Manual for Ordination - Pastoral Services Committee

American Baptist Churches of Oregon

Manual for Ordination

Pastoral Services Committee

Adopted 2009

American Baptist Churches of Oregon

0245 SW Bancroft Street, Suite G ● Portland, OR 97239

phone: (503) 223-6747 ● email: www.vibrant-life.net

Pastoral Services Committee

Welcome Letter

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the ordination process of the American Baptist Churches of Oregon and the

American Baptist Churches USA. This manual is your guide to our ordination process.

We oversee the standards for the following categories or ordination:

• Standard Ordination

• Equivalency Ordination

• Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination

Thoroughly reviewing this document is your first step in seeking ordination. Each appendix

has important information for you to consider, including The Covenant and Code of Ethics for

Ministerial Leaders of American Baptist Churches and the Ecclesiastical Process for Review of

Ministerial Standing. The information is useful for the local church and local church leaders, as

well as clergy and those seeking ordination.

The Pastoral Services Committee (PSC) wants to encourage and support you through your

journey. The Region staff will also be an important resource for you personally as well as

providing logistical help that includes certificates for Ordination, License to Preach, and outlines

for ordination services.

Please notify the Region office of any change in professional status.

These documents are not only available in this manual, but are also available in printer-friendly

format on the ABCO website. (Hopefully)

Blessings in the discernment of your call,

Pastoral Services Committee

Table of Contents

Pastoral Services Committee Welcome Letter……………………………....................................2

Pathways to Ordination....................................................................................................................4

Process for Recognized Professional Ordination

Standard Ordination.............................................................................................................5

Equivalency Ordination.......................................................................................................7

Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination .........................................................................9

Appendices.....................................................................................................................................11

Appendix 1— Process for Candidate Seeking Standard Ordination, Equivalency

Ordination, Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination………………………….12

Appendix 2— Application, Self-Disclosure, and Release Form for All Ordination

Candidates..............................................................................................................13

Appendix 3— Process Checklist for Pastoral Services Committee and ABCO

Office.....................................................................................................................17

Appendix 4— The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders of American

Baptist Churches....................................................................................................19

Appendix 5— Request for Reference Form………………………..................................21

Appendix 6— Guidelines for Ordination Paper................................................................23

Appendix 7- Mentors.........................................................................................................25

Appendix 8— An Ecclesiastical Process for Review of Ministerial Standing..................26

Pathways to Ordination

Historically, Baptists have followed the practice of setting apart certain individuals for speci al

roles as leaders of local churches. This act is called ordination. Circumstances of individuals and

of churches are quite different, and because of this, there are varying pathways leading to

ordination within the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA). The usual path is to attend

an accredited seminary, graduate with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, be called to minister

to a local church or other ministry, and be ordained by a local church following the approval

process described in this Manual.

Standard Ordination

During the time of preparation, the person is usually licensed to preach as a candidate for

ordination. This route is called “Standard Ordination” and the status as an ordained American

Baptist minister is recognized nationally throughout the denomination.

Equivalency Ordination

In exceptional cases, relevant ministry experience may be substituted for a portion of the

educational requirements. This process is called “Equivalency Ordination.”

Recognition of Ordination from Another Denomination

Ministers who have been ordained in other denominations and who wish to serve in an American

Baptist church or ministry may seek to have their ordination from another denomination

recognized. In order for the ordination to be recognized as standard, the educational requirements

must be met. Those seeking recognition who do not meet the standard educational requirements

may be regionally recognized.

Local Ordination

Finally, because ordination is a function of the autonomous local church, a church m ay recognize

the gifts for ministry and the call of an individual within that church and ordain that per son

without participation by the ABCO. Because the qualifications and call of the ordained minister

have not been validated by the larger American Baptist family, such local ordination is not

generally transferable to other churches.

The process leading to each of these ordinations (except local ordination) is described in detail in

the sections that follow.

