United Methodist clergy agree at their ordination to serve wherever appointed annually. Even if they stay in the same church for five years, they are reappointed each of those years.

The appointment of a new pastor–or the return of your present pastor—is the result of a series of consultations and considerations.

A district superintendent, responsible for 50 to 80 local churches, meets with a committee from your church (the pastor-parish relations committee or the staff-parish relations committee) and with your current pastor.

The pastor and committee develop a profile of your church—needs, characteristics, mission opportunities and your church’s purpose statement.

After reviewing the needs of your congregation, the desires and abilities of the pastor and his or her family and the needs of churches across the conference, the bishop sets the pastoral appointment.

—J. Richard Peck

After reading the above explanation, the limited roll the SPR Committee plays in selecting the pastor.

I believe this reply to the request by some of the congregation to the District for an explanation of the replacement in pastors will be found in the following District actions:

"It is apparent that due diligence was taken in offering a pastoral replacement with qualifications, that any large prominent church would have been pleased to have. In fact, comments were made essentially that "how come your little church received this offer when our church has gone without a pastor for over 6 months."

I do believe our District has heard our request and replied in its own way.