In Care
Definition
Throughout the UCC, the term “In Care” is used to describe the period of preparation, assessment and discernment that precedes a decision by an Association to permit a person to seek an ordainable call in the UCC. The MBA Committee on Ministry acts on behalf of the entire United Church of Christ and is called to counsel, evaluate and discern each candidate’s call, gifts and preparation for ordained ministry within the UCC. The local UCC church where the candidate is a member sponsors the In Care candidate through the process, and is responsible for providing nurture and support, opportunities to grow in ministerial proficiencies and candid feedback. Many other entities contribute to ministerial formation. Becoming familiar with and following the MBA requirements is the responsibility of the candidate seeking ordination. Additionally, it is the In Care candidate’s responsibility to convey expectations to others who contribute on his / her behalf throughout the process. The MBA COM greatly appreciates the roles each play in the discernment decision the COM makes on behalf of the entire UCC.
General Time Line and Overview of Requirements
The MBA COM accepts people into the In Care process from many faith backgrounds. It feels deep experience with, understanding of and love for the UCC is crucial in people who would lead its local churches. Therefore, the COM will be especially attentive to the depth and breadth of each applicant’s experience of church life and his / her discernment and decision-making process if he / she is coming from another or no faith tradition. Plans to gain leadership experience in the UCC should be formulated as soon as a call to authorized ministry is perceived.
We estimate this process will take three years to complete. In some circumstances, people with significant ministerial, seminary and life experiences and the ability to demonstrate Ministerial Proficiencies may move more quickly through the process. You must be an active member of a MBA church for one year before being recommended by that local church to the MBA COM for In Care status. Hereafter this church is referred to as the “sponsoring” church. You must remain an active member of the sponsoring church for the entire time you are In Care. The MBA recommends that candidates prepare to be received In Care during their first year in seminary. Some candidates may seek to begin this process even before their seminary education begins. Candidates who move to the MBA and seek In Care status here are expected to develop a Ministerial Proficiency Roadmap with the pastor of their new local church and to take steps toward preparation for ordination that conform with these guidelines in advance of completing the required one year of membership in an MBA church.
Resources:
In Care Guidelines
Ministerial Proficiency Roadmap
In Care Reference Form
Social Justice Project
- Sample Social Justice Report - AntiRacism
- Sample Social Justice Report - Death Penalty
- Sample Social Justice Report - Domestic Violence
- Sample Social Justice Report - MassRelief
In Care Process for Churches
Manual on Ministry
Guidelines for a Service of Ordination
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