1996 Discipline ¶ 402

¶ 402. Guidelines for Superintending in this Age--The demands of this age on the leadership of bishops and district superintendents in The United Methodist Church can be seen in mode, pace, and skill:

1. Mode--Leaders need to be able to read consensus and integrate it into a living tradition, to be open to the prophetic word, to be skilled in team-building, and to be effective in negotiation. The style of leadership should rise out of nurtured and cultivated spiritual disciplines and patterns of holiness, for the Spirit is given to the community and its members to the extent that they participate.

2. Pace--Beyond formal systems of accountability, leaders need to open themselves to forms of accountability that they cultivate for themselves through a support group. Such a group can listen, can help, and can clarify, as well as participate with the leader, as he or she thinks through time demands and constraints in the process of sorting out of priorities. Appropriate time must be taken for reflection, study, developing friendships, and self-renewal.

3. Skill--Among the skills needed by leaders are spiritual discipline, theological reflection, building the unique inclusive community of the Church and of the larger community as well. Reading the signs of the times, analyzing, designing strategy, assessing needs, organizing a wide range of resources, and evaluating programs and personnel are yet other skills crucial for leaders.

 

 

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