District chair

Chairs have a vital role in the stationing of probationers. The Probationers’ Stationing Sub-Committee is reliant on the Chair’s judgement as to the suitability of an appointment for a probationer. The importance of having the right Superintendent cannot be over-stated (see above): the pressures of needing to fill an appointment must not be allowed to jeopardise a probationer’s whole future in ministry. The nature of the appointment (see criteria) is important, but the quality of superintendency is more so.

The Chair’s role in knowing the probationers as individuals and providing a source of support outside the circuit is also of great importance.

Chairs are responsible for:

Ensuring that probationer appointments in the district are appropriate
Working with the Superintendent, circuit leadership team and church stewards on circuit policy so that the probationer appointment is part of a coherent whole
Ensuring that Superintendents and circuits stewards are appropriately informed and trained
Ensuring that probationers and their families are made welcome at an induction event
Wherever possible taking part in the welcome service
Maintaining general awareness and oversight of the probationer and the appointment
Attending and chairing the DPC
Attending as possible and appropriate the district probationers’ or Under Fives group and the probationers’ retreat
Meeting with ordinands to explore their theological understanding and readiness for ordination
Co-ordinating the District Ordinands Testimony service
Before ordination, meeting individually with each probationer and their partner to explore their hopes and dreams for the future, and ensuring that the appropriate person in the district works with the probationer to identify their future training and development needs