Fitness-Readiness-Effectiveness Guidelines for DCOM's

Guidelines to Assist DCOM’s for Measuring Fitness, Readiness and Effectiveness

I give thanks and credit to the Great Plains Annual Conference for the majority of the concepts and material found in this publication.

This document is designed to supplement materials found on pages 18-21 of the 2019 Guidelines for District Committee on Ordained Ministry.

As it was explained in the DCOM training sessions held in the fall of 2019, one of the set of criteria on which persons should be measured was the Fitness-Readiness-Effectiveness scale. That is a new concept for the DCOM’s of Holston Annual Conference. In the last few years, the terminology and concepts have begun to appear in some of the Board of Ordained Ministry material in regards to the interview process for Associate, Provisional and Full Connection.

Our desire is to bring this concept to the DCOM level so that persons would be familiar with the terminology and expectations that accompany each of the various categories. This supplement is designed to give DCOM’s more insight and provide specific questions to help them in their interaction with the persons that come before them for interview.

Please Note: These questions should only be used after you have asked the required questions for each category of interview.

The questions contained within this manual can also be useful for District Superintendents as they seek to engage persons in consultation sessions concerning their ministry.

The Fitness, Readiness, Effectivness (Fruitfulness) Schema from the New England Conference Fitness: Fitness is the focus of the dCOM’s candidacy interview. Statements of call, statements of faith, recommendations, interest inventories, psychological assessments, and background and credit checks are the material used in this interview. Explorations of the candidate’s call to ministry, relationship with God, and the ability to relate to people are fundamental. A candidate is evaluated on the potential they have for developing into an effective clergy leader. The substance of this interview provides a reference point in later interviews. Using fruitfulness imagery: “Budding tree” The tree is healthy. What is there needs tending and time to grow.

Readiness: Determination of readiness for provisional membership and service in appointive ministry is the focus.

Developing areas of competency are explored. Attention is given to the applicant’s academic background, theological statement, and seminary reports, including field education internships. Although skill development is ongoing, those applying for provisional membership are evaluated on whether or not they are fit and ready to serve an appointment and are developing the needed skills for effectiveness. Using fruitfulness imagery: “Flowering Tree” The tree is healthy, has evidence of faith and leadership that is attractive to others, and skills that are continuing to grow.

Effectiveness: When a provisional member applies for full conference membership, the interview focuses on effectiveness in ministry. Primary documentation is the DS’s and S/P-PRC’s (or other employer) reports and evaluations. In addition to the Disciplinary questions for Full Membership, participation in the Provisional Leadership Academy is evaluated, along with a Fruitfulness Project. Using fruitfulness imagery: “Fruiting Tree” The tree is healthy, has attractive faith and leadership, and shows skills for ministry that are both life sustaining and self-replicating.

Oklahoma Conference Fitness, Readiness, Effectiveness (Fruitfulness) Schema FITNESS Spiritual leaders believe in the Triune God as revealed in scripture and can speak authentically to the personal and corporate meaning of the basic Christian confession that Jesus is Lord. United Methodist leaders in the Oklahoma Conference are in harmony with the teachings of the church in the Wesleyan tradition, such as the Wesleyan perspective on grace, the significance of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and the experience and hope of the Reign of God. In addition, an evaluation of fitness for ministry must include a discussion of the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal characteristics. Fitness for ministry includes: 

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An awareness of the work of the Holy Spirit within one’s personal life An ability to communicate clearly A sound moral character Psychological and emotional wellness Personal characteristics such as adaptability, creativity, intelligence, trust in God, authenticity, willingness to cooperate with others, dependability, integrity, leadership, and self-control.

READINESS Spiritual leaders have a passion for ministry and the discipline to work hard and complete necessary tasks. Spiritual leaders: 

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Are able to articulate their call from God to service.

Practice effective stewardship of life. They practice self-care as well as care for others. They give attention to sound financial stewardship. They seek to maintain physical fitness and good health practices. They practice spiritual disciplines and continue to mature in their faith and commitment to Christ.

