The process of Privilege of Call (POC) is designed for an ordained minister who desires to leave the denomination they were ordained in and become an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ.
The Privilege of Call discernment process applies to candidates who belong to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), The United Church of Canada, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or other ecclesial organizations whose ministerial formation process is similar to the United Church of Christ.
The policies and practices for the POC Process are specific to the Conference and the Covenanting Committee on Ministry. Click below to learn more about the POC process and to access necessary documents. When submitting your application, please compile all forms into a single PDF document and send it as one file.
In the UCC, the association or conference of which you are a part is determined by which congregation you are actively a part of and hold membership (or equivalency). In UCC polity, you must be a part of and actively connected to a UCC congregation to pursue PoC. If you need assistance determining which association you are in, contact the Conference Office.
Covenanting Committee on Ministry
- Formal Guide to the Privilege of Call Process
- Process Grid – Resource for Candidates Seeking POC
- Creating a Marks Portfolio
- Creating a Proposal for Formation and Preparation Plans
- Appendix A – Request for Seeking Privilege of Call Status
- Appendix B – Statement of Consent for Information Release
- Appendix C – Background Disclosure Form
- Appendix D – Background Check Release Form
- Appendix E – POC Advisor Responsibilities and Covenant
- Appendix F – Annual Review, POC Advisor’s Reflection
- Appendix G – Annual Review, Evaluation of the POC Advisor and Relationship
- Appendix H – Annual Review, Local Church Discernment Committee’s Reflection
Essential Privilege of Call Resources
UCC History, Polity, and Theology
Explore more about what it is to be the UCC and enroll in a course that will meet the requirements for Privilege of Call.
Local Church Discernment Team Resources
Find resources to help equip the Local Church for discernment alongside the candidate.
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers of the UCC
An outline of the complex combination of talents, understandings, and skills needed for ministerial leadership in the United Church of Christ.
All persons with ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ are expected to abide by the UCC Ministerial Code.
A creative workbook for engaging and reflecting upon the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers in one’s own ministry.
A resource for spiritual journeys, discernment, and decisions made along the way. Copies are also available through the conference office.
An assessment tool for those in discernment, their mentors, and committees. The tool uses the Marks for discernment in reflecting on formation for ministry and identifying areas for further growth.
Initial Background Checks for Candidates for Ministry
Members in Discernment and those Seeking Privilege of call may use this form to complete their initial background check at the beginning of their discernment processes.