Privilege of Call
The process of Privilege of Call (PoC) is designed for an ordained minister who desires to leave the denomination they were ordained in and become an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ.
The Privilege of Call discernment process applies to candidates who belong to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), The United Church of Canada, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or other ecclesial organizations whose ministerial formation process is similar to the United Church of Christ.
The policies and practices for the Privilege of Call process are specific to each UCC association and/or conference. Click below on the association or conference you are a part in order to learn more about the PoC process and to access necessary documents throughout the process.
In the UCC, the association or conference of which you are a part is determined by which congregation you are actively a part of and hold membership (or equivalency). In UCC polity, you must be a part of and actively connected to a UCC congregation to pursue PoC. If you need assistance determining which association you are in, contact Jo Ordway.
Iowa Conference, Conference Committee for Authorized Ministry
Nebraska Heartland Association
Documents coming soon!
Nebraska Living Waters Association
The Living Waters Association’s Church and Ministry Committee (C&M) works with candidates for ministry from Nebraska’s Living Waters Association.
Nebraska Prairie Association
Documents coming soon!
Dakota Association, Committee on Ministry
Documents coming soon!
South Dakota Conference, Committee on Ministry
- Formal Guide to the Privilege of Call Process with COM
- Creating a Marks Portfolio with COM
- Appendix A – Request for Privilege of Call Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Privilege of Call Discernment Covenant
- Appendix E – POC Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – POC Advisor’s Annual Review
- Appendix G – Background Check Form
- Appendix H – Local Church Discernment Committee’s Annual Review
- Appendix I – Candidate’s Evaluation of Their Advisor and Relationship
Questions?
If you have questions relating to the Privilege of Call Process, contact ACM Rev. Ellis Arnold who works with those in the process.
Safe Church policies
Background checks and resources for creating a safe space for all congregants.
Essential Privilege of Call Resources:
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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.