Proposed Changes to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws approved by GS 27 in June 2009 See Revised Constitution with GS 27 Amendments

Theology of Ministry Role of Licensed Ministry In Care Process Multiple Paths of Preparation UCC Identity

Why? Need to: –Identify –Train –Nurture Pastoral Leadership for our churches

Because… One size does not fit all!

FROM Student In Care TO Member in Discernment FROM Preparation For Authorization TO Discernment of Call and Formation FROM Meeting Educational Requirements TO Developing and Assessing Readiness FROM Preparation Ending in Authorization TO Ongoing Formation & Lifelong Learning

What? Move from “Student In Care” to “Member in Discernment”

Strengthen Partners in Discernment

Mutual Accountability All “authorized ministers” are expected to: –Become life-long learners –Be supportive of, active in and engaged with all settings of the church: Local, Association, Conference, National –Recognize that authorization belongs to the Church NOT the individual

Authorized UCC Ministries Ordained Licensed Commissioned

The Changes … Delegates at the October 23 Annual Meeting will be voting to approve changes in 6 paragraphs of the UCC Constitution

Paragraph 24 A change of language from: “ongoing recognition as an Ordained Minister...” to: “ongoing covenant of mutual accountability …”

Paragraph 25 The documents delete “Conference” as one of the partners, because the responsibility of “authorization” is located within the covenant relationship of mutual accountability between: the “Authorized Minister”, the “Local Church” and the “Association” (Some Associations delegate this authority to the Conference – see par. 52)

Paragraph 26 (new 30) Change in Terminology: As the discernment of call is an ongoing, communal activity, and not all who are potential candidates for authorization are currently “students,” the term “Member in Discernment” replaces “Student in Care” to denote a UCC member in covenant with a Local Church and Association, exploring call to ministry.

Paragraphs 26, 28 and 46. All Authorized Ministers - commissioned, licensed, ordained - “... one of its members whom God has called...” - hold standing in the Association that authorizes them, and have voting rights in the Association. By virtue of their standing in the Association, when the Conference meets, its voting membership includes all Authorized Ministers

Key concepts behind the Constitution and Bylaw changes: Discernment is at the heart of all ministry in the UCC We live in mutual accountability with all settings of the Church Authorized Ministers have equal responsibility and accountability in the Association

Action Needed Ratification of the proposed Constitutional Amendments before GS 28 (June 2011) In order to pass, 2/3 of all UCC Conferences must vote to ratify