Process for Recognized Professional Ordination

Standard Ordination

Standard Ordination is carried out by a local church upon recommendation from the Region’s

Pastoral Services Committee. The educational standard is an earned Master of Divinity degree

(it’s equivalent or higher) from a theological seminary accredited by the Association of

Theological Schools. To view a list of ATS accredited schools, visit:

http://www.ats.edu/member_schools/alpha.asp.

To become an ordained minister recognized by the American Baptist Churches of Oregon and

listed in the directory, a candidate must:

• Church Membership.

Be a member in good standing of an American Baptist church or fellowship group related

to the American Baptist Churches USA.

• Education.

Be a graduate of a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and

have earned a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. In addition, an accredited

course on American Baptist History and Polity must have been completed during

seminary education, or the candidate must have completed a study approved by the

Pastoral Services Committee.

• Assessment at the Center for Ministry

• License (optional).

Be licensed by the local church. (For more information, refer to the national guidelines

for licensing available at http://www.abc-usa.org/Resources/Ordination_Stds.pdf.)

• Call.

Have a specific call. A ministry as listed under “Types of Service” below has offered a

position to the candidate, or the candidate is already serving that position.

• Types of Service

o Local church ministry, including all staff who exercise ministerial functions:

preaching, teaching, administering the ordinances, pastoral care, and counseling.

o Mission service on the national or international field in which ministerial

functions (as previously described) will be exercised.

o Chaplaincies: institutional, military or academic where ministerial functions (as

previously described) will be exercised. See http://www.abc-cpcs.org

o Pastoral counselor. See http://www.abc-cpcs.org

o Staff or authorized volunteer service, involving ministerial functions (as

previously described) of an American Baptist agency or institution, a council of

churches, or some other ecumenical ministry appropriately recognized by the

American Baptist Churches USA.

• Initiation of Ordination Process

An individual or local church may initiate the process of ordination. See Appendix 1:

Process for Candidate Seeking Standard Ordination, Equivalency Ordination,

Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination, or Regional Ordination.”

• Proceeding Through Ordination

Ordination Council

After receiving approval from the Pastoral Services Committee, the candidate shall ask

the local church to call an ordination council comprised of representatives from churches

of the American Baptist Churches of Oregon region. The purpose of this council is to

examine and affirm the candidate’s preparedness for ordination, through our associational

life. Pastoral Services Committee shall have freedom to alter this requirement depending

upon the context and setting.

Ordination Service

Following approval of the regional ordination council, the candidate shall ask the local

church to call an ordination service. American Baptist Churches of Oregon shall be

invited to attend, but the ordination is carried out by the local church. The candidate shall

reaffirm and sign the current edition of “The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial

Leaders of American Baptist Churches” (Appendix 4) at the ordination service. This

serves as a public teaching tool to make the witnesses aware that the candidate has agreed

to abide by definite standards of conduct.

Afterward the church shall notify the Region’s Pastoral Services Committee in writing

that the candidate has been ordained. ABCO will then recognize the ordination and list

the newly ordained person on the American Baptist Churches Information Systems

(ABCIS).

Upon request, a minister in good standing, upon moving to another Region, will be given

a letter by the Executive Minister verifying his or her status.

Equivalency Ordination

The educational prerequisite for the full recognition of candidates for ordination within the

American Baptist Churches of Oregon is reaffirmed to be graduation with receipt of a Master of

Divinity degree or its equivalent from a theological seminary accredited by the Association of

Theological Schools. “Its equivalent” may mean an experiential equivalent verified by the

Pastoral Services Committee. It may also mean another educational sequence (e.g. Doctor of

Philosophy in Religion).

For more information, refer to Track 2 of “Recommended Procedures for Ordination,

Commissioning, and Recognition for the Christian Ministry in the American Baptist Churches.”

View this document at http://www.abc-usa.org/Resources/Ordination_Stds.pdf.

To become an ordained minister recognized by the American Baptist Churches of O regon and

listed in the directory, a candidate must:

• Church Membership.

