Cross-Racial and Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Cross-Cultural Appointments: Appointments:

Training ResourceTraining Resource

The General Board of Higher The General Board of Higher Education and MinistryEducation and Ministry

Rev. Dr. HiRho ParkRev. Dr. HiRho Park

Director, Continuing Formation for MinistryDirector, Continuing Formation for Ministry

Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Appointments and GBHEM Appointments and GBHEM

The 2008 General Conference passed new The 2008 General Conference passed new legislation regarding cross-racial and cross-legislation regarding cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments which the General Board of cultural appointments which the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry submitted.Higher Education and Ministry submitted.

The new legislation emphasizes the Church’s The new legislation emphasizes the Church’s commitment to open itinerancy and inclusiveness commitment to open itinerancy and inclusiveness and provides the definition of cross-racial and and provides the definition of cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. It also requires cross-cultural appointments. It also requires annual conferences to prepare and train clergy annual conferences to prepare and train clergy and congregations for cross-racial and cross-and congregations for cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. cultural appointments.

What is cross-racial and cross-cultural What is cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments in the UMC?appointments in the UMC?

GBHEM Legislation to the General Conference 2008GBHEM Legislation to the General Conference 2008(Added new paragraphs after ¶ 430.2)(Added new paragraphs after ¶ 430.2)

Definition of Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Definition of Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Appointments:Appointments:

Cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments are made Cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments are made as a creative response to increasing racial and ethnic as a creative response to increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the church and in its leadership. Cross-diversity in the church and in its leadership. Cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments are racial and cross-cultural appointments are appointments of clergypersons to congregations in appointments of clergypersons to congregations in which the majority of their constituencies are different which the majority of their constituencies are different from the clergyperson’s own racial/ethnic and cultural from the clergyperson’s own racial/ethnic and cultural background. background. (¶430. 4)(¶430. 4)

Training Requirement Training Requirement

Annual conferences shall prepare clergy and Annual conferences shall prepare clergy and congregations for cross-racial and cross-cultural congregations for cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. When such appointments are appointments. When such appointments are made, bishops, cabinets, and boards of ordained made, bishops, cabinets, and boards of ordained ministry shall provide specific training for the ministry shall provide specific training for the clergy persons so appointed and for their clergy persons so appointed and for their congregations. congregations. (¶430. 4)(¶430. 4)

Emphasis on Open ItinerancyEmphasis on Open Itinerancy

Annual conferences shall, in their training of staff-Annual conferences shall, in their training of staff-parish relations committees, emphasize the open parish relations committees, emphasize the open nature of itinerancy and prepare congregations to nature of itinerancy and prepare congregations to receive the gifts and graces of appointed clergy receive the gifts and graces of appointed clergy without regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, without regard to race, ethnic origin, gender, color, disability, marital status, or age.color, disability, marital status, or age. (¶430.1) (¶430.1)

The United Methodist Church promotes and holds The United Methodist Church promotes and holds in high esteem the opportunity of an inclusive in high esteem the opportunity of an inclusive church church (¶4. Article IV)(¶4. Article IV) with the formation of open with the formation of open itinerancy itinerancy (¶430.1(¶430.1). ). (¶430 3)(¶430 3)

Theological and Biblical Foundation of Theological and Biblical Foundation of Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural

AppointmentsAppointments

Importance of God’s ImageImportance of God’s Image(Genesis 1:26-31, Acts 17:24-26)(Genesis 1:26-31, Acts 17:24-26)

CR-CC appointments are based on the principle of CR-CC appointments are based on the principle of

‘‘Imago Dei,’ that Christians denounce favoritism Imago Dei,’ that Christians denounce favoritism with their partners in ministry according to their with their partners in ministry according to their racial and cultural background. The practice of racial and cultural background. The practice of CR-CC appointments affirms absolute value, CR-CC appointments affirms absolute value, authority and dignity of individuals and expresses authority and dignity of individuals and expresses the belief that all are created in the likeness of the belief that all are created in the likeness of God. God.

Importance of CommunityImportance of Community (Acts: 17: 22-34) (Acts: 17: 22-34)

Relationality is a character of creationRelationality is a character of creation Mutual relatedness is intrinsic to salvationMutual relatedness is intrinsic to salvation CR-CC appointments intend to create a CR-CC appointments intend to create a

community of ‘shalom’ that pursues wholeness community of ‘shalom’ that pursues wholeness by promoting unity and peace among different by promoting unity and peace among different peoplepeople

CR-CC appointments are initiation of a faithful CR-CC appointments are initiation of a faithful covenant relationship with people who are covenant relationship with people who are different from each other different from each other

Importance of the Gift of DiversityImportance of the Gift of Diversity(Genesis 11:1-9)(Genesis 11:1-9)

The motivation for building the tower was the fear The motivation for building the tower was the fear of the unknown, which is the foundation of racial of the unknown, which is the foundation of racial and cultural prejudice.and cultural prejudice.

