Annual Report - 2003-2004
The
Ordination and Ministerial Standing Committee of the Metropolitan
Association is entrusted with the responsibility, on behalf of
the whole Association, for the standing and authorization for ministry
of those who are preparing for ordained ministry or who are engaged
in authorized, recognized ministries either in congregations or
in wider ministries of the church.
The members of the Committee
have generously given of their time and abilities to ensure that
those preparing for or seeking ordination are fully qualified when
the time comes to recommend them to an Ecclesiastical Council of
the Association for ordination, not only to a particular recognized
call, but to the whole United Church of Christ. The record of the
Committee's work since the last Association Meeting, including granting
of in-care status, recommendations for ordination and other actions
regarding recognition and/or authorization for various ministries
within the Association is contained in the Registrar's Report.
Since
the last Committee Report, a sub-committee has continued and is
now nearly finished with the task of conducting a Periodic Review
of all persons holding authorized ministerial standing in the Association.
It has been an enormous task trying to follow-up 200 plus persons
on the Association roster, to determine if all (except retired
persons) are engaged in recognized ministries. Hopefully we will
soon have a clearer, more realistic roster of those holding standing.
Return to top of page
Two
years ago (2002) the Committee sought the Association's backing of
a requirement that all new in-care persons participate in a "Fitness
for Ministry Evaluation" during their first in-care year as an
additional aid to help them and their advisors identify and work
on their strengths and weaknesses for the practice of ministry,
in preparation for ordination.
Now the Committee is again asking
for the Association's support for a new program that can strengthen
and support the work of all persons who hold authorized ministerial
standing in the Association.
Return to top of page
With the help of your OCWM (Our Church's
Wider Mission) giving, the New York Conference has begun a program
for all persons holding standing in its Associations. It is called "Boundary
Awareness Training". The training is coming to the Southeast Region
of the Conference in Fall 2004.
What is "Boundary Awareness Training?" As
described in a UCC Mission Moments leaflet, "A Safe Church for
All":
"Boundary Training helps clergy be aware of the power dynamics
in pastoral relationships, provides a safe place to raise questions
about appropriateness, heightens awareness of boundary issues in
congregations, and educates about safety practices.
"Boundary issues
are much more complex and encompass much more of a pastor's life
than sexual misconduct. They include, for example, the holding
of power of attorney for an elderly parishioner or ethical issues
for retired pastors. Boundary Training helps clergy understand
those who cross boundaries, the victims of abuse, congregational
trauma, interventions that help, and the importance of self-knowledge,
self-care, and clarity about role."
In its introductory phase, the
Committee feels that this training should not be mandatory for
now. As time progresses, we are sure to see this kind of training
become a requirement - especially
from the insurance industry - not only for church professionals,
but for all involved in local church work in any way with children
and young people.
Return to top of page
It is the request of this Committee, with the
support of the Board of Directors, that the Metropolitan Association
be on record in support of this important work by adopting the
following resolution:
"For the well being and integrity of all those
holding 'authorized
(ordained) ministerial standing' in the Metropolitan Association,
this Association in meeting strongly recommends that all active
persons holding standing participate in and periodically renew
participation in the New York Conference 'Boundary Awareness Training
Program' or its approved equivalent. It is further recommended
that a record of each person's participation be posted in the public
record of the Association."
With this report, I conclude six years
service to the Association on this Committee, the past three as
Board Member and Committee Chair. I want to express my appreciation
for the hard work and support of all the Committee members. Many
thanks to all of you for the opportunity to serve in this important
work.
David L. Tucker,
Chair
March 23, 2004
Return to
top of page
|