Be a member in good standing of an American Baptist church or fellowship group related

to the American Baptist Churches USA.

• Education.

The maximum experiential equivalency to be granted is six (6) years, which may be

understood to be the equivalent to three (3) years of higher education. In addition, an

accredited course on American Baptist History and Polity must have been completed or

the candidate must have completed a study approved by the Pastoral Services Committee.

• Assessment at the Center for Ministry

• License (optional).

Be licensed by the local church. (For more information, refer to the national guidelines

for licensing, available at http://www.abc-usa.org/Resources/Ordination_Stds.pdf.

• Call.

Have a specific call. A ministry as listed under “Types of Service” below has offered a

position to the candidate, or the candidate is already serving that position.

• Types of Service

 Local church ministry, including all staff who exercise ministerial functions: preaching,

teaching, administering the ordinances, pastoral care, and counseling.

 Mission service on the national or international field in which ministerial functions (as

previously described) will be exercised.

 Chaplaincies: institutional, military or academic where ministerial functions (as

previously described) will be exercised. See http://www.abc-cpcs.org

 Pastoral counselor. See http://www.abc-cpcs.org

 Staff or authorized volunteer service, involving ministerial functions (as previously

described) of an American Baptist agency or institution, a council of churches, or some

other ecumenical ministry appropriately recognized by the American Baptist Churches

USA.

• Initiation of Ordination Process

An individual or local church may initiate the process of ordination. See Appendix 1:

“Process for Candidate Seeking Standard Ordination, Equivalency Ordination,

Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination, or Regional Ordination.”

• Proceeding Through Ordination

Ordination Council

After receiving approval from the Pastoral Services Committee, the candidate shall ask

the local church to call an ordination council comprised of representatives from churches

of the American Baptist Churches of Oregon region. The purpose of this council is to

examine and affirm the candidate’s preparedness for ordination, through our associational

life. Pastoral Services Committee shall have freedom to alter this requ irement depending

upon the context and setting.

Ordination Service

Following approval of the regional ordination council, the candidate shall ask the local

church to call an ordination service. American Baptist Churches of Oregon shall be

invited to attend, but the ordination is carried out by the local church. The candidate shall

reaffirm and sign the current edition of “The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial

Leaders of American Baptist Churches” (Appendix 4) at the ordination service. This

serves as a public teaching tool to make the witnesses aware that the candidate has agreed

to abide by definite standards of conduct.

Afterward the church shall notify the Region’s Pastoral Services Committee in writing

that the candidate has been ordained. ABCO will then recognize the ordination and list

the newly ordained person on the American Baptist Churches Information Systems

(ABCIS).

Upon request, a minister in good standing, upon moving to another Region, will be given

a letter by the Executive Minister verifying his or her status.

Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination

American Baptist Churches may recognize the ordination of a person by another Christian

denomination provided that the ordination is based upon standards essentially equiva lent to those

of ABC standard ordination.

To become an ordained minister recognized by the American Baptist Churches of Oregon and

listed in the directory, a candidate must:

• Church Membership.

Be a member in good standing of an American Baptist church or fellowship group related

to the American Baptist Churches USA.

• Education.

Be a graduate of a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, and

have earned a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent. In addition, an accredited

course on American Baptist History and Polity must have been completed during

seminary education, or the candidate must have completed a study approved by the

Pastoral Services Committee.

• Assessment at the Center for Ministry

• License (optional).

Be licensed by the local church. (For more information, refer to the national guidelines on

licensing, available at http://www.abc-usa.org/Resources/Ordination_Stds.pdf.)

• Call.

Have a specific call. A ministry as listed under “Types of Service” below has offered a

position to the candidate, or the candidate is already serving that position.

• Types of Service

 Local church ministry, including all staff who exercise ministerial functions: prea ching,

teaching, administering the ordinances, pastoral care, and counseling.

 Mission service on the national or international field in which ministerial functions (as

previously described) will be exercised.

 Chaplaincies: institutional, military or academic where ministerial functions (as

previously described) will be exercised. See http://www.abc-cpcs.org.

