(Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon) - The Cabinet of the Alabama-West Florida Conference met in a regularly scheduled session on February 19-20 at the Conference Office in Montgomery. During the two day meeting, Bishop Leeland, the district superintendents, and members of the extended cabinet participated in the Incubator process, reflecting on the mission and ministry of the annual conference, discussing Edwin Friedman's book, Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, and spending time in prayer for one another and various concerns from across the conference.
Among the many items discussed related to the mission and ministry of the conference, the Cabinet reviewed the new Voluntary Transition Program for clergy approved by the 2012 General Conference, explored ways to increase the partnership in ministry with the outstanding laity of our conference, and identified several "next-steps" in the process to raise awareness around clergy well-being in an effort to try to reduce the stressors of ministry faced by our clergy and their families.
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to reviewing the preference forms submitted by clergy and Staff (Pastor) / Parish Relations Committees as part of the upcoming appointment process. Superintendents will continue in consultation with Staff (Pastor) / Parish Relations Committees and clergy as needed.
We celebrate the ways that we see God at work in our midst across the Alabama-West Florida Conference. We are grateful for the leadership provided by our clergy and laity in our effort to seek disciples of Jesus Christ. We continue to pray for our churches and clergy and would covet your prayers as we continue in this time of discernment related to the appointment of pastors for 2013-14.
May God continue to guide us as we journey through this holy season of Lent!