The scattering of languages prevents self-serving, The scattering of languages prevents self-serving, self-preserving ethnocentrism.self-preserving ethnocentrism.

Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s cultural Ethnocentrism is the belief that one’s cultural values and beliefs are the best and that one values and beliefs are the best and that one possesses the superior culture. possesses the superior culture.

The first step toward becoming a multicultural The first step toward becoming a multicultural community is to recognize our own tower of Babel community is to recognize our own tower of Babel – our ethnocentrism.– our ethnocentrism.

Importance of the Gift of DiversityImportance of the Gift of Diversity(Pentecost: Acts 2)(Pentecost: Acts 2)

God granted the Holy Spirit that bound people God granted the Holy Spirit that bound people together in spite of their differences. together in spite of their differences.

The Gospel transcended the language and The Gospel transcended the language and cultural barriers and maintains the differences cultural barriers and maintains the differences that they reflect.that they reflect.

Linguistic diversity enriches the people’s Linguistic diversity enriches the people’s understanding of the world around them. understanding of the world around them.

The Pentecost miracle presented the various The Pentecost miracle presented the various peoples of the world simultaneously peoples of the world simultaneously understanding the same language of love of God understanding the same language of love of God through Jesus Christ while clearly maintaining through Jesus Christ while clearly maintaining their own individuality.their own individuality.

Ministry of ReconciliationMinistry of Reconciliation

““In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”

(2 Cor. 5:19, NRSV)(2 Cor. 5:19, NRSV)

CR-CC appointments intend to heal the wounds of CR-CC appointments intend to heal the wounds of separation by bearing one another in love (Eph. separation by bearing one another in love (Eph. 4:1-16)4:1-16)

Those who commit themselves to this ministry Those who commit themselves to this ministry become “ambassadors for Christ” for the become “ambassadors for Christ” for the reconciliation of the world (2 Cor. 5:20)reconciliation of the world (2 Cor. 5:20)

Reconciliation is the overcoming of alienation, Reconciliation is the overcoming of alienation, estrangement, hostility, and enmity through the estrangement, hostility, and enmity through the Spirit of Christ. Spirit of Christ. (Georgia Harkness, The Ministry of Reconciliation (Nashville: (Georgia Harkness, The Ministry of Reconciliation (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1971).Abingdon Press, 1971).

Eight Principles for the Ministry of ReconciliationEight Principles for the Ministry of Reconciliation(Raleigh Washington & Glen Keherin)(Raleigh Washington & Glen Keherin)

Committed Relationships (Ruth 1:16)Committed Relationships (Ruth 1:16) Intentionality (Eph. 2:14-15)Intentionality (Eph. 2:14-15) Sincerity (John 15:15)Sincerity (John 15:15) Sensitivity (Eph. 4:15-16)Sensitivity (Eph. 4:15-16) Sacrifice (Phil. 2:3-4)Sacrifice (Phil. 2:3-4) Interdependence (2 Cor. 8:12-14)Interdependence (2 Cor. 8:12-14) Empowerment (2 Cor. 8:9)Empowerment (2 Cor. 8:9) Repentance and Forgiveness (2 Cor. 5:17-21)Repentance and Forgiveness (2 Cor. 5:17-21)

(Raleigh Washington and Glen Keherin, (Raleigh Washington and Glen Keherin, Breaking Down Walls Breaking Down Walls (Chicago: Moody Press, 1993)(Chicago: Moody Press, 1993)

The Biblical Model of CR-CC AppointmentsThe Biblical Model of CR-CC AppointmentsThe Example of PaulThe Example of Paul

““I am a debtor to those who know Greek and to those who I am a debtor to those who know Greek and to those who don’t know Greek, to the educated and to the uneducated don’t know Greek, to the educated and to the uneducated … I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it functions as God’s … I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it functions as God’s instrument to rescue anyone who is committed to it – Jew instrument to rescue anyone who is committed to it – Jew first, then Gentiles.” (Romans 1:14-16, NRSV)first, then Gentiles.” (Romans 1:14-16, NRSV)

““To the Jews I become as a Jew, in order to win Jews … To To the Jews I become as a Jew, in order to win Jews … To those outside the law (to the Gentiles) I become as one those outside the law (to the Gentiles) I become as one outside the law … that I might with those outside the law.” outside the law … that I might with those outside the law.” (1 Cor. 9:20-21, NRSV)(1 Cor. 9:20-21, NRSV)

Paul lived his life among Gentiles as a Jew. Paul was Paul lived his life among Gentiles as a Jew. Paul was concerned about the relationship between Jewish and concerned about the relationship between Jewish and Gentile communities and their coexistence in the Gentile communities and their coexistence in the mysterious plan of God. mysterious plan of God.

