The itinerant system is the method by which Bishops of The United Methodist Church appoint pastors to areas of service. One part of the covenant of itinerant ministry (paragraph 338) guarantees an appointment for every elder, elder-track provisional member and associate member in good standing. This covenant does not guarantee the pastor geographic location, any particular salary beyond the minimum, or size of the congregation. There may be occasions when the sacred nature of other covenants (family, parenting, elder-care, etc.) or other commitments made (spousal employment, medical needs, education opportunities, etc.) take priority over your covenant to itinerate.

IF THIS IS THE CASE FOR YOU FOR THE ENSUING CONFERENCE YEAR, PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM TO COMMUNICATE TO THE BISHOP AND CABINET REGARDING YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION.

By signing this document, I understand the following:

• As a clergy with limited appointment capacity, I am not guaranteed a church size or salary comparable with what I am currently serving/receiving.
• I understand that I may or may not be asked to remain in my current appointment setting (Limited itinerancy is no guarantee of maintaining ones current appointment).
• I understand that the only appointment available within my geographical limitations may be less than full-time.
• I understand that if I am living in my own home, I may be required to commute to my appointment in another community.
• I understand that if I am unable to continue service in my current setting or cannot accept an appointment offered under these conditions, I will seek another status under the provisions of paragraph 354 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2020/2024 (voluntary leave of absence, personal leave, family leave, transitional leave).

Thank you for submitting this form. You can request a copy of the submitted form from the Conference Office. Please email Bea Stucke.