 Pastoral counselor. See http://www.abc-cpcs.org

 Staff or authorized volunteer service, involving ministerial functions (as previously

described) of an American Baptist agency or institution, a council of churches, or some

other ecumenical ministry appropriately recognized by the American Baptist Churches

USA.

• Initiation of Ordination Process

An individual or local church may initiate the process of ordination. See Appendix 1:

“Process for Candidate Seeking Standard Ordination, Equivalency Ordination,

Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination, or Regional Ordination.”

• Completing the Recognition Process

The PSC will communicate in writing to the church or agency where the candidate is

employed its recommendation of recognition. The local church is encouraged to schedule

and carry out a service of recognition during which the candidate shall reaffirm and sign

the current edition of “The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders of

American Baptist Churches” (Appendix 4). This serves as a public teaching tool to make

the witnesses aware that the candidate has agreed to abide by definite standards of

conduct.

The PSC shall notify the Region office of its recommendation to recognize the Non -ABCUSA

Ordination. ABCO will then recognize the ordination and list the newly recognized person on

the American Baptist Churches Information Systems (ABCIS).

Upon request, a minister in good standing, upon moving to another Region, will be given a letter

by the Executive Minister verifying his or her status.

Appendices

Appendix 1

Process for Candidate Seeking

Standard Ordination, Equivalency Ordination,

Recognition of Non-ABCUSA Ordination, or

Regional Ordination

Prerequisite: Be an active member of your local ABCUSA congregation.

Prior to first meeting with Pastoral Services Committee

1. Contact your Cluster’s Ministry and Mission Coach and tell him/her of your interest in the

ordination process.

2. Meet with the Executive Minister.

3. Meet with Coach and a representative of Pastoral Services Committee (PSC).

4. Submit a letter to the Region office from your church recommending you for ordination.

5. Complete Application Form (Appendix 2) and submit the form (online or by mail) along with

$100 to cover the cost of the background check to the ABCO office.

6. For candidates seeking recognition from other denominations: submit a copy of ordination

certificate.

7. Write and submit a brief (approximately five pages) autobiographical sketch including personal

faith history including your current understanding of your ministry call.

8. Submit four (4) references to the ABCO office. At least two of these should be professional or

educational references. All must be current references (see Appendix 5).

9. Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary schools.

10. Schedule your first meeting with PSC after completing the above steps.

Attend first meeting with Pastoral Services Committee.

During the first meeting with the PSC:

1. Sign “The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders of American Baptist Churches”

(Appendix 4).

2. Receive name and contact information of mentor (see Appendix 8).

3. Discuss documents previously submitted.

Next steps for all chaplaincy candidates:

1. Provide documents as requested to the Chaplains’ Committee.

2. Schedule interview with the Chaplains’ Committee.

Prior to second meeting with PSC:

1. Write ordination/position paper (see Appendix 6).

2. Complete other work as recommended by the PSC following previous meeting.

3. Schedule your second meeting with PSC after completing steps 1 and 2.

Attend second meeting with PSC.

During the second meeting with the PSC:

1. Present ordination/position paper.

2. Address any miscellaneous concerns.

Note: All documents must be submitted 2 weeks prior to meeting.

Appendix 2

American Baptist Churches of Oregon (ABCO)

0245 SW Bancroft, Suite G, Portland, OR

Application, Self-Disclosure, and Release Form

for All Candidates Seeking Ordination

Date:________________________

Name_________________________________________________________________________

Address______________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________________State______ZIP__________________

E-mail Address________________________________Phone__________________________

□ Check for $100, payable to ABCO is enclosed. When it is received, the Region office will

contact you to initiate your background check.

