Elders and Local Pastors

Leading from the Heart is the weekly blog of Rev. Laurie Haller, District Superintendent of the Grand Rapids District of the West Michigan Conference, who is also a director of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

When people talk about lack of communication, they are almost always pointing to some deeper meaning that they might not even be aware of. Read more

Such “quadrennial ministry studies within Methodism during the last two generations,” Richard Heitenzenrater has observed, “present an interesting illustration of denominational identity crisis.” More (PDF)

Although the numerical decline in elders is well documented and parallels the decline in the number of church members, these statistics do not tell the whole story.

The primary mission of the Division of Ordained Ministry of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is to invite, equip, and support faithful leaders of The United Methodist Church. To achieve this, information about the makeup of that leadership and changes to the makeup are necessary. More (PDF)

Call to Pastoral Ministry is Long Journey

Darren Cushman Wood found it relatively easy to see himself as a preacher. The call to pastoral ministry was a bit trickier. Meet Elder Wood.

“My heart was so full of the Holy Spirit"

“God worked so fast that it was awhile before I looked up and realized I was in the pulpit, preaching, and giving the sacraments." Meet Local Pastor Isomar Alvarez.

I believe we are called to tasks in season"

“Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world — that is my charge, as a Christian, as clergy, as a district superintendent." Meet Rev. Clarence R. Brown, Jr.