Resources to support ministry leaders in establishing healthy and vital pastoral relationships. Includes benefits and leaves, policies, and networking opportunities.

Description
Learn about the sabbatical policy! What are the expectations around sabbaticals, how a community of faith might prepare for one, and who needs to know about a sabbatical and when.

Findings of the Flourishing in Ministry Study

United Church ministry personnel were invited to participate in the Flourishing in Ministry survey in February 2018. Designed and implemented by the Wellbeing at Work research group, it examined everyday happiness, resilience, self-integrity, and thriving. For a summary of positive insights, concerns, and major themes, and some questions for reflection on the findings, read Findings of the Flourishing in Ministry Study under Downloads, below.

Practical Matters

  • Compensation and Benefits: Visit the Benefits Centre website to learn about your group benefits, pension, and salary.
  • Financial Assistance: Limited funds are available to provide financial assistance to ministry personnel and lay leaders.
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program: Learn more about this confidential counselling service.
  • Leaves and Absences: Church policy and employment legislation allow eligible ministry personnel to take time away from their regular responsibilities for various reasons.
  • Buying United: Group discounts are available to lessen the financial strain for both ministry personnel and communities of faith. To access Buying United complete the simple one-time registration process using the Access Code “united”.

Guidelines and Policies

Be sure to review the following under Downloads:

  • Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice for Ministry Personnel
  • Guidelines for Counselling by Ministry Personnel
  • Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy
  • Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy
  • Police Records Checks
  • Pastoral Relations: Supporting the Pastoral Relationship
  • Retirement and Pastoral Relations

(Note that there is a mandatory training on the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy.)

United Fresh Start

The United Fresh Start educational program is for ministry personnel and lay leaders serving congregations that are in transition, especially those in a new pastoral relationship. Visit CHURCHx for more information and to access e-modules.

Other Education and Networking

  • Webinars: United in Learning, through the CHURCHx platform, offers distance learning for church leaders on a variety of topics, from strengthening your ministry practice to budgeting to planning for retirement.
  • Continuing Education: There are opportunities for con ed at United Church theological schools. Canadian and international continuing education opportunities can be found through a database of the Anglican Church of Canada.
  • EDGE: A Network for Ministry Development: EDGE offers a number of resources to strengthen the vitality of both ministry personnel and communities of faith.
  • United Church Foundation Granting Funds: When considering your continuing edication and sabbatical opportunities, check out the funding options available on the Foundation website.
  • Strengthening Congregations: Invigorate your congregation’s ministry and mission with resources to deepen your understanding of belonging, hospitality, compassion, witness, and hope.

Staying in Touch

Sign up for our latest news and updates today at uccbenefits.ca

Comments or questions? We’d love to hear from you. Please contact

Adam Hanley
Program Coordinator, Ministry Personnel Vitality
ahanley@united-church.ca
416-231-7680 x3147
1-800-268-3781 x3147

Downloads