Resources

Covenant of Discernment and Formation: Preparing for Authorized Ministry in the United Church of Christ [PDF]
This brochure describes the In Care process and looks briefly at the role of each partner in this stage of preparation and discernment for ordained ministry in the UCC. Copies may be obtained by calling 866.822.8224, ext. 3850.

Authorizing Ministry in the United Church of Christ - Clyde Steckel [PDF]
Steckel's thesis is that the UCC is innovating in polity and ecclesiology in ways not imagined by the founders and that we need to pay more attention to these innovations. He argues that association and conference committees on the ministry are the innovators as they engage in authorizing ministry.

Considering a New Church Covenant in the United Church of Christ: A Process for Exploring, Developing, and Affirming New Relationships [PDF]
This booklet describes a process of mutual exploration which will help a non-affiliated church explore the United Church of Christ along with a UCC Association. The goal of the exploration process is to decide whether to enter into a formal covenanted relationship.

Committee on the Ministry Toolkit
This comprehensive interactive resource was designed to aid conference, association and regional staff in the orientation and training of Committees on the Ministry. The toolkit consists of four key components:  (1) a 115 color-slide PowerPoint presentation, (2) Facilitator's Resource, (3) Presentation Leader's Guide, (4) Committee Handouts. Topics include: biblical resources; models for committee structure; committee selection; nature, purpose, responsibility of the committee; case studies; models for self-care; church relations; ministries in specialized settings; oversight and accountability. The Toolkit is available to download here and a CD has been sent to all conferences and associations for copying and distribution. A few extra CD copies are available from Parish Life and Leadership: 866-822-8224 Ext. 3848.

Regional Education Programs [PDF]
There are a variety of UCC- sponsored and other regional education programs available locally.. Some of their offerings may be appropriate for part of the preparation for authorized ministry. Many offerings could be used for continuing education of authorized persons. The attached listing includes contact information and available websites.

Fitness Review Training
On-site training is provided by PLL staff, for a Conference's Committee on the Ministry members, staff and response team members. It provides an introduction to the principles, priorities and process of a fitness review. To schedule training, contact trudoc@ucc.org.

Guidelines for Resourcing Committees on the Ministry: A Resource for Response Teams, Conference Staff Persons, and Others Assisting Association Committees on the Ministry in the United Church of Christ during Fitness Reviews [PDF]
This publication is a companion to the Manual on Ministry (Section 8 on Oversight of Ministry) and is provided in pdf format. Also available from UCC Resources.

Grants: Brown Grants [PDF]
Here you will find a description of these grants, the criteria for awards and description of how to apply.

Grants: Grants for Personal and Vocational Crisis [PDF]The Personal and Vocational Crisis fund aids ministers in seeking professional and vocational counseling.  These funds are made available through Make A Difference and at the request of association and conference staff on behalf of authorized ministers.  Please apply for funds to Minister for Grants, Scholarships and Resources, Parish Life and Leadership at 216-736-3839 or jeffersv@ucc.org.

Interim Ministry Guidelines [PDF]
This document, MINISTRY DURING THE INTERIM TIME, describes some common understandings and procedures for this form of Ministry, as they have been developing in the United Church of Christ. It continues to circulate in draft form as wide agreement is sought. To give feedback on these Guidelines email sparrowr@ucc.org.

Manual on Church: Perspectives and Procedures for Association and Local Church Covenantal Partners [PDF]
The first section of this new resource explores the covenantal relationships between local congregations and associations/conferences acting as associations. It is to be used by and with Committees on the Ministry, Association and Conference staff and local church members to help foster dialogue and increased understanding of what it means to "walk together in all God's ways" as expressions of the church.

Manual on Ministry: Perspectives and Procedures for Ecclesiastical Authorization of Ministry [PDF]
The Manual on Ministry serves as a guide for associations and conferences serving as associations for the authorization of ministry on behalf of the United Church of Christ. All sections of the manual are provided here in pdf format. Also available from UCC Resources.

