As the pastor of the only Methodist church in town, I am often asked what the difference is between Methodists and other denominations.
I have a few tired old jokes I can respond with (Methodist are afraid of water), but I wanted to take an opportunity to share one difference.
In western North Carolina this past Sunday, some United Methodist ministers held their last worship services and said farewell before moving on Tuesday to a new church. Potluck dinners were held, memories and thanksgivings shared and tears shed. It is hard, but a time of trusting God’s will for the future.
In the United Methodist church pastors, are sent – not called or hired. The basis for this is not new. Jesus sent out the disciples, and the early church in Jerusalem sent Paul and others out to proclaim the Gospel.
We refer to this as the “Itinerant” ministry. This is because methodist ministers are sent to churches on a yearly basis and after a period of time moved to another.
The circuit riders of old would cover a vast territory and ride their horses for miles with no place to lay their heads; going from place-to-place, preaching the Gospel. During rough weather there was an old saying, “The weather is fit for only crows and Methodist preachers.” The lifespan of the early circuit riders was short, with many not surviving past their twenties.
Originally, Methodist ministers were appointed for one year and over time – as preaching spots became congregations – preachers were “stationed.” Appointments settled into being at least – but not limited to – four years, as long as the ministry was effective.
In 1756, the Rev. John Wesley – one of the founders of the methodist church – wrote, “We have found by long and consistent experience that a frequent exchange of preachers is best. This preacher has one talent, that another; no one whom I ever yet knew has all the talents which are needful for beginning, continuing, and perfecting the work of grace in a whole congregation.”
A former member summed it up best, “We get the preacher we need at the time we need them.”
When a person is ordained an elder, they covenant to go where they are sent to serve. The needs of the larger church overrides the needs of the individual. This is not to say the needs of the individual pastor and their family is not considered.
This is how the appointment system goes:
* Each year, the pastor fills out a form with a request to stay or reason to be considered for a move;
* Each year, a committee from the church fills out a form with the same information;
* The information is received, and the superintendents and the bishop work to match the gifts of the ministers with the needs of the churches. Efforts are made, but not all requests can be honored.
I am pleased to announce to you that Bishop Ken Carter of the Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference has appointed Eric and Beverly Reece to serve as ministers at Robbinsville United Methodist Church for the 2022-23 conference year.
Thanks be to God!
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.