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Ministry in the United Church of Christ is overseen by a local Committee on the Ministry. Committees want to partner with those pondering their vocation and educational path early. Contact your local committee through your Conference Office, via the Conference Directory.

There are three forms of authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ. The following documents briefly describe them.  For more detailed information see the Manual on Ministry, listed below under “Basic Resources”.

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.  {This resource, currently on the web, has been updated and is provided in pdf }

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. {This resource, currently on the web, has been updated and is provided in pdf }

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

Authorization requirements have been undergoing changes and new developments in the United Church of Christ and not all documents yet reflect that. The following document describes the process of preparation as it has developed.

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

For a detailed look at these changes see this information on the Ministry Issues Pronouncement.

Do you sense an interest in ministry in a setting outside of a local church? More information on our United Church of Christ connections to these settings can be found on the page for ministers in varied organizational settings.

Resources

Listings and links for Covenant of Discernment and Formation and Manual on Ministry

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.

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.