An Emerging Sketch of
Circuit Clergy Development Teams

Core Purpose: Growing effectiveness and emerging excellence in ministry through mutual support and accountability among clergy peers.

Primary Task: Provide a combination of peer interactions and personal learning initiatives which engage clergy in group and self reflection/evaluation regarding the faithful, effective practice of ministry giving priority to areas that relate directly to the ministry plans of the corresponding Circuit Ministry Development Team.

Objectives:

1. to share in regular experiences of mutual support and accountability
2. to encourage creative thinking and growth in areas including but not limited to: church administration, ministry skill-building, biblical knowledge, theological reflection, multi-cultural perspectives, awareness of social systems
3. to affirm and under-gird the unique role of clergy in the process of identifying and developing emerging mission and ministry emphases
4. to equip with strategies for prevention, intervention and management of conflict and/or crisis
5. to model a commitment to continuous growth by engaging in teaching and learning ministries
6. to assist in the creation of individual, congregation, and community profiles for ministry
7. to support the covenantal connections established through the orders of ordained ministry with part time local pastors, student pastors, those in extension ministries, and those in retired relationship who, because of life and ministry circumstances, cannot be expected to participate regularly in Circuit Clergy Development Teams
8. to appropriately incorporate and utilize the skills and knowledge of those serving as part time local pastors, student pastors, in extension ministries and retired relationship
9. to extend the church's on-going challenge to raise up new clergy leaders by identifying and nurturing potential candidates for ordained ministry

Guiding Principles:

1. Early in the process, teams will give primary attention to the formation of a group covenant which will address: relationship forming, trust building, rules of confidentiality and a plan for growing together as a mutually accountable learning community. This plan shall give consideration to the individual members' needs for spiritual and professional growth as well as the mission and ministry goals identified by their respective congregations and the Circuit Ministry Development Team.
2. Each member of the Team will be expected to commit to regular attendance at and active participation in all scheduled meetings. It is anticipated that teams will meet face-to-face no less than four times per year and that communication between scheduled meetings will take place as needed.
3. The primary role of the Circuit Leader is as facilitator for the Circuit Clergy Development Team. The Circuit Leader is charged with helping the team to stay focused and on-task as well as helping to coordinate the work of the circuit. Circuit Leaders will have specific skill training for team development and decision-making in efforts to engage, invite, and equip clergy team members and eventually, the entire Circuit Ministry Development Team to effectively address the mission field of the Circuit.
4. The District Superintendent will relate to the Circuit Clergy Development Team and individual members of the team in the supervisory role outlined in the Book of Discipline.
5. The District Superintendent will be a resource to the work of both the Circuit Clergy and Ministry Development Teams.