5 Comments

I agree with your analysis of the impact itinerancy has on our UM difficulties. My experience on the theology question, however, is different from yours. I have known UM clergy (too many) who do not adhere to the core doctrines of the faith. They are ministers in good standing under appointment.

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Pastors and SPR committees have way more input on itinerancy these days than when I experienced it from the inside out as a Methodist PK. I was born in '41 and enlisted in the Army in '59. Back then it was pretty much the DS and Bishop who called the shots. I would say we're a lot closer to a "modified call system" now than we were back then. Dad - RIP - always believed in what he called the "genius" of the itinerancy, especially the guaranteed appointment aspect that made sure no church would be without a pastor and no pastor would be without an appointment. I shudder when I hear stories about churches in denominations with the call system that go well beyond a year with interim pastors until they find one that satisfies them.

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So if we follow your trail off I-84 and meander out through the Wallowas to the tiny hamlet of Joseph, where there is one pizza parlor, open 4-8 pm some days, "there" we've located the "real problem" that has pickled the UMC. Well, the scenery is lovely, but we'll never get to the epicenter of our dilemma on this road.

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