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CONTEXT FOR MINISTRY: The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Ministry Team (MESA) serves as the touch point for ministers in the United Church of Christ throughout their ministry. MESA resources Members in Discernment, Local Church Ministers, those serving in Specialized Ministry and all ministers during times of transition. MESA also resources Committees on Ministry and Conference staff regarding ministerial authorization, covenants of mutual accountability and Search and Call. A team job description can be found at www.ucc.org/ministers_mesa
GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Minister for Ministers in Specialized Settings and Endorsement Coordinator bears responsibility for education, training, and resourcing for all matters related to professional endorsement of UCC ordained ministers. This includes training COMs on the process of professional endorsement, resourcing ministers seeking endorsement, relating to professional endorsing organizations, and some administrative duties related endorsement in the UCC.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work cooperatively with partners across the UCC in resourcing and supporting the use of the United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry, and participates in the development, implementation, and support of the overall program and mission of the Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Ministry Team.
Serve as Endorsement Coordinator for Professional Chaplains, CPE Educators, and Counselors, communicating Professional Endorsement requirements to Committees on Ministry, candidates for professional Endorsement, those already endorsed, and Conference Staff. Maintain current understandings of endorsement requirements for the professional endorsing organizations with which the UCC works.
Provide guidance and support to ministers seeking UCC Endorsement for professional agencies, reviews packets once approved by a Committee on Ministry, and provide required endorsement documents to professional organizations, attesting to the suitability of United Church of Christ candidates for chaplaincy positions in those positions and agencies.
Offer ongoing training on relevant topics to Committees on Ministry, including: Four-Way Covenants, Professional Endorsement Requirements, Ordainable and Authorizable Calls beyond the Local Church; etc.
Relate to various organizations related to endorsement within and beyond the UCC in support of UCC endorsed ministers and provide the voice and perspective of the United Church of Christ in appropriate contexts. This includes organizations such as: UCC-PCC (United Church of Christ Professional Chaplains and Counselors); UCC chaplains and chaplains at UCC-affiliated colleges and universities; Association of Professional Chaplains (APC); Association of Clinical Pastoral Educators (ACPE); the Network on Ministry in Specialized Settings (COMISS); the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP); and other endorsing bodies and ecumenical organizations.
Process necessary financial and administrative documentation related to Professional Chaplains, including the data organization and entry for Professional and Government Chaplains for the UCC Data Hub and Yearbook.
Develop and maintain practices for renewal of endorsement for UCC ministers who have been endorsed for at least five years.
Work in conjunction with other MESA members and colleagues to conceptualize and prepare material to interpret program objectives, including at MESA events (AM21, MID Gathering, MESA 101, General Synod, etc.).
Serve as a consultant to the Covenanted Ministries, Conferences and other parts of the church.
Promote the program's positive public image by responding in writing and orally on a timely basis to inquiries for information, accepting speaking engagements, and serving as a resource.
Contribute to the effectiveness of work teams by fostering a spirit of cooperation and accomplishing assigned tasks.
Other responsibilities as assigned.