Selection as a TiM pastor, mentor pastor or congregation will be based upon select criteria. Learn more about the qualities sought and expectations for participants in the program by clicking the links below:
Selection will be based on promise for excellence in pastoral leadership demonstrated by:
Commitment to the mission and vision of the United Methodist Church
Seminary graduate by Spring 2023
Preference for applicants 35 and younger
Certified candidate and eligible for a full-time appointment starting in July in the Great Plains Conference
Shows promise for excellence in pastoral leadership (TiM application)
Interview in person or via Skype
Willing to make a five-year commitment to the TiM program
Qualities:
Evidence of promise for pastoral ministry in a United Methodist context
Teachable spirit (open to feedback, supervision, mentoring, dialogue, etc.)
Life-long learner (open to diverse experiences)
Desire and commitment to succeed in effective pastoral leadership
Clarity about learning goals with peers, mentoring pastor and lay teams; define what they want to give and receive in these relationships
Collegial – commitment to time and engagement with peers, mentors, church staff and conference persons
Accountable
Commitment to mature holistically
Expectations:
Will invest in the program design by working with TiM pastor
Meeting at least monthly for reflection/dialogue for associate pastors
Sermon and worship review
Will participate in the TiM mentor pastor peer group monthly between July to November and February to April
Will provide ongoing evaluation related to the outcomes of the TiM Program
Will attend a Continuing Education experience with TiM Pastor in the two years
TiM Mentor Pastor Criteria (Mentoring Phase)
Selection of the mentor pastor will be based on an application, with approval from their district superintendent.
Qualities:
A strong commitment to the mission and vision of the United Methodist Church
Has stability in ministry and excels in pastoral leadership
Has clarity about the purpose and commitment to the TiM program for at least two years
Has a commitment to and is accountable to the UM connection, are respected by their colleagues
Exhibits pastoral competencies
Is an adaptive leader
Has a commitment for his/her own ongoing personal, professional, spiritual, physical development
Has high emotional and spiritual intelligence, is accessible, vulnerable, and teachable
Has a passion for developing leaders and will enter into a covenant of learning
Expectations:
Will commit to the time to invest in the program design by working with TiM pastor
At least one hour weekly for reflection/dialogue for associate pastors (3 hours monthly for solo pastors)
Sermon and worship review
Will commit time to participate in the TiM mentor pastor peer group every other month
Will establish clear and measurable goals for TiM program outcomes and provide ongoing evaluation
Will attend at least one experience or workshop with TiM associate
TiM Congregation Criteria for Associate Pastors
Selection of the TiM congregation will be based in part on having a senior pastor candidate who has approval from their district superintendent and the TiM congregation will need a vote of approval from the church/charge administrative body.
Qualities:
Identify themselves as a learning/teaching congregation
See part of their identity as a congregation who helps prepare young clergy for effective pastoral ministry
Have clarity about the purpose and commitments of the TiM program
Be a multi-generational church
Expectations:
Will have district superintendent recommendation
Pay 100% of apportionments
Have approval from church/administrative council
Shall have a stable staff and environment, free of unhealthy conflict
Have a strong lay, clergy partnership
Can be a singular church (congregational size and location will be considered) or a multiple point charge (cooperation among the churches will be considered)
Will create a committee of lay members who will meet with the TiM pastor on a monthly basis for encouragement, support and feedback (training will be provided by the TiM director and/or Board)
The TiM committee will work with the TiM pastor to articulate what is needed by each party, which will be reflected in a covenant for learning
This TiM committee would be different than the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee, but could include a member from that committee
TiM Congregation Criteria for Solo Pastors
Selection of the TiM congregations for first time solo pastors will be made by the Bishop and Cabinet.
Know someone who might be interested in this program? Share the TiM homepage with them (greatplainsumc.org/tim).
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