Significant changes in conference leadership are just around the corner. Bishop David Bard's time as the interim bishop of the Minnesota Conference is slated to end December 31, 2022, at which time a new bishop will be assigned. On July 1, 2023, two district superintendents will reach their eight-year term limits. And on July 1, 2024, two more Cabinet-level staff will either reach their term limit or retire.
In order to prepare for these changes, Bishop Bard is inviting Minnesota United Methodists to participate in an open nomination process to identify clergy who might be asked to serve as district superintendents or in other Cabinet-level positions (read his full announcement about the nomination process). Individuals may nominate clergy who they believe have the qualities, skills, and abilities needed for these positions (see responsibilities and qualifications for Cabinet-level positions); clergy can self-nominate as well. Consultations will be held for those nominated. The strongest consideration will be given to persons in this leadership pool for district superintendent and other Cabinet-level positions. Being nominated does not guarantee such a position and it is always the prerogative of a bishop to choose whom they will. However, Bishop Bard is committed to working with this process to identify future leaders and provide opportunities for these persons to help shape the future of the conference, even prior to new Cabinet-level positions being filled. Nominate a clergy person for a Cabinet-level position.
At the same time, Bishop Bard is convening a Transition Table to imaginatively consider the staffing, structure, and resourcing of the Minnesota Annual Conference in a way that positions us well for the future (read his full announcement about this team).
The Transition Table will engage in a year-long process with a charge to dream and design models for organizing, staffing, and delivering resources that allows for flexibility, innovation, and nimbleness without jeopardizing our stability and sustainability as an organization. In particular, this group will look at the role of district superintendents and the supervision, equipping, and care of clergy and congregations. It will also examine our governance structure and staffing model. And it will reflect on where we are investing our time and resources in light of our mission, vision, and values and offer recommendations on how to more effectively leverage our resources. The Transition Table will be composed of the following persons:
All persons selected need to demonstrate:
Bishop Bard has created an open nomination process for the seven persons who are not from the current Extended Cabinet or the future leadership pool for Cabinet-level positions. The scope, work, and meeting schedule of the team will be set once convened. The time commitment most likely would involve a couple of two-day overnight retreats, as well as Zoom meetings at least monthly; there might be some task work to be done between scheduled meetings. The Transition Table will engage a variety of stakeholders in this process, and those who are nominated but not selected for the team will be invited into the stakeholder conversations. This team is accountable to the Bishop and Extended Cabinet for their work, will offer regular progress updates to them, and will bring a report to the full Annual Conference Session in 2023.
Nominate yourself or someone else for the Transition Table. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2022.
Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
122 West Franklin Avenue, Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 870-0058