PLL Bulletin Archives 
The PLL Bulletin is a monthly communication sent to Conference and Association staff and shared with Committees on the Ministry. It contains topics of current interest, updates on PLL's work, sharing of common concerns, regular columns from those whose work affects Committees, and notifications of new events and resources. This page contains archives of past issues, much of which remain of interest to all Committee on the Ministry members.

Shared Ministry

UCC Ministry and the Law [PDF]
A working group considering a variety of legal issues commissioned these three papers for review and comment throughout the church. A feedback form is available under "forms" section, below.

When a Church leaves the UCC [PDF]
An address to the Council of Conference Ministers and the Association of UCC Attorneys gives a general description of legal issues which may arise for churches considering leaving the United Church of Christ. Feedback form available under FORMS, below.

 Forms

Information Review Form for UCC Ministers [PDF]
Manual on Church Discussion Guide [PDF]
Manual on Church Feedback Form [PDF]
UCC Ministry and the Law: Response Form [PDF]

AAPC - Instructions for Completing AAPC Form (used in place of endorsement letter) [PDF]
ACPE - Endorsement Letter Template [RTF]
APC - Endorsement Letter Template [RTF]
APC - Continued Endorsement Letter Template [RTF]
CPSP - Endorsement Letter Template [RTF]
Employment or Local Endorsement - Letter Template [RTF]
Government Chaplaincy - Application for Ecclesiastical Endorsement/Approval [PDF]
Professional Organizations - Application for Ecclesiastical Endorsement [PDF]
Professional Organizations - Continued Ecclesiastical Endorsement Form [PDF]

 Frequently Asked Questions

Commissioned Ministry [PDF]
This document briefly describes this form of authorized Ministry in the United Church of Christ. For more detail, see the Manual on Ministry in the Resources section.

Dual Standing and Privilege of Call [PDF]
This document briefly describes United Church of Christ ministerial standing for those ordained in denominations other than the UCC. For more detail, see the Manual on Ministry in the Resources section.

Formula of Agreement (FOA) [PDF]
Significant understandings have been developed between the UCC, Presbyterian Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Reformed Church in America whereby we recognize and honor each other's faith, practice and ministries. The Orderly Exchange agreement allows ministers of one denomination to be invited to consider serving a congregation in one of the other denominations. Such invitations are extended by judicatory staff, thus allowing ministers in one denomination to serve congregations in another denomination. Conference or association staff can assist pastors seeking more information.

Formula of Agreement/Orderly Exchange (FOA) and Ordained Ministerial Partner Standing (OMPS) [PDF]
There are distinct differences between the FOA/Orderly Exchange and OMPS agreements. The former, between UCC, Presbyterian Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Reformed Church in America, provides the opportunity for the minister of one denomination to be invited to consider serving a church on one of the other denominations. The latter agreement with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) provides opportunity for ministers in each denomination to search for a position in the other communion. This document indicates the process to be followed for the FOA/Orderly Exchange and OMPS. Conference or Association staff can assist pastors seeking more information.

Licensed Ministry [PDF]
The attached document briefly describes this form of authorized Ministry in the United Church of Christ. For more detail, see the Manual on Ministry.

Government and Professional Endorsement
The United Church of Christ Minister for Government Chaplaincies relates to the 100+ chaplains who serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force (active, reserve, national guard), Veterans Administration and Federal Bureau of Prisons. These documents outline how to apply for ecclesiastical endorsement in professional organizations or for government service. For application forms, see the FORMS section, above.

 Resources

Any Body, Everybody, Christ's Body
This new curriculum helps congregations become A-2-A: Accessible to All. A progression of study explores the meaning of the actual flesh and blood bodies we inhabit, in their sacredness and difference. It moves to ways to "practice hospitality ungrudgingly"; and refreshes our understanding of the Body of Christ as a symbol of brokenness and healing, and of interdependence and community. A congregation may choose to become an A-2-A church upon finishing the study. For more information and to download the resource see www.uccdm.org

Called to Care: A Resource for Lay Caregivers

Called to Care is a program designed to train and equip congregational caregivers for ministries of visitation, support, and community service. The complete Called to Care program manual is available from United Church of Christ Resources, 800-537-3394, in notebook and CD formats. For more information on Called to Care visit the  Called to Care webpage here.  Here you will find a handbook for use by caregivers, which can be printed for your use (also available for purchase from United Church of Christ Resources). 

