Covenants Q & A

Covenant Q & A

What is the purpose of the covenant?
Three-, Four-, or More-Way Covenants are designed to make our covenantal relationships tangible and explicit. They are a concrete expression of the promises made at ordination and reflect our shared ecclesiology as outlined in the Manual on Ministry and the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ. These covenants are adaptable to reflect the Authorized Minister’s particular ministry setting or the context in which they maintain standing in and for the UCC.

Is a "call" required for standing?

To be ordained in the UCC (or to transfer standing through Privilege of Call), an initial authorized call—approved by a Committee on Ministry—is required. Once Ordained Ministerial Standing is granted, an authorized minister is not required to maintain an authorizable call in order to retain standing.

Note: Ordained Ministerial Partner Standing and Dual Standing do require active service in a UCC ministry setting. These forms of standing end when such service concludes.

What does “call” mean in the context of covenants?

“Call” can mean different things in different contexts. Broadly speaking, it refers to where God is calling or leading you to serve as an Authorized Minister—whether that’s in a local church, chaplaincy, exempt setting, retirement (non-exempt), a leave of absence, or another ministry context. When it comes to covenants, it may be more helpful to ask: “What is your current ministry setting?” This focus recognizes the diversity of ways ministry is expressed and supported in the UCC.

Are there situations where a covenant doesn’t apply to an Authorized Minister?

All Authorized Ministers are in covenantal relationship with both the local church where they hold membership and the Conference. At minimum, this relationship is expressed through a basic covenant that varies depending on circumstances—such as retirement (non-exempt), exempt, leave of absence, etc.
MESA has provided covenant templates to cover most situations and encourages flexibility. Committees on Ministry are invited to work with ministers to adapt covenants to reflect the diversity of ministry settings and personal contexts.

If I don’t complete a covenant, will my standing automatically be removed?
No. Matters related to standing are always reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Committee on Ministry, in conversation with the Authorized Minister. If issues arise, the COM will work collaboratively to find a resolution, if possible—just as they would with other requirements like annual information reviews, boundary training, or participation in Conference life. 

Who do I contact if I need help with my covenant?

You can contact any member of the Committee on Ministry - Authorization or Rev. Nikki Stahl, Associate Conference Minister.

Rev. Nikki Stahl
she/her/hers
Associate Conference Minister
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference
United Church of Christ