COMMITTEE ON THE MINISTRY TOOLKIT SUPPLEMENTARY FORMS Contents Page Information Review for UCC Ministers 2 In Care Guidelines 5 In Care Renewal Form 12 Guidelines for In Care Advisors 14 Interim Ministry Covenant-Contract 22
Information Review for UCC Ministers Statement of Purpose All authorized ministers are expected to participate in Information Reviews in order to maintain their authorization. (United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry) This instrument is a means for ministers to participate in the Information Review. Period of Review: Name: Current Church or Call: Home Mailing Address: Office Telephone: ( ) Home Telephone: ( ) Fax: ( ) E-mail Address: I hold ministerial standing in: (Name of Association and Conference) * * * * * * * * * * If the space below does not allow you to respond fully to the following questions, please append additional pages. 1. Describe your primary duties/functions in your present ministry setting: COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 2
2. What are your most significant challenges/concerns in providing ministry in this setting? 3. What gives you the greatest sense of satisfaction or accomplishment in this ministry? 4. How do you see yourself as a representative of the United Church of Christ in this ministry? 5. List any degrees, continuing education units, certifications, or other credits you have obtained this year to enhance your ministry skills. 6. List any awards or other recognition you have received for your ministry. 7. In what ways have you been supported in your ministry by your Association, Conference and the national setting of the church? COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 3
8. In what ways would more support be appreciated? 9. In what ways have you maintained your covenant relationship with the United Church of Christ during the period covered by this report? Please check all that apply: Attended an Association meeting. Attended the annual meeting of my Conference. Attended General Synod as a visitor or delegate (voting/non-voting). Served on an Association/Conference/national UCC committee or board. Other:. 10. Please check any of the following that apply to you: I am planning to retire from active ministry on. I have personal concerns that I would like to discuss, e.g., health issues, changing marital status, religious issues, etc. with my Committee on the Ministry, Association Minister/Conference Minister. I have professional concerns that I would like to discuss with my Committee on the Ministry, Association Minister/Conference Minister. Please sign, date, and send to: Committee on the Ministry in the Association/ Conference where you hold ministerial standing. Signature: Date: Contact your Association when: Your call, address, or other contact information changes. You have personal or professional concerns and need support. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 4
IN CARE GUIDELINES It should be understood by candidate, local church, Association and advisors that to be accepted In Care of an Association does not commit either the candidate of the Association to ordination. In Care is a time of discernment, study and prayer when the possibilities of ministry: lay or ordained - can be explored. I. Definition In Care is a covenantal relationship which exists between a student considering and/or preparing for ordained ministry, his/her local/sponsoring church and the United Church of Christ, represented by the Association. II. Purpose In Care is a time for a candidate to: REFLECT about the meaning and significance of his/her decision to explore Authorized ministry while being in relationship with both a local church and the Association. PARTICIPATE in the life of the United Church of Christ... locally, and at the Association, Conference and national levels. GROW AND MATURE in faith by discerning areas of personal strength and weakness, with the aid of advisors. UNDERSTAND the history and polity of the United Church of Christ and learn about its governing bodies, committees, covenanted and affiliated ministries. LEARN about specific procedures, guidelines and requirements leading to authorization by an Association. BUILD a network of caring and supportive relationships with persons in the local church and Association who will guide his/her pilgrimage toward authorization. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 5
III. Role of Church and Ministry Committee The Committee on the Ministry (COM) represents the Association and works in cooperation with the local church and Seminary or theological training program to help prepare the candidate for authorization. The Committee's overall task: 1. To offer fellowship, support, guidance and financial assistance while he/she completes the necessary requirements leading to authorization. 2. To assess a candidate's fitness for ministry and periodically reassess his/her readiness for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. 3. The committee appoints two advisors to work closely with the student. One is usually the student's pastor; the other is a member of the Committee or other person designated by the committee. 