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Professional Care & Development Policy
Updated 2020:
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as required by the Committee on Ministry
of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

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Policy:  Any ordained or commissioned minister seeking to continue standing with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Upper-Midwest will complete sixteen hours of continuing education each year.  One quarter of the required hours must include an Anti-Racism experience.  Boundary Training must be completed every 5 years (2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, etc.).  This policy revision began January 1, 2020.  Boundary Training opportunities can be found here.

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PROFESSIONAL CARE AND DEVELOPMENT

*Updated 2020

It is assumed all ordained or commissioned ministers seeking to continue standing will want to enhance and develop their skills for ministerial proficiency.  With this in mind, to acquire or continue to hold standing with the Christian Church (DOC) in the Upper Midwest:

  • Full-Time ministers will complete sixteen (16) hours of continuing education.  

  • Part-time ministers’ hours will be based on the following: 3/4 time = 12 hours (with 3 hours as the anti-racism experience), 1/2 time = 8 hours (with 2 hours as the anti-racism experience), 1/4 time or less = 4 hours (with 1 hour as the anti-racism experience).

  • Clergy with standing as Inactive Retired are exempt from this requirement.

 

Self-guided study is acceptable as suggested below.  In classroom or seminar settings, an hour shall be defined as a 50-minute contact period.

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Clergy will report their professional care and development annually on the Standing Form.  These reports will be reviewed by the Executive Unit of the Committee on Ministry.  

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IN THE EVENT THAT PERSONAL HARDSHIP or other extenuating circumstances prevent a minister from meeting the continuing education requirements, he or she may contact the Committee on Ministry or its designee to request an alternate plan or waiver.

Ideas for Completing Continuing Education Hours

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  • Complete a course through the Upper Midwest School of Ministry

  • Complete a unit of clinical pastoral education (CPE)

  • Complete a college or graduate level course

  • Complete a seminary on-line course

  • Complete a semester’s work in a Doctor of Ministry program

  • Attend a seminary-sponsored Ministers’ Week

  • Attend educational or worship experiences at a Regional or General Assembly

  • Attend and participate in ecumenical resource and worship experiences

  • Attend and participate in the Regional All Congregational Gathering

  • Participate in an educational offering for clergy by the Regional Office (Clergy Day Apart or other workshop)

  • Attend Ministers’ Institute

  • Participate in Boundary Training (this is required by the region in 5 year increments 2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, etc.)

  • Attend a lecture series (as offered by Drake University, Grinnell College, Grandview College, Culver-Stockton College, etc.)

  • Attend a professional training seminar (as offered by Alban Institute, Youth Specialties, etc.)

  • Participate in spiritual discipline retreats

  • Other events, studies, etc., may be acceptable.  It is suggested the Committee on Ministry or its designee be consulted for verification

Ideas for Completing Anti-Racism Requirement

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The intention behind the Region's anti-racism requirement is to encourage clergy to explore facets of racism through an experiential and transformative means.  

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Because this new standing requirement focuses on experiences rather than limiting individuals to a training event, it encourages clergy to find relevant opportunities that enhance their awareness and understanding of racism in the world and in their own communities.  

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  • Participate in a direct experience/immersion such as an educational mission trip that focuses on racism

  • Form an ongoing cohort group that explores, experiences, and engages in conversation on racism, such as:

    • Discovering the historical truths related to the interaction between indigenous and Anglo settlers​

    • Form a "Truth and Reconciliation" cohort that explores issues related to people of color in the Upper Midwest

    • Form a current event cohort that intentionally watches for and discusses racism in the news

    • Form a class or cohort with laity in the congregation focused on anti-racism

    • Form a cohort group whose makeup is inclusive of the rich racial/cultural background of the church

  • Complete a book study (preferably with a discussion group, but it would also be appropriate to submit a written response regarding what you gleaned from the book and how it impacted you).  Here's a recommended reading list.

  • Watch a movie or documentary (preferably with a discussion group, but it would also be appropriate to submit a written response regarding what you gleaned from the film and how it impacted you).  A recommended film list is coming soon!

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