Churches and organizations seeking United Church of Christ leadership

The Search and Call process of the United Church of Christ provides the means to help UCC congregations conduct a nationwide search among UCC clergy for pastoral leadership. The process also helps UCC clergy who are seeking a call to service within the United Church of Christ. It is expected that both clergy and local churches will work closely with UCC Conferences and Associations while engaged in Search and Call.

Churches will use this manual, included in pdf format here, as a guide for the entire process, from the day the need for new leadership is identified, through the installation and welcome of the new pastor.

Search and Call: A Pilgrimage Through Transitions and New Beginnings [PDF and RTF]
This resource 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

To participate in the Search and Call process, clergy prepare a Ministerial Profile, while congregations prepare a Local Church Profile. These documents can be completed on the computer. Click on the highlighted links to access profile software for yourcomputer. If you have any questions or need help using the software, please use the contact information posted on the right of any page.

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.   Each congregation creates its own package based upon the realities of its situation and setting.   These guidelines focus on compensation categories. Conferences create 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.