Uphold the connectional polity of the church, recognizing and supporting the corporate mission of the larger body. - Are committed to a vision of God’s reign.

Are growing in their understanding and practice of theology and scripture, United Methodist doctrine, oral communication, written communication, conflict management, time management, administrative skills, and ability to multi-task.

EFFECTIVENESS Spiritual leaders make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Effective spiritual leaders:   

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Have an ability to communicate the faith theologically, ethically, and biblically within the Wesleyan tradition as demonstrated in preaching, teaching, and congregational leadership.

Have the ability to discern and assist in the cultivation of the spiritual gifts in others, as well as an ability to motivate others to use their spiritual gifts for ministry within the church.

Will practice disciple making through: 1) being responsible for their individual role in the ministries of the church, 2) giving the church opportunities to participate in the ministry of the Gospel, and 3) calling and inspiring the church to participate in those ministries such as evangelism and mission, justice ministries, care and support ministries, and spiritual formation ministries.

Will help the church in its work of growing in worship attendance, professions of faith, and financial stewardship.

Demonstrate a profound inner-sense of calling to ministry. Such a calling bears fruit in terms of transformed lives.

Credentialing Standard:

FITNESS

Fitness addresses questions of basic intelligence, emotional and physical health, spirituality and personality.

Additionally, fitness level interviews will address any “red flags” from the psychological assessment and the background check.

As a reminder, the DCOM does have the right and authority to review psychological assement documents and the background check material that has been collected on persons as they enter into the candidacy process.

The red flags can come in various forms. 

In psychological assessments, they may come in the summary statements of the Ministry Assessment Specialist (MAS). They might also be found in the body of the assessment in remarks made by the MAS. Someone needs to read this assessment in order to ascertain if there are any items that the MAS felt were significant enough for further discussion or consideration.

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If red flags do arise from the assessment, then it would be appropriate for the DCOM to follow up by using the Behavioral Health Guidelines provided by GBHEM and found on pages 69-75 of the DCOM Guidelines. If a topic that is found within these pages that is mentioned in the assessment, then you could use the suggested exploratory questions.

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In the background checks, red flags may be items such as the following: 

Excessive speeding tickets

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Reported convictions for felonies and misdemeanors

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Financial issues such as consistently late payments, bankruptcy, and excessive credit debt.

You would apply the Fitness credentialing standard to the following persons that come before the DCOM for interviews each year: Supply Pastor (SY) Certified Lay Minister (CLM), Certification as a Candidate, Continued certification as a Candidate, and License as a Local Pastor (LP) Possible Questions for Fitness are available in the following pages. Please note, you must ask the required questions for each level of credentialing before you begin using the suggested questions or the Fitness questions listed in this document.

Possible Questions for Fitness Interviews Basic Understandings and Commitments Candidates for assignment as Supply pastors, certification as a lay minister, certification, continuation of certification and license as a local pastor will be asked questions related to fitness for ministry. “Fitness” has to do with basic intelligence, emotional and physical health, spirituality, personality.

1. Personal characteristics and abilities 

What gifts and abilities do you bring to ministry in the UMC?

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What personality traits will hinder your ministry?

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What adjectives do you use to describe yourself?

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What will be most difficult or challenging for you in licensed or ordained ministry?

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Describe a project or event in which you demonstrated creativity.

2. Call to Ministry 

How have you come to understand yourself as one called to licensed or ordained ministry?

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Why does the church set apart some for ordained ministry when all Christians are called to be ministers?

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Share your understanding of the process you need to follow in order to make progress toward licensing or ordination.

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What is the difference between licensing and ordination?

3. Theology 

How have you experienced God? How has God been working in you/in your life?

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How did you picture or understand God as a child? How has your understanding of God changed as you have matured?

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How would you talk about God with a non-Christian?

