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On Selecting District Superintendents

Published: 2/8/2008

One of the most daunting and crucial decisions made by every bishop is the selection of district superintendents.  Known by early Methodists as presiding elders, (a designation I still personally prefer), district superintendents represent the bishop in the annual conference. They connect congregations to one another, the district, the annual conference, and larger church. Particularly in large annual conferences where it is not possible for the bishop to know every pastor and congregation personally, these men and women are often the face and voice of The United Methodist Church. 

When I grew up, superintendents were expected to come to your church to conduct charge conference every fall and make recommendations to the bishop for pastoral changes every spring. In between, they functioned as "a pastor to pastors" and went to conference meetings. Bishops usually selected superintendents on the basis of long and faithful service to the annual conference. For many years, that system worked well.

As the church has changed over the last two decades, few roles in the church have changed more than the role of the district superintendent. Dr. Gil Rendle, consultant with Texas Methodist Foundation, has commented that the ministry of middle judicatory leaders such as district superintendents may be the most stressful work in any denomination.

In addition to the many tasks outlined by the Book of Discipline, superintendents are called on to deal with church conflicts, misconduct, legal issues, and guide prospective pastors through the complicated process of entrance into ministry. They are expected to supervise pastors, coach congregations to engage the mission field in their communities, and much more.

While total membership may have decreased, superintendents often have more congregations and pastors under their supervision than their counterparts from a decade ago. Our largest district has 112 churches grouped into 76 charges.

Our annual conference vision of "vibrant, growing congregations changing lives and reshaping futures for Jesus Christ" and our mission of "equipping congregations to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world" have profound implications for the work of the district superintendent.

Our key drivers of Spirit-led, excellence, fruitfulness and accountability are reshaping the work of the cabinet. Coaching congregations to practice radical hospitality, passionate worship, faith-forming relationships and risk-taking mission and service is modifying the superintendents' work in new ways. It is both a challenging and exciting time to serve as a leader in The United Methodist Church.

Over the last year, our Cabinet has given great thought and prayer to both the role of the district superintendent in the Texas Annual Conference and the qualities and characteristics of those persons. We assume that every potential superintendent is characterized by a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, a passion for the gospel, and an appreciation for the diversity of the Texas Annual Conference. In addition, we have agreed that the following qualities and characteristics are essential. 

Team Player deeply committed to vision, mission, core values and beliefs of the Texas Annual Conference

We would expect a potential superintendent to have demonstrated aspects of that commitment in their previous ministry. They might have served as part of a team at the district/conference, supported new faith communities, worked well with youth at camps and conferences, mentored young adults considering ordained ministry, partnered with laity to strengthen the ministry of the church, and/or contributed vital signs information.  A pastor will enjoy this ministry more if able to function creatively and effectively in a diverse team, which will frequently mean working through conflict to build consensus that draws from Christ and the best of each person around the table.

A Desire to Learn

Our environment for ministry is changing rapidly. Faithfulness in the 21^st century will require imagination, creativity and adaptability from a deep Biblical perspective. Folks who enjoy learning and are willing to try new ministry approaches will be more likely to find satisfaction in the ministry of superintendency. Our experience is that pastors who enjoy learning also enjoy teaching.

Adaptability characterized by nimbleness, trustworthiness and integrity

A potential superintendent must be someone people can trust.

At the same time, they must demonstrate the capacity and courage to act with flexibility and nimbleness. A superintendent must give evidence of his/her integrity to Christian and United Methodist values and beliefs and exhibit the capacity to communicate those beliefs in a manner that encourages pastors and congregations while holding them accountable. Superintendency is less stressful and more enjoyable if one can receive criticism without becoming reactive. 

Fits the mission field of the district

The Texas Annual Conference districts have been drawn to reflect distinct mission fields.  A potential superintendent should have a demonstrated affinity for the particular mission field that is currently open. He/she must be prepared to work with the district leadership team to develop, communicate, and implement the missional strategy of the district.

Sometimes churches ask the cabinet for "the perfect pastor." When they do, I sometimes quip to our colleagues, "I'm not sure even Jesus could meet their standards." Our cabinet knows that we, too, might have outlined a standard that no pastor can meet. At the same time, we are raising the bar for our own behavior.

Our desire to be faithful to God and to Christ's mission of disciple-making will not let us settle for less. I hope that you will be in prayer for me and the cabinet as we make these and many other appointments this season.

Grace and peace,

Janice Riggle Huie