Residency in Ministry (RIM)

Residency in Ministry is a program designed by the Mississippi Conference Board of Ministry to provide provisional members of the Mississippi Annual Conference with support and guidance that will nourish continued theological education, spiritual formation and practical skills for ministry. “Provisional members are on trial in preparation for membership in full connection in the annual conference as deacons or elders. They are on probation as to character, servant leadership and effectiveness in ministry” (Book of Discipline).

The RIM program helps nurture fruitful effectiveness and prepares residents for membership in full connection. RIM has three broad goals:

1. Extending theological education by using covenant groups and mentoring to support the practice and work of residents’ ministry as servant leaders
2. Contemplating the grounding of ordained ministry
3. Understanding covenant ministry in the life of the conference

Through RIM every effort shall be made to develop the holy habits of the disciplined life of mutual accountability through peer groups, mentoring and the practice of spiritual disciplines. All provisional members participate in RIM for two to eight years. Participation in RIM begins upon completion of educational requirements for ordination.