Considering a New Church Covenant in the United Church of Christ: A Process for Exploring, Developing, and Affirming New Relationships [PDF]
This booklet describes a process of mutual exploration which will help a non-affiliated church explore the United Church of Christ along with a UCC association. The goal of the exploration process is to decide whether to enter into a formal covenanted relationship.

Lay Ministry Education Programs [PDF]
Across the UCC, conferences and associations provide education for lay persons who wish to learn more about their faith, and perhaps expand their roles in their local churches. Most of these programs also train licensed and commissioned ministers. Some have specialized training for Christian educators. A list of programs is provided. Contact information and webpages are included in the listing.

The Leaders Box
This 20-year old resource has been given a basic updated for today's needs. It continues to provide guidance in many of the "nuts and bolts" of church life.

Making Our Churches Safe for All 
This updated resource helps congregations develop their own policies and practices to protect children and others who are vulnerable to abuse or mistreatment.

Pastoral Relations Committee Guidebook [PDF]
This manual gives assistance to churches forming and using Pastoral Relations Committees. These committees can be used to enhance communications and understanding of the pastoral role. Additional information can be found in the Leaders Box under "Positions, Officers and Organizations." Important Note: In place of the clergy evaluation materials mentioned in this booklet, PLL recommends using a conversational process described in the book Completing the Circle available from UCC resources at 1-800-537-3394. See the FAQ section for more about Ministerial Evaluation.

Revitalizing Leadership [PDF]
This brochure gives suggestions and resources for using teamwork, and an understanding of gifts, call and discernment in your leadership structures.

Shared Ministry

A Suggested Format for the Constitution and Bylaws of a Local Church [PDF]
In response to numerous requests, here is a suggested format for a Constitution and Bylaws which a local church might use to correspond to the form and some content of the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. For more information on revising your local church constitution see the Local Church Leadership FAQ's.

Liturgy of Departure for Service Members [PDF]
Many of our churches have had members called to active military service, including persons in the Reserves and National Guard. Churches have asked us for a liturgy that would help them provide a meaningful farewell to those who are departing, especially those who are leaving for combat zones.

 Links

Congregational Resources
This website is maintained by the Alban Institute and the Indianapolis Center for the Study of Congregations. It has a wealth of resources for local church leaders, including online "learning pathways", and informative articles on many of today's hot topics in congregational life and leadership. It also has well-annotated bibliographies to help you choose other resources.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Ministerial Evaluation [PDF]
Pastor Emeritus/Emerita Recognition [PDF]
Pastoral Staff Configuration [PDF]
Updating your Constitution and Bylaws [PDF]

 Resources

Manual on Church: Perspectives and Procedures for Association and Local Church Covenantal Partners
The first section of this resource explores the covenantal relationships between local congregations and associations/conferences acting as associations. It is to be used by and with Committees on the Ministry, association and conference staff and local church members to help foster dialogue and increased understanding of what it means to "walk together in all God's ways" as expressions of the church.

Interim Ministry Guidelines [PDF]
This document, Ministry During the Interim Time, describes some common understandings and procedures for this form of ministry, as they have been developing in the United Church of Christ. It continues to circulate in draft form as wide agreement is sought. To give feedback on these Guidelines email sparrowr@ucc.org.

Liturgy of Departure for Service Members [PDF]
Many of our churches have had members called to active military service, including persons in the Reserves and National Guard. Churches have asked us for a liturgy that would help them provide a meaningful farewell to those who are departing, especially those who are leaving for combat zones.