Uniqueness of Paul’s CR-CC MinistryUniqueness of Paul’s CR-CC Ministry

Pursuing unity in diversityPursuing unity in diversity: Paul was a person who held : Paul was a person who held love as the basis for the unity of the community, “love love as the basis for the unity of the community, “love binds together in perfect harmony.” (Col. 3:14)binds together in perfect harmony.” (Col. 3:14)

Clear communicationClear communication: Paul wrote letters to maintain : Paul wrote letters to maintain clear communication and dialogue in faith.clear communication and dialogue in faith.

Willingness to take risk and sufferWillingness to take risk and suffer: Paul took the risk of : Paul took the risk of his apostleship for the sake of Gentile salvation (Acts 15, his apostleship for the sake of Gentile salvation (Acts 15, Phil. 3:7-9, 2 Peter 3:15f).Phil. 3:7-9, 2 Peter 3:15f).

Commitment to the prophetic callCommitment to the prophetic call: Paul was called for : Paul was called for the specific task of CR-CC ministry and he responded the specific task of CR-CC ministry and he responded faithfully with commitment (Gal. 1:13-16).faithfully with commitment (Gal. 1:13-16).

History of CR-CC Appointments History of CR-CC Appointments in The UMCin The UMC

1982:1982: The document, “Eight Principles to Undergird Serious The document, “Eight Principles to Undergird Serious Reflection and Action on Open Itinerancy” was created by the Reflection and Action on Open Itinerancy” was created by the General Commission on Religion and Race.General Commission on Religion and Race.

1983:1983: The Council of Bishops established the Center for United The Council of Bishops established the Center for United Methodist Pastoral Exchange which was located at Gammon Methodist Pastoral Exchange which was located at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga. Bishop L. Scott Allen who was Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga. Bishop L. Scott Allen who was the first African American bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction the first African American bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction became the director.became the director.

1985:1985: A National Seminar on Open Itinerancy was held in Atlanta, A National Seminar on Open Itinerancy was held in Atlanta, Ga.Ga.

1988: 1988: The National Seminar for Annual Conference leadership on The National Seminar for Annual Conference leadership on Racial Inclusiveness and Ministerial Deployment was held.Racial Inclusiveness and Ministerial Deployment was held.

The Center for United Methodist Pastoral Exchange sponsored The Center for United Methodist Pastoral Exchange sponsored three national seminars to arouse the conscience of the church to three national seminars to arouse the conscience of the church to actualize and concretize the concern for inclusiveness and open actualize and concretize the concern for inclusiveness and open itinerancy. Unfortunately, it closed in 1988 as Bishop Allen left itinerancy. Unfortunately, it closed in 1988 as Bishop Allen left office. office.

After 1988 there was not much discussion about open After 1988 there was not much discussion about open itinerancy in the denomination until 1997 when GBHEM itinerancy in the denomination until 1997 when GBHEM started to work with Korean-American clergy who are started to work with Korean-American clergy who are serving CR-CC appointments. serving CR-CC appointments.

1997:1997: Association of Korean American Clergy Serving Association of Korean American Clergy Serving Cross-Racial Appointments was established, sponsored by Cross-Racial Appointments was established, sponsored by GBHEM. This was the first official organization that trained GBHEM. This was the first official organization that trained clergy for CR-CC appointments. Now there are more than clergy for CR-CC appointments. Now there are more than 250 Korean-American clergy who are serving CR-CC 250 Korean-American clergy who are serving CR-CC appointments in our denomination. This is the only appointments in our denomination. This is the only association focused on CR-CC appointments in the association focused on CR-CC appointments in the denomination so far.denomination so far.

1999:1999: GBHEM published the first book about CR-CC GBHEM published the first book about CR-CC appointments, Witness from the Middle: appointments, Witness from the Middle: Korean-American Korean-American Pastors in Non-Korean Local Churches in The United Pastors in Non-Korean Local Churches in The United Methodist Church. Methodist Church.

