To Implore Council of Presidents to Fulfill 2019 Resolution 6-03A re Supervision of Specific Ministry Pastors

WHEREAS, Synod Bylaw 2.13.1 states that every specific ministry pastor “shall serve under the supervision of his district president and another pastor who is not a specific ministry pastor”; and

WHEREAS, The term “supervision” is left largely undefined apart from the general definition that supervision is “to have authority over, to direct actions, to control activities” (Bylaw 1.2.1 [u]) and is therefore open to a variety of interpretations; and

WHEREAS, There is a great variety of specific ministry pastors serving in a wide variety of contexts and with a great variety of education, years of service, and gifts; and

WHEREAS, This situation has created a number of questions regarding the amount and level of supervision that shall be employed as per Synod Bylaws; and

WHEREAS, The 2019 Synod convention adopted Resolution 6- 03A, “To Enhance the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program,” which includes the resolve, “That the Council of Presidents in coordination with the Pastoral Formation Committee draft guidelines and training to enhance the mentoring and supervision of specific ministry pastors, taking into account the wide variety of abilities of pastors and the contexts in which they serve, to assist district presidents, circuit visitors, and supervising pastors in supporting the SMP pastors under their care” (2019 Proceedings, 159); and

WHEREAS, These guidelines and training either have not been completed or have not been widely promulgated throughout the Synod; and

WHEREAS, The number of specific ministry pastors continues to increase, there by creating a growing and continuing need for such guidance and training; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention implore the Council of Presidents (COP) to complete this important assignment with the due and swift attention that is needed; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention thank the COP for their service and efforts.