Q&As from "Let's Talk with SPRC" on May 18, 2025

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Q: Who selects (appoints) our new minister?

 

The United Methodist Church is an episcopal church in structure.  That means that we have bishops.  In our tradition, the resident bishop of an episcopal area makes all the clergy assignments for that particular area.  Pleasant Grove is in the North Carolina Conference, which is a geographic area composed of eight districts in eastern North Carolina.  Pleasant Grove is in the Capital District.  Each district is supervised by a clergy person called a district superintendent. These district superintendents assist the bishop in making the ministerial appointments.  Our current bishop is Bishop Connie Shelton. Each UMC minister is appointed to a church for one year at a time beginning around July 1. Jay has been reappointed to PGUMC for 32 consecutive years, The average assignment for a Methodist minister is 5 to 7 years.

 

Q: What role do we at Pleasant Grove play in this process?

 

While the final decision is made by the bishop, the process is designed to be consultative in nature.  The Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) at Pleasant Grove is the contact point between the bishop and our congregation.  The SPRC has shared with the bishop and cabinet (district superintendents) the attributes we think a clergy person should have to be most successful at Pleasant Grove.  Danny Sullivan has met several times with our Capital District Superintendent, Chris Brady.  We are confident that the bishop and cabinet understand our community and its needs.

 

Q: What is the transition period (January 1, 2026 - June 30, 2026)?

 

It was felt by Jay and church leadership that a period of transition would be beneficial, both for the new pastor and for the congregation, given Jay's extended tenure at Pleasant Grove.  This will allow for the new clergy person to get acquainted with our church as they gradually assume pastoral leadership over several months.  Our bishop has graciously agreed to this arrangement. 

 

Q: Will Jay still be connected to the church?

 

Jay will be retired effective July 1, 2026, and a new pastor will be leading Pleasant Grove.  Jay and the Minnick Family will be remaining in the area, and Jay will be available to assist as needed and as requested by the new pastor.  Allana and the rest of the family are planning to stay connected to Pleasant Grove. 

 

 Q: How will this change affect the rest of the staff at Pleasant Grove?

 

This change will have no direct effect on current staffing at Pleasant Grove.  

 

Q: How will we celebrate Jay's retirement?

 

How we will mark Jay's retirement is yet to be determined.  If you have any ideas, please contact the Transition Team (Jay, Danny Sullivan, Jane Albright, Deborah Horton, and Ashley Yohman).

 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS!