"Choosing New Superintendents"

e-HUM Bishop

November 28, 2004

"Choosing New Superintendents"

I am writing to ask for your help. In the next few weeks I have to choose three new District Superintendents to replace Jim Gentry (Indianapolis West District), Gerald Hewson (Huntington District), and David Maish (Muncie District). Those three persons are all retiring at Annual Conference in 2005. Although I am familiar with many of the clergy in the North and South Conferences who might be good choices for these positions, I am aware that I don't know everyone. So, I am seeking your help.

As I choose District Superintendents, I always consult with the DS Committees in those respective districts, and I am in the process of doing that. Those Committees help me by giving me a "profile" of their district, the communities within their districts, and their leadership needs for the next DS.

After hearing from those respective district committees, I also consult with the current Cabinets about possible names. Although the final choice of a DS is one which the Bishop has to make, it is important for me to hear from the current Cabinets their best advice.

The characteristics I believe that are needed in a District Superintendent are the following: someone with a strong commitment to Christ and his church; someone who is respected by her or his clergy colleagues; someone with a demonstrated record of leading their churches in making disciples, paying 100% of apportionments, and helping to mentor new clergy and lay leadership; and someone who works well in "team ministry" (serving on a Cabinet and serving with lay and clergy conference leadership).

You can suggest names by e-mail or my snail mail. Any names you suggest to me will be prayerfully considered, along with the profiles from the DS committees and the suggestions of the current Cabinets. Sometime after the first of the New Year, I will be making my decisions. I request your help, your prayers, and your support in these important decisions.

Thank you.

from Bishop Michael J. Coyner

Indiana Area of the United Methodist Church
"Making a Difference ... in Indiana
and around the world"

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