4. The committee looks for "readiness for ordained ministry". While discerning readiness is not an exact science, there are yet some general signs that need to be observed in the candidate: a) Knowledge A candidate will be expected to have completed course work in the following areas of study in fulfillment of the M.Div. degree from an accredited seminary: The Bible and Biblical Interpretation Systematic Theology and Ethics Church History Pastoral Theology (including Homiletics, Christian Education, Pastoral Care, Psychology, Ethics and Administration) United Church of Christ History and Polity A candidate should be able to articulate, in his/her ordination paper and in ensuing discussions with committee members, a theological position on the important doctrines and concepts of the Christian faith, such as: God, Creation, Fall, Sin, Grace, Covenant, Jesus Christ, Incarnation, Atonement, Resurrection, Holy Spirit, Church, Ministry, Missions, World and Kingdom of God. (See guidelines for the ordination paper) COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 6
b) Experience The candidate will complete a variety of field experiences related to preparation for ministry. A supervisor s evaluation will be required. These experiences will include: One year (two years recommended) of supervised field work as part of his/her seminary training. One quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education. Opportunities to preach, teach and assume leadership roles at the candidate's sponsoring church. c) Personal Growth The Candidate must be able to demonstrate signs of growth and maturity in the following areas: CALLING/VOCATION FAITH/COMMITMENT LEADERSHIP COMMUNICATIONS MISSION OUTREACH COVENANT RESPONSIBILITY PROFESSIONALISM SELF AND OTHERS A mature understanding of his/her calling to Christian ministry and the reasons for seeking ordination in the UCC A strong commitment to the challenges and responsibilities of Christian ministry. An ability to exert leadership working with and in partnership with others. Ability to communicate the "good news" of the Gospel and help people to understand the relationship between scripture and contemporary issues. A deep sensitivity to the needs and plight of the poor and oppressed, and an awareness of the Church's mission throughout the world. Eagerness to strengthen the covenant relationships which unite local churches together in Associations, in Conferences and in a denomination that seeks to bind all Christians in the one Body of Christ. Understands pastoral ethics - moral and ecclesiastical - and agrees to live by them. An understanding of one's self and how one relates to others, particularly in times of stress, crisis and conflict. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 7
IV. Role of Local Church Requests In Care for a member of the church considering ordained ministry Nurture Offers opportunities to participate in worship, work with committees, teach children and adults, preach, plan Challenges the candidate intellectually, morally, and spiritually - asking some of the tough questions about faith and its application to life Keeps the candidate on the church's mailing list Contributes financial support: supplementing the cost of his/her registration, meals, etc. for the Spring and Annual meetings of the Association and the Annual Meeting of the Conference. providing grants, scholarships or no interest loans as an investment in tomorrow's church! towards 1/3 of the cost for the student to participate in a required 2-1/2 day Candidate Assessment Program through a Center for Career and Ministry Development. (1/3 of the cost is provided by the Association - the remaining 1/3 is born by the student) Demonstrates knowledge about the guidelines and requirements for ordination (see IN CARE and ORDINATION guidelines in the Manual on Ministry UCC V. Role of Advisors A. Meet regularly with the student to aid in the understanding and fulfillment of the goals and steps of the In Care process. B. Observe the candidate in the sponsoring church or field work setting. C. Encourage and, if possible, provide experiences whereby the student can grow in areas that need strengthening. D. Facilitate a caring relationship of trust and support and be a ministerial role model that will encourage the student's growth. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 8
VI. The Process: The Local Church The candidate speaks with his/her local church pastor about exploring ordained ministry and a meeting is set up with the Diaconate. Candidates should apply as soon as a decision is made to explore the possibility for ordained ministry has been seriously made! It may be during the last year of college, early years of seminary or at any point after college when the sense of call turns a person toward the possibility of professional ministry. The pastor and Diaconate have the responsibility to discern whether the candidate is sincere and gifted for ordained ministry. If they so believe, the Diaconate, on behalf of the church, votes the following motion, that is then sent to the Committee on the Ministry: "VOTED: That the pastor communicate to the Committee on the Ministry of the Association the desire of Church that one of its members, be examined and if found acceptable, be received IN CARE of the Association." Church