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What hymn most closely matches your understanding of God?

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How would you summarize the teaching of Jesus?

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Share a favorite story from the life of Jesus? What does that story tell us about Jesus?

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Why was Jesus crucified?

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What meaning does the resurrection have for your life?

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Where do you see evidence of the Holy Spirit in the congregation in which you are a member?

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Name the persons of the Trinity. What work do you understand each to do?

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What, according to Paul, are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

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How do you understand the Bible came to be?

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What is a favorite passage of the Bible? Why?

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Think about the story of creation found in Genesis 1:1-2:4a. What does that story tell us about God?

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The church is sometimes known as the ‘body of Christ.’ What does that mean to you?

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What has been your experience in a congregation of the UMC?

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What, in your experience, are the joys and challenges of the local church?

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Why do we talk of ‘the holy catholic church’ in the Apostles’ Creed?

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What are the sacraments of the United Methodist Church?

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What types of ethical challenges do you see confronting persons in the licensed or ordained ministry?

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Many persons believe that Christian ministers are called to a higher ethical standard. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

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Joe and Amanda Smith had been married for two years, when Amanda was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Although Amanda’s condition is potentially fatal, it can be controlled with a new drug. Unfortunately, this drug is very expensive and is not fully covered on the Smith’s health plan. Joe and Amanda become very financially conservative, saving as much as they can for her pharmaceutical bills. However, after six months, Amanda needs another refill and they do not have money to pay for the drug. When they explain their situation to the pharmacist, he refuses to cut the price or allow them to make payments over time. Just as their conversation ends, the pharmacist is paged to another part of the store and he inadvertently leaves the drug on the counter in front of the Smiths. Is it ethical for them to steal the drug? Please explain how you ethically reasoned to a solution for this ethical question.

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Describe your personal ethic as a disciple of Christ.

4. Relationships 

Describe your family. How has your experience of family contributed to your understanding of God?

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How has your family supported your decision to be a candidate for ordained ministry? What questions have family members raised about your decision?

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Tell us about a time when your work was supervised by another. What was helpful in that supervision? What was hurtful?

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Describe a time when you had authority over another? What principles guided your work?

5. Commitment to the United Methodist Church 

What has been your experience in the United Methodist Church?

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What are apportionments?

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What does the church mean by the word ‘itinerancy?’

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Contrast the United Methodist practice of appointing a pastor to a congregation with the practice of a congregation calling a pastor.

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When we say that God intends that the church be inclusive, what issues are we addressing?

6. Discipline of Self 

How do you renew your spirit (refuel, refill your bucket)?

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What health challenges do you face? How do you manage them?

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What recent experiences have caused you stress? How did you manage that stress?

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Describe a recent experience of conflict? In what ways did you contribute to the conflict? How did you contribute to its resolution?

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How do you ordinarily respond to conflict?

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Describe your life of prayer.

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What disciplines/practices bring you into God’s presence?

7. Academic Work 

Do you like school?

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What diplomas, degrees have you earned?

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What areas of study have you found to be most engaging?

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If you have had college work, what was your major or your emphasis?

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What academic work will you need to complete in order to be licensed or ordained?

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Do you enjoy reading? ....conversation about current events? ...Bible study? ....puzzles of any sort?

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Describe your learning style.

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What languages do you speak? Is English your first language? What is your level of proficiency in the languages you speak?

Credentialing Standard:

READINESS

Readiness addresses questions of knowledge and preparation for ministry and may include issues of developing competency, academic work, unresolved issues from fitness level interviews, evidence that a candidate is developing skills for the performance of licensed or ordained ministry.

Note that this refers to “unresolved issues from the fitness level�. It is important to understand that we are thinking in terms of a continuum. Our desire is that the person progresses from one end of the continuum to the other end: from Fitness to Effectiveness. The six areas of the persons life to which we are applying this Fitness, Readiness, Effectiveness (FRE) schema are : Call, Disciplined Life, Proclamation, Discipleship, Theology, and Doctrine.

