How is a person formed for ministry?

When we are called and claimed by God, we are also opened to the action of the Holy Spirit. Formation is God's work within us which takes a lifetime-and beyond-to complete. We cooperate with God's formation of us as we seek to grow through our participation in the following things:

Spiritual life and practice
Education and study
Emotional maturity
Connection to the Church
Service in the church and world

What "shape" will your life with God take?

As Christians we believe all persons are called and claimed by God. We recognize this essential "calling" through the sacrament of baptism. Our formation begins at the moment of baptism and continues for a lifetime. Like a potter at work, we believe that God shapes different people for different forms of ministry. Some persons engage in ministry by working for social justice or volunteering their time and talent to "love their neighbor as themselves" in countless ways. Others find that their paid work as a lawyer, nurse, doctor, social worker, child care provider, etc. is the way they live out their call from God. And some find that they are called by God and the church to ministry in the United Church of Christ.

The place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet. - Frederick Buechner

What are the steps of ministerial formation in the UCC?

Ask the question: Am I being called to ministry? Listen within for the voice of God. Listen also for the voices of those who know you best who may be raising this question for you.

Explore: Through prayer, quiet time with God, and conversation with family, friends, and community seek a sense of whether you might be called to ministry in the UCC. It is important to talk with your pastor and the lay leaders of your church about your emerging sense of God's call.

Covenant: If you continue to sense a call to ministry, you may ask your church to recommend you to the Association/Conference Committee on the Ministry to be taken "In Care."

In Care: This is a formal time of discernment and preparation in which the Association and the local church offer support to you as well as ongoing assessment of readiness for ministry.

Authorization: After a suitable period of study, experiential learning and assessment, the Association may approve you for "authorized" ministry in the UCC.

What does it mean to be "authorized" for ministry?

In the United Church of Christ, women and men are granted authority from their Association to minister in and on behalf of the UCC. The three types of authorized ministers are:

Ordained: a member of the UCC called by God and ordained to preach and teach the gospel, to administer the sacraments and rites of the church and to exercise pastoral care and leadership.

Licensed: a lay member of the UCC called by God, recognized and authorized by the Association to perform specific duties in a local congregation, mainly preaching and conducting worship for a designated time under the guidance and supervision of the Association. A licensed minister may also be authorized to administer the sacraments within a local congregation.

Commissioned: a lay member of the UCC called by God and commissioned for a specific church related ministry, such as: church musician, Christian educator, parish nurse, etc.

Remember, ALL persons are called by God to ministry. For some, that call takes the shape of ordained, licensed or commissioned ministry in the UCC.

What is God calling YOU to be?