and candidate send the following documents to the Registrar of the Association: 1. A letter of request from the candidate; 2. A paper relating the candidate's pilgrimage and statement of faith (3-5 pages) - this paper must be mailed by the candidate to all Committee members, the Area Minister and the Registrar. Candidates should put their address and phone number on all correspondence; 3. A letter of recommendation from the local church, including a description of the process used by the church to interview and recommend the candidate; 4. A letter of recommendation from the candidate's pastor; 5. Two other letters of recommendation; 6. College transcript and certification of college diploma or indication from the college that the candidate will be graduating within a year; 7. Transcript of seminary work to date (if applicable); 8. Certification of local church membership. Note: These documents must be in the hands of the Registrar before a meeting can be scheduled with the Church and Ministry Committee. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 9
The Committee on the Ministry: A. Establishes a date for the interview; B. Notifies the candidate of the interview date. At the Meeting with the Committee: A. Begins with an informal time to help candidate and committee members start to know each other; B. The candidate presents a brief synopsis of his/her faith journey; C. The committee engages the candidate in conversation around issues of faith, pilgrimage and vision for ministry; D. There is a conversation about the meaning of IN CARE, role of the local church, expectations of the candidate, responsibilities of the Association and potential In Care advisors. After the meeting: The committee votes whether to recommend to the Association Board of Directors that the candidate be received IN CARE. The candidate and local church pastor are notified of the recommendation within two days. If the vote is positive, the committee appoints two IN CARE advisors - a member of the committee (or other person willing to serve in this role) and the pastor of the sponsoring church; When the committee's recommendation is voted by the Board of Directors, the person is IN CARE. This status is granted for a period of one year or until the next Annual Meeting of the Association, at which time it will be reviewed and, if appropriate, renewed for another year. IN CARE status will be renewed for only one year after seminary graduation unless there is a compelling reason for extension. In Care Requirements: Persons IN CARE are expected to meet with both of their advisors at least once a year to review goals, deal with problems, and evaluate progress. It is the candidate's responsibility to initiate these contacts. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 10
Candidate Assessment Program 1. Is required in the first year of seminary (or other training program); 2. The cost is to be equally divided by the student, the student's home church and the Association. The 2-1/2 day program to achieve this assessment is offered by a Center for Career and Ministry Development. There are two main values to be gained by this assessment; 3. Will help the candidate and the Committee determine which areas of ability and aptitude will give shape and direction to the candidate's ministry, as well as those characteristics of personality where growth would be desirable; 4. May be used by the Committee, along with other considerations, to help assess the candidate's suitability and readiness for ordained ministry; 5. Requires at least one quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education; 6. A signed release form must be given to the Center for Career and Ministry Development and the C.P.E. supervisor so that reports can be sent to the Chair of the COM. You should be assured that the information provided to the Committee from both sources will be treated with strict professional confidentiality. Important Note The granting of IN CARE status does not assure ordination, but does assure guidance, counsel and assistance throughout the time of exploration. The candidate must be IN CARE of the Association a minimum of one year before applying for Ordination IN CARE status is not transferable from one Association to another, but the Committee will write letters of commendation and will share its files with other Committees on the Ministry upon request. (This information was adapted from material prepared by the Church and Ministry committee for the churches and clergy of the Central Association. It is a supplement to the Manual on Ministry, where the basic understanding and guidelines for IN CARE status is found.) February, 2000 COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 11
IN CARE RENEWAL FORM Name: Address: City/Town: Email address: Seminary: Committee Advisor: Church Advisor: Phone: Mobile: State: Zip: Year in Seminary: Phone: Phone: 1. How many times have you and your Committee and Pastoral advisors met during this past year? If you have not met with one or both at least once, please explain why? 2. Have you sent a copy of your most recent school transcript to the Committee? If not, why not? 3. Have you completed a Center for Career Development program? If so, when? If not, why? COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 12