(See page 21 in DCOM Guidelines) In all likelihood, a person will not progress in an equal manner across the FRE spectrum on all of these categories. It might be possible for a person to become effective in one category exhibit Readiness in four categories and still be at the Fitness level in the other category.

Part of what the DCOM must do is to examine the person in the entirety of his or her ministry. At each step of the way, the DCOM is seeking to undergird and support someone as they move across the FRE spectrum.

One way in which this is done is for the DCOM to make specific notes on the Action forms of the person each year so that next year, when the person comes before DCOM for a follow up interview, those notes can be clues or reminders that the DCOM had previously sought to guide the person by suggesting classes or areas in their ministry on which work was needed.

If there are still unresolved issues from the fitness level, now is the time to address those shortfalls. It is not beneficial to the pastor or the church to continue to allow issues to go unaddressed. The goal is to make a stronger more confident and better equipped pastor.

The DCOM can play a vital role in making this happen by the actions that it takes in holding pastors accountable for growth and progress on the FRE spectrum.

It is at this level that you begin to see that the pastor is beginning to understand and lead from more than just a basic level. He or she is beginning to see their role in the life of the local church and understands that there is more that they can learn and that they can become a better pastor as they undertake training and learning to help them become better equipped to lead.

You would apply the Readiness credentialing standard to the following persons that come before the DCOM for interviews each year: Continuation as a Supply Pastor (SY) (years 2 and 3),

Continuation as a Certified Lay Minister (years 2 and 3), Continuation as a licensed local pastor (years 2 and 3), and Provisional Membership Possible Questions for Readiness are available in the pages that follow. Please note, you must ask the required questions for each level of credentialing before you begin using the suggested questions or the Readiness questions listed in this document.

Possible Questions for Readiness Interviews Basic Understandings and Commitments Candidates for continued assignment as a Supply Pastor, continued certification as a lay minister, the second and third year as a licensed local pastor and provisional membership will be asked questions related to readiness for ministry. “Readiness” has to do with the knowledge and preparation needed for ministry.

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Personal characteristics and abilities 

What gifts and abilities do you bring to ministry in the UMC?

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What have you learned about yourself (through your studies and in your ministry setting) that will be important in your ministry in the UMC?

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Have you discovered new gifts and/or developed new skills in your experiences as a candidate?

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How have your gifts and abilities developed in the last year?

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In what ways does your personality, interests, abilities match the profile of an effective pastor?

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In what ways will you have to compensate for the lack of certain abilities in order to be effective?

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What are your growing edges?

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What habits or vulnerabilities make your ministry more difficult or your efforts less effective?

Call to ministry 

In what ways has your experience in study and in ministry confirmed or questioned your sense of being called to licensed or ordained ministry?

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Describe where you are in the process of being a candidate for full membership and ordination (or continued license or associate membership) in the UMC. What steps do you have yet to take to reach your goals?

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Distinguish between the ministry of all Christians and the set-apart ministry of an Elder or a Deacon. What are the distinctive marks of the Order of Deacon and the Order of Elder?

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What will it mean to you to be a member of the Holston Conference?

Theology 

How has your experience of God changed/ deepened during your preparation for ministry?

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What activities would you include in a confirmation class to help young people think about God and their experiences of God?’

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How will you respond to the question, “Why did God let my child die?”

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If you could keep only four stories about Jesus, which would you choose? Why?

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Which of the four gospels do you turn to for private devotions? Why?

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In what ways have you grown in your understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ?

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What would you include in a sermon for Pentecost? Trinity Sunday?

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How has your reading (understanding) of the scriptures changed because of your studies?

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How will you respond to a parishioner who insists on the literal accuracy of the Bible?

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How has your understanding of the church changed through your studies?

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If you were to establish a new congregation, how would you describe its mission or purpose?

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What types of ethical challenges have you experienced during your time in ministry?

