I wonder sometimes if the Methodist Church actually wants more ministers. There I am, all ready to go through the process, which started 2 years ago, only to find it might not happen because of the way they set people up to fail, or so it seems. The paperwork for the process can be accessed from 1st October, and not before. When you get it, you realise the most important thing to do is get your request to candidate in to the office by the end of the month. Fine. Then you find out you have to have TWO observed services - observed by a minister, a local preacher and a senior steward, and before the 15th January. Bearing in mind the services are planned for Oct & Nov back in August - before you can have the paperwork telling you this, and December is mostly booked up by churches as long ago as May, for the gift services, christingle services and carol services, there really isn't much chance of having any sort of observed service this year. Which leaves the 1st 2 Sundays in Jan, if there are enough people that fit the observation criteria available on those 2 days.
So basically, it ain't gonna happen, as I'm only preaching once on the plan till Feb, and thats next Sunday.
Oh well, at least I'll be prepared for next year.
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3 comments:
So are you sure you'll be planned at the "right" time next year?
Sarah. I understand your frustration.
Could you arrange to take two services for one of the Presbyters in your circuit who could then observe and assess? One of the candidates in my circuit is doing this. Alternatively look at possibilities in a neighbouring circuit.
I'm being assessed at a Christingle service and a service on Jan 12th (three days before the deadline)
Holding you in my prayers.
Thanks for your thoughts Ian. My superintendent is away till tomorrow but I think my circuit tutor is back from Budapest now, so I will run it by her. Hope your services go well, and the rest of the process.
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