By Priscilla Muzerengwa
Harare Zimbabwe
Congregations exhibiting traits of well-being, dynamism, and growth are those that pay close attention to their pastors and provide regular evaluations as a way of encouraging and refining each other.
Harare east district local preachers and Staff Pastor Parish Relations (SPPR) committee engaged into courteous and truthful, conversation which provides a measure of accountability. With the aim of reminding local preachers of their role as stewards of God’s gifts and helping them focus on the purpose for which God calls his people. Local preachers have been evaluated in circuits and recommended to the district conference as in good standing.
This is a new phenomenon in the district which came as a directive from district committee on ordained ministry (DCOOM). UMC book of discipline states that the district superintendent, in consultation with the SPPR committee will evaluate annually the pastors’ effectiveness for ministry.
Evaluations are a way encouraging a person’s growth and maturity by enhancing that person’s strengths and highlighting weak areas that needs to be addressed with the aim of ensuring that leadership gifts are being applied with honest
Rev Kundai Katiyo DCOOM chairperson in her report to district conference explained that local preachers are an extension of the pastor’s office, therefore are encouraged to be in full support of the church in commitment, works, prayers and financially.
“Pastors received training on the evaluation and were tasked to train their SPPR committees,” said Katiyo. “All Pastors in Harare East District remain resolute with conviction and belief that through God the almighty’s guidance and inspiration, we will lift the church to greater heights.”
Regular evaluations can provide an opportunity to celebrate how God has used individuals to bless his church and this is an encouragement to both the church and the preachers Local preachers are accountable to their calling in matters of church doctrine, life, and duty.
Effective local preachers are able to stand by the church’s vision and mission even when the surrounding pressure might tempt them to abandon the church’s strategic goals.
Communication is critical in the evaluation process. All parties involved must be made aware of what is happening and when it is happening. The process should also include a timeline that lays out what steps happen when they occur.
Local preachers and SPPR members who participated in the exercise welcomed the plan, however expressed mixed feelings on the process.
“It was very educative and informative, also helped us to take stock of ourselves in growing spiritually and socially as a preacher,” remarked Sam Mubayiwa Cranborne UMC local preacher
“It is a good idea, but we need training based on the syllabus used,” said Norman Chesa Watefalls UMC local preacher. “We also expect the SPPR committee to be well versed.”
Edmore Nyambo Harare circuit SPPR chairperson appreciated the programme but felt it could have been more effective if it was conducted by pastors not SPPR committee.
“I am not a local preacher and not fully aware on what to expect from the evaluation,” said Nyambo. “We need an in-depth training on what we are supposed to do with these evaluations.”
Effective evaluations provides way forward and knowledge for future approaches When done caringly and prayerfully, evaluations can yield a healthy congregation, in which individuals discern and learn the rich and textured life that God desires for his church.