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.

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.

Information Review Form for UCC Ministers [PDF]

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.

Ministry Issues

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

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. See also the page for congregations considering ministry within the United Church of Christ. 

Congregations Sharing Ministry

For congregations which are considering linking or sharing some programming or staff, these documents can introduce you to some of the issues and options. GEMS  (Gods Ecumenical Ministry Shared) is for churches of different denominations considering shared ministry. Getting Together: Models and Processes for Local Church Cooperation  describes five different models to consider (Yoked, Cluster, Federated, Union and Consolidated) and some characteristics and ways of collaborating.

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.

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.

Scholarships

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.