 Forms

Government Chaplaincy - Application for Ecclesiastical Endorsement/Approval [PDF]
Interim Ministry Profile [Word]
Interim Ministry Profile [Rich Text]
Professional Organizations - Application for Ecclesiastical Endorsement [PDF]
Professional Organizations - Continued Ecclesiastical Endorsement Form [PDF] 

 Frequently asked Questions

Commissioned Ministry [PDF]
This document briefly describes this form of authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. For more detail, see the Manual on Ministry in the Resources section.

Dual Standing and Privilege of Call [PDF]
This document briefly describes United Church of Christ ministerial standing for those ordained in denominations other than the UCC. For more detail, see the Manual on Ministry in the Resources section.

Formula of Agreement (FOA) and Ordained Ministerial Partner Standing (OMPS) [PDF]
Significant understandings have been developed between the UCC, Presbyterian Church USA, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Reformed Church in America and Christian Church (Disciples of Church), whereby we recognize and honor each other's faith, practice and ministries, thus allowing ministers in one denomination to serve congregations in another denomination. Conference or association staff can assist pastors seeking more information.

Government Endorsement [PDF]
The Minister for Government Chaplaincies relates to the 100+ chaplains who serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force (active, reserve, national guard), Veterans Administration and Federal Bureau of Prisons. After reviewing the general information here, see the Forms section, above, for an application.

Licensed Ministry [PDF]
The attached document briefly describes this form of authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. For more detail, see the Manual on Ministry.

Requirements for Ordination in the United Church of Christ [PDF]
This document briefly describes the process of seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. For complete guidelines see the Manual on Ministry.

Professional Endorsement [PDF]
Professional Endorsement is sought through associations/conferences when a candidate applies for certification from professional organizations such as: AAPC, APC, ACPE, NIBIC, CPSP, etc. After reviewing the general information here, see the Forms section, above, for an application.

 Resources

Called to Specialized Ministry?  [PDF]
This brochure provides information about general requirements for areas of specialize ministry such as chaplaincy, campus ministry, pastoral counseling, and spiritual direction. It also provides many resource websites. Copies may be obtained by calling 866.822.8224, ext. 3850.

God Calling - Ministerial Formation in the United Church of Christ [PDF]
This brochure describes the steps of ministerial formation in the UCC and describes the three types of "authorized" ministry. Copies may be obtained by calling 866.822.8224, ext. 3850.

Covenant of Discernment and Formation - Preparing for Authorized Ministry in the United Church of Christ [PDF]
This brochure describes the In Care process and looks briefly at the role of each partner in this stage of preparation and discernment for ordained ministry in the UCC. Copies may be obtained by calling 866.822.8224, ext. 3850.

Ask the Question 

An interactive, flash-based website designed to assist persons in asking questions of call and vocation. The site includes interviews, FAQ's, a video meditation, Bible studies, forums, and lots of links to helpful information.

Ask the Question: A Resource for Discernment of Call
This booklet can serve as a companion to the "Ask the Question" website, or it can be used on its own. It contains exercises for individuals or groups to explore the question, "How do I know if I'm called to be a minister?" For copies call 1-866-822-8224 X3850.

Scholarships for Seminarians

Denominational support is made available through the national ministries of the United Church of Christ for those preparing for ministry. Gifts from many generous congregations and individuals committed to the continued vitality of our church have funded these scholarship endowments. This page provides detailed descriptions of available scholarships.  Our Seminary Scholarship Brochure is also available to download.

Seminary Scholarship Recipients

Seminarian's Page 
Are you in seminary? Here you will find topics of interest including a seminarian's Forum, and scholarship information for United Church of Christ Students in Care.

Seminaries Related to the United Church of Christ 
Here you will find a list of the seminaries related, and historically related, to the United Church of Christ.

Links

Faith and Wisdom
This site provides a searchable database of continuing education opportunities for clergy. Maintained by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, it is jointly sponsored by several mainline Protestant denominations including the United Church of Christ. The database can be search by topic, location, type of offering, denominational affiliation as well as several other categories.

Ask the Question
This site is designed to explore a vocation in pastoral ministry.

