The appointive system of The United Methodist Church causes about twenty clergy in the Dakotas Conference to move to a new location each year.  The average cost to move a clergy person is $4,650. The annual bill for the conference is around $100,000. Dealing with the move and starting a new appointment is both rewarding and challenging.

Clergy describe the moving transition as one of joys, concerns, losses, and gains.  Reverends Steve and Rebecca Trefz are moving from Brandon, South Dakota to Mitchell, South Dakota to work in the Dakotas Conference Office in leadership positions.  Steve will continue serving as Equipper of Lay Ministries part-time and Rebecca will serve as the Director of Ministries. 

Steve said, " Professionally and personally, the move is tough.  Saying goodbye in a way that expresses your love for the congregation while at the same time expressing hope for the new pastor is a real mix of emotions.  Coming to terms with the fact that all of the visions for ministries that you had received may not come to pass, or that you will not be there to see them when they do, is a difficult process.  Like any job change, there are joys and concerns, losses and gains, and uncertain 'to be continued' moments."

 Reverend Greg Kroger is moving to Rapid City First United Methodist Church to serve as the senior pastor after serving the Dakotas Conference as Director of Ministries.  Preparing for the transition is a delicate process Kroger descibed.  "You have to balance what needs to be done in the appointment that your leaving with what needs to happen in the place your will be serving.  It is a balance between learning and leaving.  You have to take each day as it comes, pray and listen."

The boxes, the lifting, the sorting and physcial relocation are demanding physcially and emotionally.  The Dakotas Conference uses Jobbers Moving and Storage. Every three years the conference  requests bids from moving companies.  Jeff Pospisil, Conference Treasurer said, "When we select a moving company, we consider the price, their capacity to handle interstate moves within our time constraints, and the satisfaction level of our pastors."
 
Roy Caudill, Glacial Lake District Superintendent serves as the moving coordinator. He works with the pastors and Jobbers in setting the schedule. Scheduling isn’t simple. You have to take into account when parsonages will be ready as well as personal circumstances of the pastor. When the outgoing pastor is moved, the church trustees need some time to prepare the parsonage for the incoming pastor.

Reverend Steve Trefz noted that one of the biggest challenges was, "Moving with small kids, moving in the midst of pre-planned work events, the move days themselves in the midst of final rituals and worship at our congregation."

Kroger noted that even though there are challenges there are also positive surprises. "You have a chance to reflect on ministry and what has been accomplished.  Also, it is time to reconnect and renew with a new ministry.  People are so welcoming."

Most new appointments will begin on July 1. Let us begin with prayer. Bishop Bruce R. Ough called all clergy and laity at the 2014 Annual Conference to prayer for "Fearless, Spirit-led Churches." 

Come, Holy Spirit.

• Break through and renew our churches, unleashing fearless, Spirit-led congregations.

• Empower our clergy and lay leadership with the contagious, miraculous, saving message of Jesus.

• Boldly use me, without limits, to reach new people and heal a broken world.

• Create in me a joyful heart for all that God is doing in and through us to change lives and transform the world.

I pray in the precious and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.