Member in Discernment
When a member of a United Church of Christ (UCC) congregation begins to feel called to ordained ministry, there is a formal discernment process that connects them both to the Local Church and the Wider Church. They work with both their Local Church and a Wider Church Committee dedicated to working with those in discernment. A member of a Local Church who is approved by an Association’s or Conference’s Committee on Ministry to enter a discernment relationship towards ordination is called a Member in Discernment (MID).
Someone is a MID until they are approved for ordination, pending call.
Ordained Ministers are authorized to serve and to lead on behalf of the UCC and the Church Universal, a ministry that encompasses the fullest range of leadership ministries: priestly and prophetic, representative and servant. They are called to embody the love of God for the world and to proclaim the good news on behalf of the Church, personally and publicly pointing the Church to its dependence on Jesus Christ, the source of its faith, mission, and unity.
The policies and practices for MID Ministerial Standing are specific to each association and/or conference. Click below on your association or conference to learn more about the MID process and to access necessary documents throughout the process.
Iowa Conference, Committee for Authorized Ministry
The Iowa Conference’s Committee for Authorized Ministry (CCAM) works with candidates for ministry from the Eastern, Northeast, Northwestern, Southeastern, and Southwestern Associations.
- Formal Guide to the Member in Discernment Process with CCAM
- Creating a Marks Portfolio with CCAM
- Creating a Proposal for Formation and Preparation Plans
- Appendix A – Request for Member in Discernment Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Discernment Covenant
- Appendix E – MID Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – MID Advisor’s Annual Review
- Appendix G – Background Check Form
- Appendix H – Local Church Discernment Committee’s Annual Review
- Appendix I – Evaluation of the MID Advisor and Relationship
Nebraska Heartland Association
- Formal Guide to the MID Process with Heartland C&M
- Creating a Marks Portfolio with Heartland C&M
- Creating a Proposal for Preparation and Formation Plans
- Appendix A – Request for Member in Discernment Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Discernment Covenant
- Appendix E – MID Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – MID Advisor’s Annual Review
- Appendix G – Background Check Form
- Appendix H – Local Church Discernment Committee’s Annual Review
- Appendix I – Evaluation of the MID Advisor and Relationship
Nebraska Living Waters Association
- Formal Guide to the MID Process with Living Waters C&M
- Creating a Marks Portfolio with Living Waters C&M
- Creating a Proposal for Preparation and Formation Plans
- Appendix A – Request for Member in Discernment Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Discernment Covenant
- Appendix E – MID Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – MID Advisor’s Annual Review
- Appendix G – Background Check Form
- Appendix H – Local Church Discernment Committee’s Annual Review
- Appendix I – Evaluation of the MID Advisor and Relationship
Nebraska Prairie Association
The Committee on Ministry (COM) works with candidates for ministry in Nebraska’s Prairie Association
- Appendix A – Request for Member in Discernment Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Discernment Covenant
- Appendix E – MID Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – MID Advisor’s Annual Review
- Appendix G – Background Check Form
- Appendix H – Local Church Discernment Committee’s Annual Review
- Appendix I – Evaluation of the MID Advisor and Relationship
Dakota Association, Committee on Ministry
Documents coming soon!
South Dakota Conference, Committee on Ministry
The South Dakota Conference’s Committee on Ministry (COM) works with candidates for ministry from the Black Hills, Oahe, Prairie-Lakes, and Two Rivers Associations.
- Formal Guide to the MID Process with South Dakota COM
- Creating a Marks Portfolio with South Dakota COM
- Appendix A – Request for Member in Discernment Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Discernment Covenant
- Appendix E – MID Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – MID Advisor’s Annual Review
- Appendix G – Background Check Form
- Appendix H – Local Church Discernment Committee’s Annual Review
- Appendix I – Evaluation of the MID Advisor and Relationship
Questions?
If you have questions relating to the Member in Discernment Process, contact ACM Rev. Ellis Arnold who works with those in the process.
Abuse Prevention Policies
Background checks and resources for creating a safe space for all congregants.
Essential Member in Discernment Resources:
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- Explore more about what it is to be the UCC and enroll in a course that will meet the requirements for Dual Standing.
- Find resources to help equip the Local Church for discernment alongside the candidate.
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers of the UCC
- An outline of the complex combination of talents, understandings, and skills needed for ministerial leadership in the United Church of Christ.
- All persons with ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ are expected to abide by the UCC Ministerial Code.
- A creative workbook for engaging and reflecting upon the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers in one’s own ministry.
- A resource for spiritual journeys, discernment, and decisions made along the way. Copies are also available through the conference office.
- An assessment tool for those in discernment, their mentors, and committees. The tool uses the Marks for discernment in reflecting on formation for ministry and identifying areas for further growth.