An Update on the 2020 AWF Clergy Appointment Process

Friends,

Several weeks ago, I outlined the appointment process and asked for your prayers. On behalf of the cabinet, we have felt and appreciated your prayers around this vital work. We were scheduled to begin contacting pastors this coming Monday, March 23rd. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and other factors have caused some of this work to be placed on hold. This year’s timeline was earlier than most years due to General Conference in May. With the pandemic and the recent postponement of General Conference, it allows us to give more intentional time to this process.

 
I know there is a lot of anxiety around the health crisis and the appointment process. The cabinet’s desire is that we perform our work well while keeping it centered in prayer. Therefore, in the spirit of transparency, I want to update you on our progress.
-We will begin calling some pastors next week. Most pastors and SPRC chairs receiving calls will be those who are being appointed as associate pastors in our large membership churches.
-Next, the district superintendents will contact those serving part-time pastoral appointments.
-All others receiving new appointments will be contacted at a later date. My desire is for this to take place in the next two weeks.
 
These are uncertain times, and a new normal is yet to be determined. Again, thank you for your prayers and patience as we do this work.

In Christ,
Bishop David Graves
Resident Bishop
Alabama-West Florida Conference