Ordination you are seeking:

_____Standard Ordination

_____Equivalency Ordination

_____Non-ABC Ordination Recognition

Are you seeking chaplaincy credentials? ________________

1. List college or under-graduate degrees. Give date for each.

_________________________________________________________________________

2. List seminary or other theological education. Give dates.

_________________________________________________________________________

3. Have you completed an American Baptist History and Polity Course at a Seminary?

______Yes _____ No (If “yes,” give name of school.)

__________________________________________________________________________

4. Have you served as a pastor, interim pastor, associate or assistant pastor in the American

Baptist Churches, USA? _____Yes _____ No (If “yes” state which and describe when and

where)

_________________________________________________________________________

5. Have you served as a pastor, interim pastor, associate or assistant pastor in another

denomination? _____Yes_____ No (If “yes” state which and give dates).

_________________________________________________________________________

6. Please provide a brief statement which describes why you are pursuing the category of

ordination indicated at the beginning of this form.

_________________________________________________________________________

7. Give reasons why you feel you would like to minister in the American Baptist Churches USA.

_________________________________________________________________________

American Baptist Churches of Oregon (ABCO)

Self-Disclosure Form

Name: _____________________________________________________________ _______

Each person having received or anticipating a call to a position with ABCO is required to sign

this “Self-Disclosure and Release Form” as a part of the process. Others already within the

Region may be asked to sign this form when moving to a new location. The completed form

should be given to the Region Office. ABCO has an outstanding record for maintaining the

highest moral and ethical standards in the practice of ministry. This record of ser vice reflects our

commitment to “preserve the dignity, maintain the discipline, and promote the integrity of the

vocation to which we have been called” (The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial

Leaders of American Baptist Churches). When any professional church leader engages in

misconduct, the name of Christ is dishonored, the Church is brought into disrepute, and all

involved suffer. In addition, there can be legal repercussions from such acts of misconduct.

Therefore, ABCO is committed to taking any reasonable precaution to avoid such disrepute,

suffering, and litigation. This Self-Disclosure and Release Form is a part of the Region’s

ministry. Your understanding and cooperation are deeply appreciated.

Mark “T” for True; “NT” for Not True

T NT

1. I have never been the subject of official disciplinary proceedings in the

ABCUSA or any other denomination or independent group that resulted

in any of the following:

a. Censure ____ ____

b. Suspension of recognition of ordination ____ ____

c. Withdrawal of recognition of ordination. ____ ____

2. No official disciplinary proceedings within the ABCUSA or any other

denomination or independent group are pending against me at this

present time. ____ ____

3. No civil lawsuit alleging actual or attempted sexual harassment,

exploitation, or abuse; or financial misconduct has ever been

successfully prosecuted against me, settled out of court, or

dropped because the statute of limitations had expired. ____ ____

4. My driver’s license has never been suspended or revoked due to

reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, or driving under the

influence of a controlled substance. ____ ____

5. I have never been found guilty or pleaded guilty or no contest to

felony or misdemeanor charges or had felony or misdemeanor charges

dropped because the statute of limitations had expired. ____ ____

6. My employment has never been terminated for actual or attempted

sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse; discrimination; physical

abuse; child abuse; spousal abuse; or financial misconduct by me;

nor have I terminated my employment primarily to avoid facing such

charges or to avoid being terminated because of such charges. ____ ____

7. I know of no facts or circumstances regarding my background that

would warrant further review of my fitness for ministry before my

being entrusted with the responsibilities of ministry on behalf of

a calling body within this Region. ____ ____

8. I have completed specific training in clergy ethics (including a

review of procedures for handling allegations of pastoral misconduct). ____ ____

9. If I have not completed specific training in clergy ethics, or it is

determined the training I did receive was not sufficient, I commit

myself to complete such training within one year of accepting a position

within this Region. ____ ____

On a separate sheet provide an explanation for each item that caused you to answer “not true.”

Give enough information for follow-up, including the date, nature, and place of each incident

leading to a complaint, proceeding, or action; where and when each was adjudicated; and the

disposition of the complaint(s). Indicate steps taken toward rehabilitation, if any. Use additional

pages as needed.