4. Have you been in contact with your sponsoring church? If yes, please specify how often and in what ways. 5. From your experience, are there ways the Committee on the Ministry can improve the In Care process? 6. I desire In Care Status renewal for: 7. Do you wish to stay with the same committee and pastoral advisors for another year? If not, please state reason(s) Signed, Person In Care Date Signed, Committee Advisor Date Signed, Pastoral Advisor Date COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 13
GUIDELINES FOR IN CARE ADVISORS It should be understood by the candidate, local church, Association and advisors that to be accepted In Care to an Association does not commit either the candidate or the Association to ordination. In Care is a time of investigation, study and prayer when the possibilities of ministry or lay ordained - can be explored. Role of Advisor: First, thank you for accepting the role of advisor for a person In Care. We feel certain that your acceptance is an acknowledgment of the importance of this relationship to one exploring ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. Generally, the term advisor means just that: advising someone on a faith journey. But this can often be more difficult than it appears! Realizing this and knowing that the Committee has a large responsibility in this matter, these guidelines have been developed. It is hoped that they will be helpful throughout your term as an In Care advisor. Relationship to the Committee on the Ministry: The Committee on the Ministry has the responsibility for guiding and assisting the student through his/her journey to ordination. These responsibilities and the process they support are best outlined in the Manual on Ministry. By its very nature, a committee would find it difficult to properly fulfill these duties - too many people, too much turn-over of members, etc. The appointment of advisors to each candidate is an attempt to "fill the gap". Establishing Regular and Consistent Communication: The most important factor in any relationship is communication. Just as the Committee cannot help you with a problem if it never sees or hears from you, so will you be of little help to the candidate if you are unavailable to each other. After appointment, you should meet with the candidate as soon as possible and set some future dates for getting together. Such meetings should take place at least once a year. (Pastoral advisor, committee advisor and candidate should all meet together to discuss the Ministry Development report and the final CPE evaluation.) Please advise the committee if at some time such meetings become impossible because of busy schedules or great distance, and other arrangements will be made. It is better to "opt out" of a nonproductive situation than to try to carry on under too many obstacles. It is the responsibility of the Committee on the Ministry to guide and assist the candidate through the process leading to ordination in the United Church of Christ. As an advisor, you are a main source of that guidance and assistance. Therefore you are asked to report the candidate s progress to the committee at least once each year. The report must be written, with a copy given to the candidate. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 14
Guidelines for Reporting to Committee on the Ministry: Goals represent a person's intentions in life and give direction to his/her activities. It is essential that the candidate exploring ordination in the United Church of Christ constantly evaluate his/her goals, both short and long range. Keeping the candidate s goals in mind, the following specific items should be covered in your yearly written report: 1. Candidate progress - Is the candidate making positive progress to obtain a thorough knowledge of the United Church of Christ history, theological roots and polity? How is the candidate doing this? What is the candidate s academic record? 2. Progress toward ordination - Is the candidate on the proper path to ordination? In this regard, state any unusual decisions by the candidate, both positive and negative. 3. Growth - What evidence has the candidate shown of growth spiritually, intellectually and emotionally? In what ways has the candidate not grown? 4. Strengths - What are the candidate s strong points? 5. Growing edges - In what areas does the candidate need to grow? 6. Committee responsibilities - What more could the committee do to support the candidate and you? 7. Seminary responsibilities - What more could the seminary do to prepare the candidate for ordained ministry? 8. Local church responsibilities - Is the sponsoring church relating to the candidate in meaningful and supportive ways? 9. Potential - Based on the candidate s goals, commitment and effort, how would you rate this candidate s potential for ordination? 10. Conclusions - Please state any other factors that you consider important for the growth of this candidate. The Association, represented by the Committee on the Ministry, is concerned for the welfare of our persons In Care. In any way possible, we wish to stand beside the candidate and encourage progress toward the fulfillment of his/her decision to pursue the call to ordained ministry. Again, thank you for taking on this role! Please rely on the committee for support and resources. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 15
