Changes have been suggested through MESA and the Habakkuk Group regarding the structure of Committees on Ministry. We as the Oversight Working Group are responsible to oversee those who have been authorized for ministry for and on behalf of the United Church of Christ. We as the Oversight Working Group are called to ensure that all criteria for maintaining authorized ministers’ covenant with the United Church of Christ and Penn Northeast Conference are complete.
We have been informed that it is the responsibility of each authorized minister to assure that their professional portfolio is kept current which includes the following: an annual information form with the authorized minister’s current address, telephone number, mobile number, email address, current place of ministry, Area Mission Council and/or other authorized collegial support groups you attend on a regular basis, any changes in continuing education and a copy of most recent boundary training certificate. This form will need to be up-dated no later than January of the current year.
This is a gentle reminder of the covenant made when becoming authorized ministers in the United Church of Christ when we accepted God’s call to ministry. It is not meant to be an inconvenience along one’s spiritual journey, but a way to remember we are not alone, as well as to protect ourselves and those we serve from abuse and misuse of our positions that have been entrusted to us.
You will also find a request to serve as a mentor to a newly authorized minister, or a collegial partner to an authorized minister just beginning in Penn Northeast Conference. Please prayerfully consider your willingness to take the time to walk with another and to share from your experiences and gifts.
We are currently reviewing how periodic support consultations are conducted. In the past we have triennially had peers meet with one another in groups of three to discuss their ministries and “sign-off” for one another. We are hoping to change this model with an interview process with authorized ministers meeting with a member of the Ordained Church and Ministry Committee to discuss the authorized minister’s concerns for their local setting as well as other concerns that the authorized minister might have.
We pray that you take the time to fill out the attached/enclosed documents and return them immediately by mail or email to:
Patty Jo Rehrig, Conference Secretary, PNEC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071 or email to [email protected]
Please respond by May 1, 2018. Remember, it is your responsibility to maintain your professional portfolio and we would not like to go through the hassle of bringing your standing with PNEC into question. Thank you in advance for your quick response!