Report of The Committee on Ordination and Ministerial Standing

Your committee on Ordination and Ministerial Standing has witnessed the truth of this passage many times since we last met. Time and again, our gracious God has led people...and changed people...and surprised people...as they've responded to God's call to ordained ministry. It's a joy to see how true the question remains, "Is anything too marvelous for the Lord?"

The mission of the Committee is to welcome, prepare, educate, mentor and examine candidates for ordination, and to authorize ministerial standing to others. Considering the sheer number of people we work with--and the wide variety of their needs--a great amount of our time is spent dealing with issues of authorization. We work not only with the candidate, but often with their home church as well. For those seeking dual standing or privilege of call, we work with the candidate, their current employer and the necessary ecclesiastical authorities. The Registrar's Report will give you the names of those we've welcomed in your name. Some of our work is visible. We've been with you for work sessions, Ecclesiastical Councils, ordinations, installations and other celebrations. In January, our annual In-Care Gathering was hosted by Rev. Dr. Bill Nye and was held at Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims. We are most grateful for Plymouth 's welcome throughout the year.

There are also many hours of behind-the-scenes activity. This year, the Committee approved several Situational Support Consultations and will receive reports of their findings. Members have also met and advised individuals. Thanks to Michael Caine, Lucy Werner and Chris Ponnuraj we've been able to update and post to the web site the many forms necessary for ordination and authorization. We've monitored the UCC Polity class which is held in the classroom and on-line through New York Theological Seminary. In addition to meeting with those close to ordination, we've seen candidates who have been in the In-Care process for an extended period and those in need of communities to serve.

While the Committee has worked to review and renew the infrastructure of our ministry, we're looking beyond what we now do. Next year, the Committee will promote Boundary Training for clergy and the UCC Safe Church Initiative for congregations. We feel that participation in these two programs is essential for every pastor and congregation. The Committee will also work to hold a training seminar for churches with students in care, both to review the in-care process and to update everyone on changing requirements.

With this report comes my thanks to the Committee for their faithful witness to God's grace...and their unfailing cheer during the long hours we meet. I'm also most grateful to Michael and Chris for their leadership. Looking back, I'm amazed by all that's been done. But then, why should I be? Is anything too marvelous for the Lord?