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What do you think are the 3 most important virtues for ministry? Why did you choose these 3 virtues? What are you doing in your ministry to nourish and cultivate these 3 virtues? (Note: Examples of virtues would include love, compassion, patience, courage, etc.)

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When confronted with an ethical challenge in ministry, what “sources of authority” do you rely upon to help you decide how to respond? For example, scripture is an obvious “source of authority” for all of us in ministry. But, besides scripture, what other “sources of authority” would you use?

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One of your favorite families is the Applewhites. You really resonate with them and always enjoy being with them. One day Johnny Applewhite drops by your home. He reminds you that the Applewhite family has a one-week time-share in Orlando on the second week of every January.

Johnny invites you to join his family for their week in Orlando this year. He tells you that everyone in his family is really excited about you joining them in Orlando, and that they will pay for all of your expenses, including travel, food, and admission to different parks and activities. As Johnny said, “All you have to do is pack your toothbrush and pajamas. We’ll pay for everything else.”

You’ve really wanted to go to Orlando for several years now, and you can’t believe your good fortune. Is it ethical to take this free vacation? Why or why not?

Relationships 

Is your family ready for you to begin ministry in the United Methodist Church?

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What relationships have been most important as you have prepared for ministry?

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How will you find the support you need from colleagues?

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What boundaries are important in working with parishioners and others whom you will serve?

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How do you understand the authority of the Bishop and the District Superintendent in your ministry?

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Commitment to the United Methodist Church 

Why does the UMC expect local congregations to support financially the connectional ministries of the church?

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Has your understanding of itineracy changed or deepened because of your studies? Are you ready to make yourself available to the itinerate ministry?

Discipline of self 

How do you stay in love with God?

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How and when do you keep a sabbath?

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Have you begun to observe any new spiritual disciplines in the period of your candidacy?

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What health challenges do you face? How do you manage them?

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What have you learned about responding to conflict in the local church?

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What have you learned about yourself and your part in conflicted situations?

Academic work 

Which of the classes you have had in preparation for ministry have been most engaging for you? ...most helpful for you?

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Have you made adequate progress in your studies? What work do you have remaining?

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What are you reading right now?

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Where have you found connections between the content of your studies and the practice of ministry?

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What areas of study do/did you find most challenging? Most helpful? Why?

Credentialing Standard:

EFFECTIVENESS

Effectiveness addresses the ability to produce results (fruitfulness) in the practice of ministry.

All areas of ministry are open to examination.

This credentialing standard is not typically achieved within just a year or two. It is achieved after several years of the faithful practice of ministry and through concerted effort to learn and apply those things being learned to the life of the local church.

Note the use of the term fruitfulness. John’s gospel puts it in this manner: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you.

As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ... John 15:1-5 ESV Our goal is to help ministers be fruitful. We want our churches to grow and prosper. We want people to enter into a deeper relationship with God. We want our pastors to be the best that they can be. This comes through their abiding in the vine. It comes from their giving attention to those things that make them a more effective pastor.

At this stage of the credentialing process, you are looking for men and women that have grown— year over year—in their abilities and their relationship with their congregations and with God. Their ministries show the fruit that comes from their effectiveness.

The problem now becomes this. If a person, regardless of category of service, has come before the DCOM for five or more years and is not yet exhibiting effectiveness and fruitfulness, then then DCOM needs to ask some serious questions about whether this person should continue in ministry. This would be one of those difficult conversations, but it is one that is incumbent upon the DCOM to have.

You would apply the Effectiveness credentialing standard to the following persons that come before the DCOM for interviews each year: A fourth (or additional) year as a Supply Pastor (SY), A fourth (or additional) year as a Certified Lay Minister, A fourth (or additional year) as a Licensed Local Pastor, Approval for appointment as a member of an Other Denomination/Fellowship (OF), Continuation as a Provisional Member, It is especially important that you apply this criteria to those that are coming before you seeking Associate membership in the annual conference. Once a person has been granted associate membership status, that person has a guaranteed appointment. Do not assume that the BOM will make the hard call and not accept them into associate membership. They cannot come before the BOM until the DCOM first recommends them. The BOM, who has not yet met these individuals is relying upon the DCOM to make a proper evaluation and recommendation as to the effective nature of a person’s ministry that comes before the BOM for associate membership.