10. In addition to the names used on this form, as an adult, I have been known by the

following name(s) during the time(s) indicated:

American Baptist Churches of Oregon (ABCO)

Release Form

This information I have provided on this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and may be

verified by the Region. I hereby authorize ABCO to make any and all contacts necessary to verify my

prior employment history, and to inquire concerning any prior arrest or criminal records or any

professional, religious, or judicial proceedings involving me as a defendant. By means of this release, I

also authorize any previous employer(s), religious judicatory, and any law enforcement agencies or

judicial authorities to release any and all requested information to the Pastoral Services

Committee of the American Baptist Church of Oregon.

I have read this release and understand fully that the information obtained may be used to deny me

acceptance by a calling body within the ABCO or the recognition of my ordination by the Region.

I also agree that I will hold harmless ABCO, as well as any prior employer, religious judicatory, law

enforcement authority, or judicial authority from any and all claims, liabilities, and cause of action f or the

release of the use or any information.

Signature of Candidate:___________________________________________________________

Date__________________________________________________________________________

Appendix 3

Name: _____________________________________

Member church: _____________________________

Ordination Process Checklist for PSC/ABCO Office

Text in italics designates work to be completed by Administrative Assistant in ABCO office.

Prior to first meeting with PSC:

□ Applicant made initial contact with Ministry and Mission Coach. Coach gives all contact

information to designated staff person in Region office who maintains PSC documents,

who informs the Executive Minister.

□ Applicant met with Executive Minister.

□ Scheduled meeting with coach and representative of PSC (date)___________

□ Met with coach and representative of PSC Chair (date)__________________.

□ Completed application form and submitted $100.

File form and inform Coach and PSC Chair. Forward money to ABCO financial

manager and place a copy of the check in the applicant’s file. Designated staff person

will initiate the background check.

□ Receive report and file in applicant’s file. Notify the PSC Chair immediately upon receipt

of report.

□ Email completed application form and letter from church to coach and chair no later

than two (2) weeks prior to meeting.

□ Submitted letter from church recommending ordination. Place in candidate’s file.

□ (If candidate is seeking recognition from another denomination) Submit a c opy of

ordination certificate. Place in applicant’s file.

□ Submitted autobiographical sketch/personal faith history. Place in applicant’s file.

□ Email autobiographical sketch/personal faith history to PSC plus Coaches and Executive

Minister no later than two (2) weeks prior to first meeting.

□ Supplied references. Place in applicant’s file. Copies of references are made for PSC

members and supplied for the face-to-face meeting.

Reference #1

Reference #2

Reference #3

Reference #4

□ Supplied official transcript. Place in applicant’s file. A copy is made for the MLC Chair

and supplied for the face-to-face meeting.

□ Scheduled first meeting with PSC Chair (date) _______________

□ Attend Center for Ministry for Assessment (date) _____________

□ Report from Center for Ministry (date received) ______________

Next step for all chaplaincy candidates

□ Documents submitted to Chaplains’ Committee. (The PSC will form a Chaplains’

Committee as needed to evaluate the candidate’s preparation and suitability for

chaplaincy and to advise the candidate about the process for obtaining chaplaincy

credentials.)

□ Recommendation received from Chaplains’ Committee.

First meeting with PSC

□ Signed “The Covenant and Code of Ethics for Ministerial Leaders of American Baptist

Churches.” Place in candidate’s file.

□ Received name and contact information of mentor. (The PSC will assign a mentor for all

candidates to encourage, support, and guide them through the process.) Record

information in candidate’s file.

Prior to second meeting with PSC

□ Submitted ordination/position paper. Place in candidate’s file.

□ Email ordination/position paper to entire PSC plus Coaches and Executive Minister no

later than two (2) weeks prior to second meeting.

□ Completed other recommended work. Place in candidate’s file.

During the second meeting with PSC

□ Discussed ordination/position page.

□ PSC makes recommendation to proceed with ordination.

□ Appoint a moderator for the council from the Pastoral Services committee.

