Ministerial Hold

When a minister experiences considerable conflict or a difficult parting with a congregation or other institution, the Ministerial Fellowship Committee (MFC) calls for a team of staff leaders (the “Review Team”) to consider asking that minister to complete a process of reflection and creation of a development plan for moving forward. In some cases, the Review Team will support ministers in completing this reflection and developmental work while moving through search and/or settlement by admitting them to “In-Care” status. In other cases, the Review Team will place a minister on “Hold,” keeping them from the congregational search and/or settlement process unless and until the minister has completed the required reflection and developmental planning required by the Review Team.

See the Review Team page and the Rules and Policies of the Ministerial Fellowship Committee for more detail.

“On Hold”

“On Hold” means that a minister is not eligible to participate in congregational work other than preaching, as often as once per quarter for the same congregation. The Review Team may allow other contact with congregations for employment on a case-by-case basis. This is explained further in the “Settlement Restriction” section below.

“Settlement Restriction”

“Settlement Restriction” means the minister may be considered for certain parish ministry settings with the oversight of the Review Team and Transitions Office. These restrictions can include–—but are not limited to—setting, duration, percentage of full-time, required mentorship, continuing education, and therapy. Settlement restrictions can be lifted by the Review Team once no longer needed.