Possible Questions for Effectivness are available in the pages that follow. Please note, you must ask the required questions for each level of credentialing before you begin using the suggested questions or the Readiness questions listed in this document.

Possible Questions for Effectiveness Interviews Basic Understandings and Commitments Candidates for a fourth (or additional) year of assignment as a Supply Pastor (SY) or as a certified lay minister, a fourth (or additional) year as a licensed local pastor, approval for appointment as a member of another denomination, and associate membership will be asked questions related to effectiveness in ministry.

“Effectiveness” has to do with the ability to produce results in the practice of ministry.

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Personal characteristics and abilities    

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Call to ministry  

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What natural abilities contribute to your effectiveness in ministry?

How do you compensate for the lack of certain abilities?

Paul talks about coming to a ‘sober estimate’ of ourselves. (Romans 12:3) What is your ‘sober estimate’ of your gifts and growing edges?

Have you been surprised, in any way, by the demands of ministry? ....by your effectiveness in ministry?

How has your understanding of your call to ministry changed as you have begun the practice of ministry?

Describe where you are in the process of being a candidate for full membership and ordination (or continued license or associate membership) in the UMC. What steps do you have yet to take to reach your goals?

In what ways have you experienced the covenant community of Holston Conference? What efforts do you make to support the fellowship of local pastors or the order of deacon or elder?

Theology 

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How does your understanding of God help you address the question of suffering?

Select a favorite passage of scripture. In a sermon, what affirmations would you make about God based on that text?

What understandings of God have been most helpful to you in the practice of ministry?

Contrast at least two theories of atonement. Which makes most sense to you? How would you talk about these ideas in a sermon without using the word ‘atonement?’

How would you summarize the teachings of Jesus?

What affirmations do you make about Jesus when preaching a funeral sermon?

How did you describe the Good News of Jesus Christ in your last Easter sermon?

Where do you see the Holy Spirit at work in your life and ministry?

What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you?

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Describe your work as a teacher of the scriptures. What studies have you led? What principles do you adhere to in leading a study of the scriptures?

What has been the most challenging question posed by a parishioner with respect to the Bible?

How did you respond?

What ecumenical and/or interfaith conversations have you had as a minister of the United Methodist Church?

By now you know that the church is far from perfect. How has that reality changed your understanding of the church?

Describe your ethic for ministry? What virtues are most important for you? In addition to the Bible, what “sources of authority” do you use to guide your ministry? How does your ethic for ministry reflect your understanding of who God is?

One of the most egregious forms of unethical behavior by ministers is inappropriate sexual relationships with parishioners or colleagues. Studies by the Faith Trust Institute indicate that frequently ministers who are caught in unethical relationships did not consciously decide to enter into that relationship. Instead, the relationship evolved through a series of small decisions that weren’t thought through very carefully. As a minister, how can you remain vigilant about upholding your ethical standards regarding appropriate relationships?

A parishioner asks to speak with you confidentially. What would be important ethical reasons for breaking confidentiality and sharing the conversation with others? Who would be appropriate persons to share confidential information with?

A new visitor comes to your church one Sunday. His name is “John” and he explains that he has recently moved into your area. John begins attending your Sunday services on a regular basis. He mentions that he had previously “had trouble with the law and done time,” but that he has asked God for forgiveness. He believes that God has forgiven him and he now seeks to live a faithful life of Christian discipleship. You affirm that our God is a loving and forgiving God and you encourage John to continue attending church, which he does. Then, one Sunday afternoon you are confronted by your Sunday-school Superintendent, the Counselors from your Youth Group and Youth Choir, as well as a number of church parents. They have discovered that John is a registered sex offender. They want you ask John to stop attending your church because he is not trusted.

