Answer #1 (Stay UMC)
If the decision is made to disaffiliate and be independent, the governing board of the new organization will be responsible for finding a pastor. If the church decides to join another denomination, help may be available for finding a pastor. In either case, the new church would need to develop a framework of core beliefs in order to search for a pastor/staff that is committed to the same belief system.
The good news about our United Methodist structure is that our pastors all receive Masters of Divinity from approved seminaries such as Asbury, Duke, and Emory. After receiving their Master’s degree, our pastors are then examined by Boards of Ministry at the District and Annual Conference level before finally being Commissioned and later Ordained by the Bishop. This probationary process is long and assures us that our clergy are trained theologically and equipped to lead our congregation. We give thanks that our own Rev. Kelli Hitchman Craig will be ordained at the June Annual Conference. To read more about this tried and true process for United Methodist Clergy please follow this link: https://www.umc.org/en/content/spirit-empowered-church-authorized-united-methodist-ordination
Answer #2 (Pro-Disaffiliation)
If the church chooses to be an independent Methodist church, there are consulting firms available to assist with vetting and choosing a pastor. If the church joins another Methodist denomination, they have a process in place for choosing a pastor, along with education requirements. In addition, if we join another Methodist denomination, they have programs in place for clergy health insurance and pensions. If we become an independent Methodist church, we will hire consultants to set up health insurance and pension plans for all clergy and staff, as this is what other churches in our area that are going to be an independent Methodist church have done.