Update from the Appointive Cabinet

The Appointive Cabinet met last week to begin considering clergy whose gifts and grace would match the needs of churches where there will be an opening or maybe a change for the 2022-2023 conference year.  They reflected on 102 charges, with a focus on the needs of fruitfulness and diversity in leadership.  They also began exploring the assignment of laypersons to local churches in dialogue with the Conference Board of Laity.

As a part of their work, the Cabinet affirmed, as a general direction, an expanded profile that would serve the needs of traditional churches in our conference who want to remain connectional.  District Superintendents have begun to have conversations regarding this additional information as a part of their consultations with churches and clergy.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved $10,000 salary grants to three Black churches serving an anchoring presence in three locations in our Conference, out of a desire for greater equity and to reduce the salary gap between white pastors and pastors of color. Speaking about one of those churches, Rev. Dr. Sam Moore, Jr., commented, “I celebrate that St. Paul (Winston-Salem) will have adequate funding so that faithful, impactful, transformative, and vital ministries may continue.” The other two churches are St. Matthews in Greensboro and St. Mark’s in Charlotte.

The Cabinet also discussed working with the Office of Church Development to provide funding for associate pastors in these three congregations over the next three years.  The purpose of these appointments would be to provide training and mentoring of clergy entering the ministry as well as to offer additional pastoral leadership within these congregations. Rev. Dr. Bill White, Jr., Director of Equity and Justice Ministries reflected, “Bishop Carter has consistently spoken about the work of anti-racism as discipleship and sanctification and as one of the four pathways for the WNCC. The work of equity and justice is one that requires changes in practices. There has been a need for associate pastors in the African American/Black Churches in our Conference for many years in order to strengthen their ministries. Providing funds from the Conference to support these positions is not only a symbolic act but a substantive one that will offer resources to ensure the vitality and continuation of these historic congregations.”