INTERIM MINISTRY PROFILE (To be updated after every change) Date: Association/Conference of Current Standing I. Personal Information Name Permanent Address Current Address Email Ordained by Date of Ordination Place of Ministerial Standing & Denomination Judicatory Office Address Judicatory Phone Best phone to reach you: Home Office Cell II. Education/Training Education: College/Theological or Graduate) Year Degree COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 16
Additional Training, Study, for Interim Ministry (attach separate sheet if needed) Year Place Certification (list the organization and date received) III. Professional Record Two Most Recent Interim/Settled Ministries (note, full time/part time and date of service) (1) Judicatory contact (include phone) (2) Judicatory contact (include phone) IV. Skills you bring to Interim Ministry (List special training - give date/location - and experience related to each skill checked in space provided) Parish Self-appraisal Professional Boundary Training Fiscal Management Church Revitalization Small group process Church Closing Transition issues Dynamics of long-term pastorate Conflict mediation United Church of Christ Polity COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 17
Strategic planning Multi-Staff Issues Federated, union, yoked/united parishes Following Pastoral Misconduct Experience with racial/ethnic churches Experience with the ONA Process Church size transitions Death/illness of a previous pastor Presence of previous pastor retired/member Connection with the UCC Worship Changes, inclusive language Organizational restructuring Lay leadership empowerment Stewardship Development Other (specify) V. What size congregations have you served and in what capacity? VI. Your understanding of interim ministry within the context of ministry in the United Church of Christ COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 18
VII. Please attach the Statement on Ministry from your UCC Ministerial Profile VIII. Availability and Position Sought Date Available: Conferences/Regions considered: Northeast Mid-Atlantic Southern Great Lakes West Central Western Minimum duration of interim expected I would be interested in: (check as many as apply) Relocating Urban/Rural/Suburban (specify) Sustaining Interim (part-time/full-time) Solo/Multiple Staff (specify) Transition Interim (part-time/full-time) Senior/Associate Interim (specify) Supply Congregation Size (small) (medium) (large) IX. Salary/Benefit Expectations Total Package $ OR Base Salary Pension Health Insurance Housing Allowance Housing Equity (if in parsonage) Dental Insurance Disability/Life Insurance Social Security Offset Professional Reimbursements Other COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 19
XI. What are your criteria for discerning an appropriate call for you? XII References (Include one judicatory staff person) Give three telephone references from your most recent pastorates: Name/Address Telephone ( ) ( ) ( ) XIII. Attach signed Statement of Consent and Background Disclosure form from UCC Ministerial Profile COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 20
XIV Signature In signing this form, I agree with the following: Under no circumstances will I allow my name to be considered as a possible candidate for the settled position at the church where I am serving as an interim minister. I understand that if I allow my name to be considered, the Conference/Association/Area/Regional Minister may be expected to ask for a Fitness Review of my Authorization for Ministry within the United Church of Christ (as provided in the Manual on Ministry of the United Church of Christ). Signed Date Signed: Conference/Association Staff Person where Standing is held: Phone Date Note: This is not the official United Church of Christ ministerial profile. It is expected that you will ask for your current ministerial profile to be sent from Cleveland to the appropriate conference/association staff person in those instances when it is required. COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 21
INTERIM MINISTRY COVENANT-CONTRACT Between Church, and and The Reverend For the purpose of providing interim pastoral leadership during a period of rediscovery and adjustment to change, it is agreed that the Rev. will begin service as Interim Pastor of Church in, (State) on It is understood that the Diaconate and the Interim Pastor will review this Covenant-Contract at least every six months. It is agreed that this Covenant-Contract shall be in effect for twelve (12) months or until sixty (60) days following a call being extended to a new pastor, whichever comes first, after which time it can be renegotiated up to the time of the start-up of the new pastor. Twenty-four (24) months shall be considered maximum time for the interim period. Thirty days notice shall be given in writing by either party of intention to decline an extension. In the event that either the Interim Pastor or the church wishes to terminate this agreement, sixty (60) days written notice shall