Journeying with Members in Discernment – January 2025 Featured COMma Article

Journeying with Members in Discernment

“In both practice and polity, Committees on Ministry are a vital embodiment of our covenantal relationships across the United Church of Christ. On behalf of and through their respective Associations and Conferences, Committees have a relationship with Local Churches, Members in Discernment, all those who seek or hold ministerial standing, every other Committee on Ministry, the United Church of Christ, and the Church Universal. In this role, the overarching ministry of Committees on Ministry is the mindfulness of the Church’s well-being and the discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit in authorizing ministers on behalf of the United Church of Christ.” – Manual on Ministry, Section 1, p. 15

“The Member in Discernment process involves interdependent and covenantal relationships, in support of the member as well as the Committee on Ministry making decisions on behalf of the United Church of Christ. These relationships help to form and examine the person’s capacity for ordained ministry, and they provide accountability so that discernment is not practiced in isolation.”  – Manual on Ministry, Section 2:1, p. 20

The United Church of Christ is clear that the ministry of Committees on Ministry is carried out in covenantal partnership with individuals, Local Churches, and Conferences. A key component of these relationships is communication so that each partner has the same fundamental information needed for Spirit guided discernment.

When a person is recommended by their Local Church to be considered for acceptance into the Member in Discernment (MID) process, it is likely assumed that the Local Church and the Committee on Ministry (COM) will consider the same criteria for assessing the individual’s progress in their MID journey. One of the most significant assessment tools that COMs utilize is the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers. Local Churches are encouraged to form a Local Church Discernment Committee (LCDC) prior to recommending one of their members to the COM, and to become familiar with the Marks. A resource to guide and inform the formation of a LCDC is Local Church Discernment Committee Best Practices.

Being received into the MID process is a significant step in an individual’s spiritual journey. It reflects the hope and confidence of the local church of membership, the commitment of the MID, their loved ones, and the faithful ministry of the COM as representatives of the Association/Conference. The undertaking of the MID journey is a time for acknowledgement, celebration, and prayer and can be blessed by the Order of Recognition of a Member in Discernment.

The successful and hoped-for outcome of a completed MID process typically culminates in an Ecclesiastical Council (or its equivalent). Since not every voting delegate will have journeyed with the MID, Training of Delegates in Preparation for an Ecclesiastical Council is helpful and an Ecclesiastical Council Best Practices with a sample agenda may be useful for preparing for this crucial step.

For further reflection:

1. How does your COM partner with Local Church Discernment Committees?
2. How are MIDs acknowledged and/or celebrated in your Association?
3. What discernment practices has your COM found to be most helpful in your work?