Ministry Assistance Process (MAP)

A Message from MAP Coordinator Rev. Ben Padgett:

Over many years of solo motorcycling, I developed a question for discerning whether I was lost. The question was simply: How much gas is in the tank? A full tank meant that, though I might not know where I was, I was confident that I could find help. An empty tank brought panic and a sense of urgency to find gas, a search that consumed my focus and diminished my ability to enjoy the ride.

Since ministers essentially work alone, loss of direction is a constant threat. When we continue to trudge on despite the experience of being lost in some way, we can spiral downhill in our focus, our zeal for ministry (“enjoying the ride”), and in one or more areas of pastoral effectiveness.

The Conference Ministry Assistance Program, “MAP,” now offers an alternative to this downhill spiral. Ministers aware of struggling may seek confidential assistance on their own, or District Superintendents may initiate such assistance through a referral. MAP will respond to either type of referral by forming a team, consisting of the MAP Coordinator and three colleagues selected by the referred minister, to identify changes necessary for new direction and to guide and support the minister in effecting changes necessary to achieve or return to optimal effectiveness.

Learn more about how MAP works by calling Ben Padgett at (256) 418-0558.

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