COM-B Exempt Standing Application – Northern California Nevada Conference

Ministerial Personal Information

Include your name, contact details, and local church of membership

Your Name*

First Middle Last

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Email*

Home Phone

Leave BLANK if none

Cell Phone

Leave BLANK if none

My Local Church of Membership is:*

Standards of Exempt Standing

In this section, you will affirm your understanding of the requirements and privileges of Exempt Standing.

Request for Exempt Standing*

I am requesting Exempt Standing because I am not currently engaged in public ministry, and I have discerned that I will no longer seek a call or opportunities for public ministry.

I affirm

Understanding of Exempt Standing*

I understand that I am still subject to the support and oversight of a Committee on Ministry through Exempt Standing, and am required to do the following:
* maintain membership in a UCC congregation;
* continue to embody the ethics of the UCC Ministerial Code;
* participate in the ongoing oversight of the Committee on Ministry, including annual Information Reviews, Situational Support Consultations, and Fitness Reviews; and
* be responsive to communication from the Association and Conference as I am able.

Exempt Standing is the only form of ministerial standing that can be held by an Association or Conference different than Local Church Membership. If I relocate while maintaining Exempt Standing and join a Local Church in my new location, I may request a transfer of standing to the new Association or Conference but am not required to do so.

I understand.

Limitations of Exempt Standing*

In conversation with the Committee on Ministry, I recognize that by maintaining Exempt Standing I will refrain from:
* seeking ministerial positions;
* entering into call agreements;
* providing pulpit Supply;
* officiating at weddings and funerals (with the exception of family weddings and funerals);
* serving on committees of the Association, Conference, National or global settings of the church.

By maintaining Exempt Standing, I understand that that I am exempt from certain ongoing requirements of Ordained Ministerial Standing including periodic vocational support meetings, boundary training, diversity training, and continuing education.

I understand.

Privileges of Exempt Standing

As a UCC Minister with Exempt Standing I may continue to:
* participate in the life of my Local Church
* attend the annual meeting of the Association and Conference when possible;
* co-officiate at the sacraments at the invitation of an active Ordained Minister

I understand.

In consultation with my Local Church Pastor and to be discussed with the Committee on Ministry, Section B, as a UCC minister with Exempt Standing, I may also continue to: (list specific agreements in this box)

This is only for those individuals who have already had a conversation with their Local Church Pastor and have received their concurrence. Some examples of agreements: the Exempt Minister, as an active member of their local church, will preach occasionally, will assist with Confirmation classes, will lead Bible study. Exempt Standing ministers must re-covenant with any subsequent Local Church Pastor (i.e. during/after Search & Call processes) and COM-B. All others, leave this box blank.

Exempt Standing Covenant*

I covenant to refrain from engaging in pastoral activities save for the activities indicated above, and must refrain from serving in a professional ministry capacity (even if temporary) while maintaining Exempt Standing. If I discern a call to serve in a professional ministry capacity again, I covenant to meet with the Committee on Ministry to request an end to Exempt Standing and will comply with the Lifelong Learning Policy, including boundary training, racial justice training, mandated reporter training, and continuing education, as a prerequisite for reentering into active ministry.

I do so covenant.

Signature

This application will be forwarded to Section B of the Committee on Ministry for action at an upcoming meeting. If your application for Exempt Standing is approved, you will be notified and this application included in your Ministerial File.

Can you create your e-signature on this device?*

Yes
No

Signature*

Type your initials in lieu of e-signature*