Finding a New Pastor At Park as a United Methodist Church
Understanding the Appointment Process at Park Avenue UMC
At Park Avenue UMC, we are part of a system that operates differently from churches that hire their own pastors. In the UMC, pastors are not called or hired by individual congregations—instead, they are appointed by the bishop of our conference. This process, called itinerancy, has been part of our tradition since the days of John Wesley.
So, what does this mean?
Every year, bishops appoint pastors to churches across the conference. While these appointments are reviewed annually, most pastors remain in one place for several years- or more -when the match is a good one.
The Superintendent and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) participate in conversations about what’s best for the church and for the new pastor. At Park, the SPRC is our Leadership Board. Ultimately, the bishop makes the final decision.
The goal is to connect the right pastor’s gifts, skills, and leadership with the unique needs and mission of each congregation.
Why We Will Have an Interim Pastor
When Superintendent Rev. Michelle Hargrave first met with our Leadership Board, she encouraged a thoughtful and collaborative process. In that spirit, the Leadership Board expressed a clear desire to gather input from the congregation and discern, together, what we most need and hope for in our next pastor.
Choosing an interim pastor allows us the time and space to reflect, listen, and pray as a community. It gives us room to hear from you—our members and friends—about what kind of pastoral leadership will help Park Avenue thrive in this next chapter.
This intentional season allows for deeper discernment, honest conversation, and community-wide participation in shaping our future.
What’s Happening Now at Park?
During this interim season, our Leadership Board is:
Working with the Superintendent and Bishop as they find an appropriate interim pastor for Park Avenue: The goal is for the interim pastor to be in place no later than mid-July. As that pastor gets in place, the Leadership Board will focus on the process of identifying the church’s needs for our ongoing pastor replacement.
Filling out a Congregational Profile: This document paints a picture of who we are—our values, ministries, community, and hopes for the future.
Meeting with our Superintendent: These conversations with the Superintendent and Leadership Board help shape the understanding of what kind of pastoral leadership we need. In preparation for this meeting, there will be a process to gather input from the congregation.
Preparing for a Profiling Meeting: This is a deeper conversation with the Leadership Board led by the Superintendent, where we share our church’s missional priorities and current needs. This input helps guide the bishop and cabinet in selecting our next pastor.
Later, once a pastor is identified by the Conference, there will be an introductory meeting with the Leadership Board and the new pastor before the appointment becomes official. The goal is to have a new pastor in place no later than July 2026, but earlier if possible.
Why This Process Matters
The UMC appointment system reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. As Rev. Belton Joyner says in this article on the UMC appointment process, the key question isn't just “What’s best for me?”—it’s “What’s best for all of us?” The bishop, like a shepherd with a wide view, considers the needs of many churches at once. This helps ensure a fair and mission-focused process.
If you would like more understanding of how the United Methodist Church is organized and the rolls of a Bishop and the Superintendent, Pastor Jennifer created a quick one minute video for you to view here!
We’re in This Together
This season of transition is an opportunity for deep listening and faithful imagination. We’ll be sharing updates, opportunities for input, and spaces for prayer as we walk through this together.
If you have questions—we welcome them. If you have hopes—we want to hear them.
Together, we trust that God is already preparing the way.
Sincerely,
Sara Schulz & Karen Johnson
Leadership Board Co-Chairs