be given. During the interim time the pastor and congregation will, in covenant with one another and with the help of God, seek to: Provide worship experiences and the practice of ministry with the congregation and community; Engage in congregational self-study and goal setting by reviewing the past and planning for the future in such a way as to strengthen and enhance the mission and unity of this church; Prepare for the ministry of a new pastor who will be duly called by the congregation Work on the five Developmental Tasks of congregations in the interim period: Coming to terms with history Discovering a new identity Strengthening patterns of lay leadership Strengthening denominational ties Preparing for new pastoral leadership It is agreed that under no circumstances may the Interim Pastor be a candidate for the position of called pastor. The Interim Pastor will not allow his/her name to be submitted as a candidate nor will members of the congregation ask that this be done. Upon termination and departure as pastor, the Interim Pastor will sever his/her pastoral relations with this congregation, recognizing that all future pastoral functions should be fulfilled by his/her successor. It is further agreed that the Interim Pastor will not assist the Pastoral Search Committee in the selection of a pastoral candidate. It may be helpful, at times, for the Interim Pastor to advise the committee in terms COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 22
of process, but this may be done only in consultation with and agreement of the Conference staff person who is providing resources in the search process and the chair of the Search Committee. OUR SHARED EXPECTATIONS 1. The pastoral and professional leadership provided by the Rev. will amount to (full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4) time or approximately hours per week. 2. Should additional time be needed to provide pastoral services, the matter will be reviewed by the Board/Committee; and either the members of the church will assist with the pastoral duties or additional compensation will be offered to the Interim Pastor for the additional time. 3. The Interim Pastor will be responsible to the congregation at large, and specifically to the Board/Committee. 4. Pastoral services shall include [the following are examples of what might be included]: Leadership of Sunday worship, administration of the sacraments, and special services as needed; Counseling in crisis situations and referral; Serving as lead teacher and resource for the Confirmation program; Teacher/leaders of occasional adult education programs; Visitation of hospitalized, ill and other members of the parish needing pastoral care; Attending and re-sourcing meetings of church boards and committees; Providing leadership and training for members regarding congregational self study, future planning, membership outreach and stewardship; Providing administrative oversight for the daily affairs of the church, including being "head of staff"; Remaining active in the name of this church in the Association and in the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ; Participation on behalf of this church in ecumenical and interfaith activities in this community. 5. The congregation will support and cooperate with the Interim Pastor in every way and will assume responsibility for: Regular attendance at worship and meetings; Continued financial support for the church and its mission and ministries; COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 23
Support the Interim Pastor in the ministry of this church to the community; Sustained lay leadership and shared ministry; Establishment of an Interim Steering Committee of not more than five persons agreed upon by the Interim Pastor and the Church Council whose purpose will be to serve as a confidential support and advising group for the Interim Pastor, to monitor the progress of the accomplishment of Interim Tasks, and to act as a communication link between the Interim Pastor and the congregation; Participation in the affairs of the Association and the Conference United Church of Christ; Secretarial support services; Keeping the Interim Pastor informed of the timing of the transitional leadership, including candidate Sunday and contract termination; Participation in a support and evaluation process during the interim process and at the termination of the interim pastorate. The Church agrees to provide the following compensation to the interim pastor: Base salary Housing allowance Social Security offset Health and dental insurance for pastor and family/partner Annuity payment Continuing education $ $ $ $ $ $ In addition the church will provide travel allowance of $ per mile, reimbursement for expenses up to $ per month, vacation of 1 week for each three months of service, and continuing education time of 1 week for every six months of service. In accepting this agreement, effective (date), we hereby attach our signatures, making this Covenant-Contract binding upon us in accordance with the above outlined terms. Interim Pastor Date For the Church Date Office held For the Association Date COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 24
Office held COM Toolkit: Supplementary Forms 25