They are also afraid that having a registered sex offender will drive many of your church’s members away. How would you as the pastor respond to this ethical challenge? Walk us through your ethical process.

Relationships      

How has your spouse (child) experienced your appointment to ministry in the United Methodist Church?

What ways have you found to keep family relationships strong?

What support systems have you put in place for yourself?

Who acts as a mentor for you?

Things are always clearer in theory than in reality. Talk about the importance of observing appropriate boundaries. Where have you found boundary keeping difficult or confusing?

Describe a person you have found difficult. How have you responded to that person?

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5.

Commitment to the United Methodist Church    

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What percentage of their apportionments has the congregation you serve paid in the last year?

How did you support the commitment to pay apportionments?

What has your experience been of itineracy? Do you have any tethers limiting the congregations to which you might be appointed?

Which of the resources provided by the general church have you found to be helpful? What are you using in your ministry setting?

What is the ‘covenant connection’? How have you experienced that reality?

Discipline of self    

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Who are the people who have some authority in your ministry? How have you experienced their direction or input?

How do you balance the needs of the church with your own needs for rest and renewal?

How have you modeled the importance of the spiritual disciplines in your ministry setting?

How do you model self-care in your ministry setting?

What conflicts have you experienced in your ministry setting? In what ways did you participate in the conflict and in what ways did you contribute to resolution of the conflict?

Academic work      

Have you completed your academic work?

What continuing education did you pursue this year?

What continuing education are you planning for next year?

What are you reading right now?

Where have you found connections between the content of your studies and the practice of ministry?

What areas of study do/did you find most challenging? Most helpful?

Possible Questions for Effectiveness Interviews Practice of Ministry for Deacons 1a.

Service 

What does being ordained to service mean to you?

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How does your work exemplify servant ministry?

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Describe your ministry in the gathered community. What parts of your ministry in the church give you the most joy? What parts do you find most difficult?

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How and where do you serve God in the world? What parts of that ministry give you the most joy?

What parts do you find most difficult?

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In what ways are you in ministry to/with the poor? How do you encourage laity to be in ministry with the poor? What ideas do you have about how we might change the pattern of generational poverty?

1b. Word 

What does it mean to be ordained to Word?

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How do you live out in your ministry of the Word?

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What does the phrase, “Preach often, use words when necessary.” mean to you?

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What opportunities do you have to proclaim the word?

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Describe a setting in which you have been a teacher. How did you choose or develop curriculum?

What values guide your decisions?

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If you do children’s sermons, what do you try to do in a children’s sermon?

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If you preach, how do you prepare? What resources do you use? How do you choose a text? How would you describe your ‘preaching style?’



How do you prepare to lead worship? If you plan worship, what values guide your choice of prayers and hymns? What have you learned about being effective in leading worship?



If you have pastoral care responsibilities, what do you try to communicate in visiting the sick? ....the dying? ....the bereaved?



The Book of Discipline says you may assist an elder in the administration of the sacraments. In what ways have you fulfilled this responsibility? What is your understanding of



Baptism? .... of Communion?



Why do United Methodists baptize infants?



What is the distinction between baptism and confirmation? If you have responsibility for preparing individuals for baptism and confirmation, describe your efforts in that responsibility.



Does not being free to administer the sacraments limit your ministry? If so, how?

1c.

1d.

1e.

Relating the gathered community to the world 

How do you represent the church in the world? How do you help laity to understanding their ministries in the world?



What does the phrase, “One foot in the church and one foot outside the church.” mean to you?



In what ways do you model bridging the church and the world?



Where are you directly involved in the church? In the world? What percentage of time is spent in each setting? Are you comfortable with the balance between and the claims of both the church and the world?

Leadership 

What is your leadership style? Is it working in the setting to which you are appointed?