Following second meeting with PSC

□ Send letter to church recommending candidate proceed with ordination/recognition

□ Arrange a council date with sponsoring church.

Ordination Council

□ Invite churches of ABCO to send representatives. RSVP kindly requested. Make a

copy of the paper available upon request.

□ Have copies of the paper available at council.

□ Clerk is appointed from sponsoring church.

□ Following the review of the paper and examination of the candidate, candidate is excused

and representatives from ABCO churches will vote on ordination.

Ordination Ceremony

□ Date is arranged at the convenience of the sponsoring church.

□ Moderator or representative from council will read recommendation.

□ Region will provide an ordination certificate.

□ Copy of certificate will be place in candidates file. Record name in the American Baptist

Churches Information System (ABCIS).

□ Contact Region’s communication coordinator for publicity purposes.

Appendix 4

The Covenant and Code of Ethics

for Ministerial Leaders of American Baptist Churches

Having accepted God’s call to leadership in Christ’s Church, I covenant with God to serve

Christ and the Church with the help of the Holy Spirit, to deepen my obedience to the Two Great

Commandments: to love the Lord our God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love

my neighbor as myself.

In affirmation of this commitment, I will abide by the Code of Ethics of the Ministers Council of

the American Baptist Churches and I will faithfully support its purposes and ideals. As further

affirmation of my commitment, I covenant with my colleagues in ministry that we will hold one

another accountable for fulfillment of all the public actions set forth in our Code of Ethics.

 I will hold in trust the traditions and practices of our American Baptist Churches; I will

not accept a position in the American Baptist family unless I am in accord with those

traditions and practices; nor will I use my influence to alienate my

congregation/constituents or any part thereof from its relationship and support of the

denomination. If my convictions change, I will resign my position.

 I will respect and recognize the variety of calls to ministry among my American Baptist

colleagues, and other Christians.

 I will seek to support all colleagues in ministry by building constructive relationships

wherever I serve, both with the staff where I work and with colleagues in neighboring

churches.

 I will advocate adequate compensation for my profession. I will help lay persons and

colleagues to understand that ministerial leaders should not expect or require fees for

pastoral services from constituents they serve, when those constituents are helping pay

their salaries.

 I will not seek personal favors or discounts on the basis of my professional ministerial

status.

 I will maintain a disciplined ministry in such ways as keeping hours of prayer and

devotion, endeavoring to maintain wholesome family relationships, sexual integrity, and

financial responsibility, regularly engaging in educational and recreational activities for

ministerial and personal development. I will seek to maintain good health habits.

 I will recognize my primary obligation to the church or employing group to which I have

been called, and will accept added responsibilities only if they do not interfere with the

overall effectiveness of my ministry.

 I will personally and publicly support my colleagues who experience discrimination on

the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, age, marital status, national origin, physical

impairment or disability.

 I will not proselytize from other Christian churches.

 I will, upon my resignation or retirement, sever my ministerial leadership relations with

my former constituents, and will not make ministerial contacts in the field of another

ministerial leader without his/her request and or consent.

 I will hold in confidence and treat as confidential communication any information

provided to me with the expectation of privacy. I will not disclose such information in

private or public except when, in my practice of ministry, I am convinced that the

sanctity of confidentiality is outweighed by my well-founded belief that life-threatening

or substantial harm will be caused.

 I will not use my ministerial status, position or authority knowingly to abuse, misguide,

negatively influence, manipulate, or take advantage of anyone, especially children.

 I will report all instances of abuse as required by law to the appropriate agency. In any

case involving persons working in ABC ministry, I will also report the circumstances to

the appropriate Regional and/or national denominational representative.

 I will show my personal love for God as revealed in Jesus Christ in my life and ministry,

as I strive together with my colleagues to preserve the dignity, maintain the discipline and

promote the integrity of the vocation to which we have been called.

Signed: ___________________________________________Date:_____________________

For printable version go to http://www.ministerscouncil.com/CodeofEthics/EngEthics.aspx .