Preparations for CR-CC AppointmentsPreparations for CR-CC Appointmentsby Bishop Marcus Matthewsby Bishop Marcus MatthewsKnow Your Target ChurchesKnow Your Target Churches

Theological study on CR-CC appointmentsTheological study on CR-CC appointments Provide leadership training for PPRCProvide leadership training for PPRC Remind the congregation that through Remind the congregation that through

appointment making, the connectional nature of appointment making, the connectional nature of the UM system is made visiblethe UM system is made visible

Listen to the congregationListen to the congregation Emphasize through prayer that the success of the Emphasize through prayer that the success of the

CR-CC appointment be achievedCR-CC appointment be achieved Work closely with the PPRC in terms of Work closely with the PPRC in terms of

announcing the CR-CC appointmentannouncing the CR-CC appointment A plan for the community to welcome the pastor A plan for the community to welcome the pastor Create a mutual covenant between the Create a mutual covenant between the

congregation and the pastorcongregation and the pastor

A Sample Mutual Covenant A Sample Mutual Covenant (From the Cross-Racial Appointment Forum, (From the Cross-Racial Appointment Forum,

Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, 1998)Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, 1998)

Each person is somewhere along the journey of learning Each person is somewhere along the journey of learning about racism and working to dismantle itabout racism and working to dismantle it

We are in the process of learning about the inclusive We are in the process of learning about the inclusive community of faith and are working to build itcommunity of faith and are working to build it

All are learners and teachers; we trust each otherAll are learners and teachers; we trust each other

We need to take risks and to be boldWe need to take risks and to be bold

Openness, honesty and mutual caring are requiredOpenness, honesty and mutual caring are required

We seek to discern the will of GodWe seek to discern the will of God

Our desire is to enhance the effectiveness of ministryOur desire is to enhance the effectiveness of ministry

Support from District Superintendent Support from District Superintendent and Bishopand Bishop

Stay in close touch with the clergy and the SPRCStay in close touch with the clergy and the SPRC Be aware of family needs or concerns – culturally or racially basedBe aware of family needs or concerns – culturally or racially based Provide resources for continuing educationProvide resources for continuing education Understand that the growth of a church where it has a CR-CC Understand that the growth of a church where it has a CR-CC

appointment is slowappointment is slow Encourage self-selected mentors for newly appointed pastors: to Encourage self-selected mentors for newly appointed pastors: to

do so, create a directory of pastors in CR-CC appointmentsdo so, create a directory of pastors in CR-CC appointments Conference wide CR - CC appointments forumConference wide CR - CC appointments forum Being intentional in making these appointmentsBeing intentional in making these appointments Appoint mature pastors for CR - CC appointmentsAppoint mature pastors for CR - CC appointments These are not ‘experimental’ appointments, but affirm the These are not ‘experimental’ appointments, but affirm the

matching of the gifts of the best available pastor and the matching of the gifts of the best available pastor and the congregation.congregation.

Make sure clergy take vacation and renewal timeMake sure clergy take vacation and renewal time Reinforce the expectation that clergy participate in clergy clusters, Reinforce the expectation that clergy participate in clergy clusters,

district and community eventsdistrict and community events

Welcome Plan for the CongregationWelcome Plan for the Congregation

Set up face-to-face interaction meetings – house Set up face-to-face interaction meetings – house meeting, welcoming meal, introduction of the meeting, welcoming meal, introduction of the country or culture of the pastorcountry or culture of the pastor

Acquaint the pastor with the communityAcquaint the pastor with the community

Introduce the pastor to community leadersIntroduce the pastor to community leaders

Support for the family – spouse and childrenSupport for the family – spouse and children

Have Honest Conversations around Have Honest Conversations around Concerns of the CongregationConcerns of the Congregation

For example …For example …

Lack of understanding about CR-CC appointmentLack of understanding about CR-CC appointment Fear of a decrease in membershipFear of a decrease in membership ‘‘Why us?’ questionWhy us?’ question Concern for miscommunication Concern for miscommunication How would the congregation assist older How would the congregation assist older

members to accept changemembers to accept change Lack of understanding of the pastor’s cultureLack of understanding of the pastor’s culture

Issues to Consider for Successful CR-CC Issues to Consider for Successful CR-CC appointmentsappointments

Cultural ConfusionsCultural Confusions

Provide language improvement opportunities for Provide language improvement opportunities for the pastors for whom English is a second languagethe pastors for whom English is a second language

Encourage clergy to visit parishionersEncourage clergy to visit parishioners Discuss about the perception of authority with Discuss about the perception of authority with

clergy and SPRCclergy and SPRC Discuss about different leadership styles with Discuss about different leadership styles with

clergy and SPRCclergy and SPRC Set up clergy mentors in the communitySet up clergy mentors in the community Respect the call of the pastorRespect the call of the pastor

