorff shared the steps taken that helped form the path toward a vital ministry of clergy growth and development. Charged to carry out the conference initiative for clergy effectiveness that was voiced by Bishop Rhymes H. Moncure, Jr. at the 2005 Annual Conference, a Clergy Effectiveness Team was formed. They set a goal to develop a "sustainable culture of growth" related to every person serving under appointment, leading to effectiveness. Three vital components of growth were identified: holiness of heart of and life; wholeness of relationships; and, skills and competencies for ministry.

 

After identifying the areas of intentional development, it was also imperative that clergy would need access to a tool that would help them identify areas of strength and areas that needed improvement. The team chose to use the PRISM assessment tool that would help pastors generate a development plan to further their growth.

 

As the team worked, prayeand planned about what it meant to be excellent in ministry a question arose. Is there a difference between excellence and effectiveness? A study of chapters 12 and 13 of 1 Corinthians helped them form the foundation for their work. In 1 Corinthians 12:31, the words of the Apostle Paul, helped them to reach a conclusion: "And I will show you a more excellent way." Increased effectiveness will move us toward excellence.

 

The team acknowledged the many clergy who were part of the test group who were a part of the PRISM inventory. More clergy (75-80) are needed to participate in the program. The team asked that clergy contact their district superintendent to see how they may fully integrate this tool into their ministry.

 

Members of the conference were asked to walk through the Bible study and share their conclusions about what clergy effectiveness means for Christians by visiting the website: www.ntcumc.org/clergyeffectiveness.