How do you keep from being the ‘lone ranger?’



Describe a team with which you have worked? In what ways have you contributed to the strength of that team? If it was a team which you brought together, what guided your efforts in building the team?



Describe your relationship with laity. How do you encourage and support them in their ministry?



How do you introduce a program or an idea to a committee or to colleagues?



How have you helped the people in your ministry setting plan for their work?



Describe a time when you have found yourself in conflict with another. How did you contribute to the problem? .... to the solution? How do you manage when you can not resolve a conflict?



What is your administrative style? Are you able to delegate responsibility to others? Are you able to tend to details?



In what ecumenical ministries are you involved? ....is your congregation involved?

Understanding of ministry of an Elder 

What is the ministry of an elder?



How does the ministry of an elder differ from the ministry of a deacon?



How do you see elders and deacons working together?

Possible Questions for Effectiveness Interviews Practice of Ministry for Elders (Associate members, experienced Local Pastors, Certified Lay Ministers, those assigned by a District Superintendent, and members of other denominations)

2a.

Service 

Describe your walk with a family from the point that they learn a loved one is dying through the funeral and following. How do you work with a family to prepare for the funeral? What do you try to say in the funeral sermon?



How have you invited laity to join you in the work of caring for the sick, the homebound, the grieving?



What do you try to say in a prayer at the bed side of a parishioner who is hospitalized?



Do you understand yourself to be a counselor? How have you prepared for such work?



Have you participated in a mission trip? ....or volunteered in a service organization? Describe such an experience.



In what ways are you in ministry to/with the poor? How do you encourage, enable laity to be in ministry with the poor?



What ideas do you have about how we might change the pattern of generational poverty?

2b. Word 

How do you prepare to preach? How do you choose a text? What resources do you use? How do you know that folk are ‘with’ you?



How do you prepare to lead worship? What values guide your choice of prayers and hymns? What have you learned about being effective in leading worship?



Describe a setting in which you have been a teacher. How did you choose or develop curriculum?

What values guide your decisions?



What do you try to do in a children’s sermon?



Confirmation studies are a responsibility of the pastor. How have you planned for and involved others in planning for confirmation?



What would you want to say to a family and the congregation in the funeral for a child who died of cancer?



What plans have you developed in your congregation to enter into relationship with those who are guests in worship?



What is evangelism? How have you helped your congregation plan for the ministry of evangelism?

2c.

Sacrament 

Describe how you observe the sacrament of baptism?



How do you prepare the parents of an infant for the baptism of their child?



How do you prepare a youth for baptism and confirmation?



How do you distinguish between baptism and confirmation?



How do you understand the difference between being a baptized member and being a professing member of the United Methodist Church?



Describe how your congregation celebrates holy communion?



What do you understand to happen in communion? What is its meaning in the congregation?



How do you communicate that the United Methodist Church has an ‘open table?’

2d. Order

2e.



What is your leadership style? Is it working in the setting to which you are appointed?



How do you introduce a program or an idea to a committee?



How have you helped the people in your ministry setting plan for their work?



What stewardship education has happened in the congregation you serve?.



What are the essential elements in a commitment campaign or a capital campaign?



Distinguish between stewardship and fund raising.



What percentage of the apportionments did your congregation pay in the last conference year?

How do you talk about apportionments in the Committee on Finance and in services of worship?



Describe a time when you have found yourself in conflict with a parishioner. How did you contribute to the problem? .... to the solution? How do you manage when you can not resolve a conflict?



What is your administrative style? Are you able to delegate responsibility to others? Are you able to tend to details?



In what ecumenical ministries are you involved? ....is your congregation involved?



What do you understand to be the purpose of the statistical tables? How do you go about completing that task?

Understanding of ministry of a deacon 

What is the ministry of a deacon?



How does the ministry of a deacon differ from the ministry of an elder?



How do you see deacons and elders working together?

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.�

1 Timothy 4:8