Vocational Ministry Resources
Disciples Home Missions has made the following downloadable resources available for ministers, congregations and regional/area offices in the Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ).
Spiritual Practice Resources for Vocational Ministers
Well-Fed Spirit Website — CLICK HERE
Online Courses
History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) —
- TransformingTheChurch.org — CLICK HERE
History and Polity of the United Church of Christ (UCC) —
- UCC online course listing archive — CLICK HERE
Clergy Retreat Models
DHM offers Clergy Spiritual Retreat models for use by clergy and other church members. They have been written by Disciples clergy primarily for Disciples clergy. The models are designed to be self-contained and used by groups whose participants are seeking to develop a deeper, healthier Christian spiritual life. You can find clergy retreat options by CLICKING HERE.
Liturgical Certificates
Hightower Graphics, an Indianapolis-based printing company, has a series of Disciples-specific liturgical certificates (baby-dedication, baptism, membership, marriage) for use in Disciples Of Christ congregations. CLICK HERE to download a photo of their certificates. For ordering, please use the following Hightower Graphics link:
https://disciples.hightowergraphics.com
General Commission On Ministry documents
All documents and resources overseen by the General Commission On Ministry have now been transferred to the Office of General Minister and President. You can find and download the following documents by CLICKING HERE:
- Beginning A Pastoral Ministry
- Closing A Pastoral Ministry
- Congregational Profile Form
- Ethical Guidelines for Congregational Conduct
- Instructions for Completing the Congregational Profile
- Clergy Background Check — How To Read
- Initial and Annual Letters of Call
- Ministerial Code of Ethics
- Ordination Service Guidelines
- Pastoral Relations Committee Guide
- Sabbatical Guidelines
- Theological Foundations for Ministry document
Digital Search and Call Progress Poster sets:
Other Available Ministry Resources:
- Clergy Retirement Planning Guide
- Commissioning Service for Phoebes & Timothys: PDF version and Word version
- Congregational Discernment Survey
- Emeritus (Minister) Recognition Service Example
- Emeritus (Minister) Blank Certificate [with instructions]
- Elder Emeritus Recognition Service Example
- Elder Emeritus Certificate with Instructions
- Exit Interview Guidelines for church ministry staff persons (considerations and questions)
- Ministerial Log — tracking how you do what you do
- Moving Company: Preferred Provider
- (If you move directly from one ministry position to another ministry position) contact Pension Fund at pfcc1@pensionfund.org or call 866.495.7322 and ask them to provide the following form: Pension Fund Change of Employer Form
- (If you are unemployed and wish to remain active during your time in search and call) contact Pension Fund at pfcc1@pensionfund.org or call 866.495.7322 and ask them to provide the following form: Pension Fund Ministerial Member Options for Pension Plan Membership
- Regional Search and Call
- Sample Letter of Resignation/Retirement: PDF version and Word version
- Annual Standing Form for clergy whose Standing comes through General Commission On Ministry: Click Here