Racial HostilityRacial Hostility

Accept the fact that there is racism in the churchAccept the fact that there is racism in the church

Strategizing with the pastor how to handle racial Strategizing with the pastor how to handle racial hostilityhostility

Trust what you are hearing from pastors and their Trust what you are hearing from pastors and their familiesfamilies

Affirm the denominational commitment for being Affirm the denominational commitment for being an inclusive church whenever you canan inclusive church whenever you can

IsolationIsolation

Often the only ethnic person in the congregation Often the only ethnic person in the congregation or in the communityor in the community

These pastors and their families need to be a part These pastors and their families need to be a part of their own cultural communities – financial of their own cultural communities – financial support & timesupport & time

Allow time for renewal of their mind and spirit – Allow time for renewal of their mind and spirit – tiredness, ministry of vulnerabilitytiredness, ministry of vulnerability

Ethnic caucuses often not a source of supportEthnic caucuses often not a source of support

Other Issues Other Issues

Clergy from non-UMC backgrounds have special Clergy from non-UMC backgrounds have special challengeschallenges

Pastors coming from non-English speaking Pastors coming from non-English speaking ministriesministries

Take the specific qualities of the clergy and the Take the specific qualities of the clergy and the congregation seriouslycongregation seriously

On the Part of the Appointed PastorOn the Part of the Appointed Pastor

Undergo self-examination to confirm your ethnic identityUndergo self-examination to confirm your ethnic identity Share who you are as a person with your congregationShare who you are as a person with your congregation Pastoral visits to members of the congregation are Pastoral visits to members of the congregation are

essential for a meaningful CR-CC ministryessential for a meaningful CR-CC ministry Be proactive in learning of a contextual and historical Be proactive in learning of a contextual and historical

understanding of the dynamics of the congregationunderstanding of the dynamics of the congregation Meet with community leaders in different organizationsMeet with community leaders in different organizations Use sermons and studies to educate the congregation Use sermons and studies to educate the congregation

regarding the theological foundation of God’s inclusive regarding the theological foundation of God’s inclusive churchchurch

Maximize the opportunities of interracial, intercultural and Maximize the opportunities of interracial, intercultural and interethnic dialogueinterethnic dialogue

Encourage racial and cultural exchange programs with Encourage racial and cultural exchange programs with different churchesdifferent churches

Resources Resources Jones, Chester R.Jones, Chester R. “A Comprehensive Plan for Making Cross-Racial/Cultural “A Comprehensive Plan for Making Cross-Racial/Cultural

Appointment in The United Methodist Church.” Appointment in The United Methodist Church.” Washington, D.C.: The General Washington, D.C.: The General Commission on Religion and Race of The Untied Methodist Church, 2001.Commission on Religion and Race of The Untied Methodist Church, 2001.

Lyght, Earnest S., Dharmarai, Glory & Jacob. Lyght, Earnest S., Dharmarai, Glory & Jacob. Many Faces One Church: A Manual for Many Faces One Church: A Manual for Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Ministry. Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Ministry. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2006.Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2006.

McSpadden, Lucia Ann. McSpadden, Lucia Ann. Meeting God at the BoundariesMeeting God at the Boundaries.. Nashville, TN: The General Nashville, TN: The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 2003.Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 2003.

__________________. Meeting God at the Boundaries: A Manual for Church Leaders. __________________. Meeting God at the Boundaries: A Manual for Church Leaders. Nashville, TN: The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 2006.Nashville, TN: The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 2006.

Park, Grace, Park, JongWoo, Whang, Phillips Soo Y. Park, Grace, Park, JongWoo, Whang, Phillips Soo Y. Witness from the Middle: Korean-Witness from the Middle: Korean-American Pastors in Non-Korean Local Churches in The United Methodist Church. American Pastors in Non-Korean Local Churches in The United Methodist Church. Nashville, TN: The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 1999.Nashville, TN: The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, 1999.

Park, HiRho Y. Park, HiRho Y. Creating Christian Community Through The Cross-Racial Creating Christian Community Through The Cross-Racial Appointment: Problems And Challenges. Appointment: Problems And Challenges. Washington, D.C.: Wesley Theological Washington, D.C.: Wesley Theological Seminary, 2000.Seminary, 2000.

The Manual of Cross-Racial & Cross-Cultural Ministries for Korean-American Pastors The Manual of Cross-Racial & Cross-Cultural Ministries for Korean-American Pastors in the United Methodist Church. in the United Methodist Church. Seoul, Korea: Qumran Publishing House, 2009.Seoul, Korea: Qumran Publishing House, 2009.