For a learning guide on the Covenant and Code of Ethics go to

• http://www.ministerscouncil.com/WhoWeAre/documents/LearningGuideontheethics06ed

ited.pdf

Appendix 5

Pastoral Services Committee of

American Baptist Churches of Oregon (ABCO)

Request for Reference Form

Applicant_________________________________________Date_____________________

Name of Reference__________________________________ Telephone #______________

Address___________________________________________________________________

City____________________________________State________ZIP___________________

Please respond to the following areas of concern, and return to the address at the end of this form

within two weeks of the above date. Thank you.

1. How long have you known the applicant, and in what roles or relationships?__________

_________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe the applicant’s strengths. ___________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

3. Describe perceived weaknesses. _____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ _______

_________________________________________________________________________

4. Describe the applicant’s history of establishing and maintaining effective, healthy

relationships?______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

5. From your observation, describe ways the applicant responds to conflict. Give examples if

possible.

_________________________________________________________________________

6. Explain why you would or would not select this person to be the pastor of your home church,

if the choice were yours.______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

7. Describe any concerns about ethical misconduct related to this person (financial, sexual,

personal, ministerial, etc.).

_________________________________________________________________________

8. Is there any other information of which the Ministerial Leadership Committee should be made

aware?

_________________________________________________________________________

Return to:

Pastoral Services Committee

American Baptist Churches of Oregon

0245 SW Bancroft Street, Suite G

Portland, OR 97239

Appendix 6

American Baptist Churches of Oregon (ABCO)

0245 SW Bancroft Street, Suite G, Portland, OR 97239

Guidelines for Ordination Paper

Purpose of the Paper

The ordination paper is a major reflection on theological and ecclesiastical ideas and how they

relate to your life and ministry. This paper is not intended to be an exclusively academic paper,

though it definitely requires theological reflection. This paper is a tool that will enable the

Ministerial Leadership Committee understand your theological process. It is also intended as a

tool to help you integrate theology and doctrine in your life and ministry, including how these

inform and shape your own spiritual formation and practices. It is not, however, a restatement of

your personal faith history.

Introduction

A brief description of the ways you relate to the identity and diversity of American Baptist

Churches USA.

Christian Doctrine and Practice as They Relate to Your Life and Ministry

The Person of God the Father

The Person of God the Son - Jesus Christ

The Person of God the Holy Spirit

The Trinity

Humanity and Sin

Salvation—The Nature of the Gospel

View of Scripture

Kingdom of God

The Christian Hope—The Meanings of Death and Eternal Life

Christian Eschatology

The Doctrine of the Church as It Relates to Your Life and Ministry

Mission of the Church

Ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

Ecumenical Aspects of the Church

Place of the Church in History

Purpose and Place of the Church in Today’s World

The Role of the Minister

The Ministry of the Laity

Theology and Practice of Worship

Relationships with the Wider Body of Christ

Describe how you understand your relationship as a minister and the role of the local church in

relationship to

ABC of Oregon

American Baptist Churches, USA

Ecumenical Witness to Community and World

Please reflect on your understanding of the nature of the autonomy of the local church, loyalty to

the denomination, and integrity in these relationships.

Conclusion

Theology of Family of Origin, Current Family and/or Significant Relationships

In conclusion, write a section on how the above reflections inform and shape a holistic theology

of your greater family. We recognize that “traditional nuclear family” is often not the current

norm. Please reflect on your theology out of your own context.

Appendix 7

Mentors

 A mentor should be a colleague in ministry who is acquainted with and supportive to

ABCUSA

 The mentor should meet based on proximity regularly. (At least monthly)

 The mentor/candidate should agree on the time/place criteria.

 Mentor needs to be available for phone/email contact at anytime

 Mentor’s should provide honest feedback to the candidate and the PSC.

 The mentor should be provided with an outline of the process that the candidate is

involved in.

 The mentor should offer to be a part of the ordination service.

 The mentor should reaffirm and support the ABCO Code of Ethics.

 Mentor should pray for and with the candidate.