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Clergy and Cabinet to examine housing policy

In response to a motion adopted during the Clergy Session of the 2009 Annual Conference, the Chairs of the West Michigan Orders of Elders, Deacons, John Wesley Association and the Board of Ordained Ministry (self-designated as the Response Team) invite all clergy to be part of a conversation on November 30^th. The open discussion portion of the afternoon will be facilitated by the Rev. John Ellinger.

The following information is offered to help participants prepare for the gathering, and to begin with some common understandings.

• Given the scarcity of time, leadership, resources and political capital, wouldn’t the energy now focused on this issue be better utilized toward growing Christ’s kingdom in the West Michigan Conference?
• In light of our commitment to justice and our concern for “the least of these,” would you [Bishop] (1) favor parsonage-owning churches to voluntarily contribute property taxes to our local communities [parsonages are currently exempt]? (2) assess an additional $1 million to our ministry shares to assist churches that have parsonages instead of housing allowances, or (3) maintain the current system that allows parsonage families to receive public services without paying for them [because we do not pay property taxes on parsonages]? (NOTE: The Response Team’s judgment is that this thoughtful question does not fall under the purview of the current conversation and is more appropriate for another discussion.)
• Why is consistency related to the bishop’s interpretation of the Flexible Housing Policy more important than fulfilling the mission of pastors and churches?
• What changes would you like to see in the Flexible Housing Policy of the conference that would enable it to better facilitate the ministry of pastors and churches?
• Does the bishop have the authority to deviate from a conference housing policy, in the application of that policy, when such policy is consistent with the Discipline?
• What is the interplay of cooperation, consultation and understanding between churches, cabinet and clergy in the appointment process with regard to the current housing policy?
• How would you describe/how do you understand the “spirit” and intent of the current West Michigan Conference Flexible Housing Policy and appointment-making procedure? Is that “spirit” alive and well in the way housing decisions are made by the cabinet and received by the clergy?
• Given the recent circumstances, should each church be told they must have a parsonage? Do we need to look at doing away with the housing allowances altogether if some are allowed to use it and others not?
• How does the current use of the Conference Flexible Housing Policy empower the cabinet to match clergy gifts and church needs?
• If pastors must live in parsonages, shouldn’t the parsonages meet parsonage standards? Are the standards enforced or even monitored closely.?

1. Every effort will be made to provide the opportunity to speak to all who wish to speak.
2. A time limit for questions and responses will be observed.
3. Because this is not a debate, no motions will be entertained and no formal decisions regarding policy or procedure will be received.
4. We fully trust and believe that God will be present