423. Rights and Responsibilities--1. Of Full Members--Members in full connection shall have the right to vote on all matters in the annual conference except in the election of lay delegates to the General and jurisdictional or central conferences (701.1a) and shall have sole responsibility for all matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy. This responsibility shall not be limited by the recommendation or lack of recommendation by the board of ordained ministry, notwithstanding provisions of Chapter 3 which grant to the board of ordained ministry the right of recommendation. They shall be eligible to hold office in the annual conference and to be elected delegates to the General and jurisdictional or central conferences under the provision of the Constitution (38, Art. IV). Every effective member in full connection who is in good standing shall receive an annual appointment by the bishop.19
2. There are professional responsibilities which clergy members are expected to fulfill and which represent a fundamental part of their accountability and a primary basis of their guaranteed appointment. These shall include:
a) Continuing availability for appointment.
b) Annual participation in evaluation with committees on pastor-parish relations for use in an ongoing effective ministry and for identifying continuing education and spiritual growth needs and plans.
c) Annual participation in evaluation with district superintendents to determine the pastor's gifts, health, and effectiveness for ministry (270.2f, 520.2, 733.2n, o), both within the current appointment and for future appointments.
d) Growth in competence and effectiveness through continuing education is expected of conference members. The board of ordained ministry (733.2n) shall set minimal standards and specific guidelines for continuing education programs for members of their conference and ensure their availability.
e) Willingness to assume supervisory responsibilities within the connection.
3. If a clergy member fails to meet these professional responsibilities, the provisions of 454.3 may be invoked.
19See Judicial Council Decisions 462, 473, 492, 534, 552, 555.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 423
1996 United Methodist General Conference