228.5

To review for approval for reappointment any local minister who has been appointed as supply pastor if he or she is to continue such service after the district assembly following the appointment. (529.6)

228.6

To investigate and review the cause of failure of an ordained minister to report to the district assembly for two successive years and make recommendation to the district assembly relative to the continued listing of the name on the published rolls of elders or deacons.

228.7

To investigate reports concerning an ordained minister indicating that he or she has placed his or her church membership with any other church or that he or she has joined with the ministry of another denomination or group or is participating in independent activities without duly authorized permission, and make recommendation to the district assembly relative to his or her retention on the roll of elders or deacons. (112, 536.11)

228.8

To recommend to the district assembly retired relationship for a minister requesting such relation and who, in the judgment of the board, is unable to continue in the active ministerial service because of disability (203.27, 534) or who desires to discontinue active ministerial service because of age.

228.9

To recommend to the district assembly, members of the clergy, and those licensed for continuing ministry roles, for transfer to another district, including interim transfers approved by the District Advisory Board. (203.9, 535–535.2)

228.10

To recommend to the district assembly, persons having ministerial credentials, members of the clergy, and those licensed for continuing ministry roles for reception of transfer from other districts, including interim transfers approved by the District Advisory Board. (203.8, 535–535.2)

537.8

When an unretired elder or deacon ceases from active service as a member of the clergy and takes full-time secular employment, after a period of two years he or she may be required by the District Ministerial Credentials Board to resign from being a member of the clergy or file his or her credential and to return his or her credential to the general secretary. This two-year period shall begin at the district assembly immediately following the cessation of activity as a member of the clergy. The District Ministerial Credentials Board shall report its action to the district assembly. This action should be considered nonprejudicial to character.

538.3

When an elder or deacon in good standing has resigned his or her order of ministry according to 537.1 and 537.8, he or she may be restored to said order by the district assembly, upon filling out the Ordination/Recognition Questionnaire, reaffirming the vows of ministry, and after examination by and the favorable recommendation of the District Ministerial Credentials Board and upon approval by the general superintendent in jurisdiction.

538.6

Any time a member of the clergy ceases to be entitled to exercise the rights and privileges of being a member of the clergy, the Ministerial Credentials Board will prepare a written report concerning the facts and circumstances of the change in status. The report shall include the recommendations of the Ministerial Credentials Board concerning whether or not a plan of rehabilitation is appropriate. Each district is encouraged to have a written plan in harmony with the Manual directives, to aid in the process of response, rehabilitation, reconciliation and possible restoration to ministry, of a member of the clergy involved in conduct unbecoming a minister. If a plan for rehabilitation is appropriate, the Ministerial Credentials Board shall, to the extent practical, work with the individual to apply the district plan for rehabilitation. The objective of the plan should be to return the individual to a place of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. Primary responsibility for accomplishing the plan shall rest on the person being rehabilitated, but the facilitator(s) shall represent the church in providing support and assistance. The facilitator(s) or their designee shall report to the Ministerial Credentials Board once each quarter concerning the progress toward rehabilitation. The report shall be in the form established by the Ministerial Credentials Board. The Ministerial Credentials Board may revise the plan of rehabilitation from time to time as the circumstances warrant.

Index

For translating the index locators.