Privilege of Call

Here are the procedures which candidates for "Privilege of Call" follow in the Metropolitan Boston Association.  These come from the Manual on the Ministry of the United Church of Christ which defines this relationship as follows:

Privilege of Call is the authorization granted by an Association to an ordained minister from another denomination to seek a call to a local church of the United Church of Christ and, upon receiving a call, to apply for ordained ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ.

You will begin this process by meeting with the Area Minister to discuss your background and the needs of the churches. This can help you further clarify whether or not the United Church of Christ is an appropriate setting in which to carry out your ministry.

If you are not currently serving as pastor of a church in another denomination, you will need to join, or otherwise affiliate, with a U.C.C. church in this Association, and be an active participant in its life for one year.  At the end of this year, subject to the recommendation of the pastor and church board, the Committee on the Ministry will consider your request for Privilege of Call.  If you are unable to affiliate with a U.C.C. Church because you are currently serving as a pastor in your present denomination, then you will need to secure a letter from a pastor in the Metropolitan Boston Association to the Committee on the Ministry recommending you for Privilege of Call.

You may now make an appointment to meet with the Committee on the Ministry.  Prior to this meeting, the following must be sent to the Association office:

1. Certification of ordination and standing in your current denomination.

2. Aforementioned letter of recommendation.

In addition you will prepare and mail to each member of the Committee two items at least 14 days before your scheduled appointment.

1. A professional resume

2. A statement of your understanding of the church and its ministry; understanding of the theological roots of the United Church of Christ; knowledge of the history and polity of the United Church of Christ and an ordained minister's responsibilities to the Association, Conference and denomination; a personal career history and plan; Christian biography and pilgrimage; and personal theological position.

The MBA office will provide labels for you to mail your papers to the Committee on the Ministry.

If you have any questions regarding these matters, the MBA Administrative Assistant, Colin Loggins, will be glad to talk with you, and when necessary refer you to the Committee officers or the Area Minister.