 Frequently asked Questions

What About Chaplaincy? [PDF]
This document provides information for seminarians and clergy exploring a call to the multi-faceted, specialized ministry of chaplaincy.

Seeking Ordination in the United Church of Christ [PDF]
This document briefly describes the process of seeking ordination in the United Church of Christ. For complete guidelines see the Manual on Ministry.

Our Common Calling
This General Synod pronouncement calls on all settings of the church to support seminarians and reduce the amount of seminarian educational debt. PLL has produced the flyer "Where Does Your Pastor Come From" as part of implementation. Copies of the flyer are available at 866-822-8224 ext 3850.

Search and Call: A Pilgrimage Through Transitions and New Beginnings [PDF and RTF]
Replacing A Local Church Seeks a Pastor, this new resource has been developed to be as comprehensive as possible and will help your congregation say good-bye to your current pastor, identify transition leadership, and finally welcome a new pastoral leader.  In crafting this resource, we have incorporated opportunities for biblical reflection and intentional discernment as you move through the process.  A Pilgrimage Through Transitions and New Beginnings is divided into six distinct sections.  Each section contains narrative material as well as relevant resources.  The resources for each section are also available in Rich Text Format in order to make them accessible and easy to use or adapt as needed.  The entire resource may be downloaded free. United Church Employment Opportunities
The United Church Employment Opportunities is a monthly publication of openings within the United Church of Christ. It is updated on the 10th of each month.

Clergy Compensation Guidelines (PDF)
This resource is designed for churches as they develop a compensation package for a newly called minister or update a current minister’s package.   It is understood that each congregation creates its own package based upon the realities of its situation and setting.   While these guidelines focus on compensation categories, each conference votes its financial guidelines, based on regional costs of living.   Such guidelines can be found on conference websites; the guidelines for your particular conference should be considered a companion document to this PLL resource.

Biblical Resources for Search Committees [PDF]
Prayers, meditations and reflections to help the Search Committee stay grounded in a base of faithful discernment as it does its work. Also available from United Church of Christ Resources, 1-800-537-3394.

Sailing on Faith: Look Who God Sent
The person God sends us may not be the person we thought we wanted!! This video is an effective tool to help local church search committees talk about basing their search on a process of discernment. Local churches can obtain the resource through the conference or association staff person assisting with their search. On DVD and VHS formats; includes study guide.

A Local Church Seeks a Pastor
This notebook has been replaced by a new resource - Search and Call: A Pilgrimage Through Transitions and New Beginnings.  This resource has been developed to be as comprehensive as possible and will help your congregation say good-bye to your current pastor, identify transition leadership, and finally welcome a new pastoral leader.  The entire resource can be downloaded here. 

 Forms

Profiles for Congregations 
Use this form to prepare a profile of your congregation for potential candidates to review.

Pastoral Call Agreement [PDF]
When a local church calls a minister to a new position, it is customary that the terms of the call be agreed to in written form. The terms of the call should list expenses and benefits which the church will provide. The sample Pastoral Call Agreement is provided for use by local churches in developing a call agreement. In developing a call agreement, it is important for a local church to work closely with their association or conference. Additional worksheets and tools for helping to create a call agreement can be found in A Local Church Seeks a Pastor, available from United Church of Christ Resources. Also available: Pastoral Call Agreement - rich text format.

Reference Form [PDF]
This form is to be used to provide a reference for a ministerial profile. After completing, return it to the address shown on the form.

 Links

AUCCIIM
The Association of United Church of Christ Intentional Interim Ministers, formed a decade ago, provides support, standards and resources for ordained ministers in the UCC who have received specialized training to assist congregations during the "in between times" of settled pastors. Through their website, they also provide information and resources for congregations, conference/association staff and committees on the ministry. New features include Congregations Seeking Interims and Interims Seeking Congregations.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Criminal Background Checks [PDF]
Beginning December 15, 2006, a Criminal Background Check system was implemented for the United Church of Christ search and call system. Profiles will only circulate if a background check has been completed according to guidelines. Churches are encouraged to reimburse their chosen candidate for their participation in this important program.