Opening/Closing Date: February 5, 2025 to March 27, 2025
Description
Vocational Standards Committee (6 members)
This committee assists in developing and revising standards to support ministry personnel to maintain effectiveness in their leadership including learning and training standards required for accreditation to various ministries. This committee is seeking lay people or ministry personnel who have expertise in adult education and learning outcomes.
Mandate
The Vocational Standards Committee (Standards Committee) implements the policies set by the General Council by recommending standards to the Board of Vocation in the areas defined by The Manual, section E.2.2:
- training and accreditation of ministry personnel
- admission of ministers from other denominations
- readmission of people to the order of ministry
- continuing education, formation, and professional development of ministry personnel
- oversight and discipline of ministry personnel
Recent and Upcoming Work
During the last triennium, the committee was focused on developing the continuing education standard for ministry personnel. The committee is currently working on guidelines to assist ministry personnel in navigating social media.
Looking ahead, the committee anticipates assessing the learning outcomes for new training in the area of anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia and advising on the development of resources to highlight learning in areas such as mental health and right-relations.
Membership
The committee is made up of six members, including at least one member from the Board of Vocation, who reflect the diversity of the United Church, with particular attention to its equity commitments and the presence of both lay people and ministry personnel from across the geography of the church.
To honour the separation of responsibilities assigned to regional councils and those assigned to the Office of Vocation, members of Office of Vocation committees and boards cannot also serve on a body of the regional council with decision-making responsibilities that relate to or affect pastoral relations or pastoral relationships.
Member Skills and Experience
Gifts that would be an asset to this committee include a background in adult education, developing learning outcomes, understanding of the vocation of ministry, and familiarity with professional standards.
United Church Relationship: Active participant or full member
Expectations and Term
The committee meets every other month by videoconference call and may meet in person as necessary.
The term of this appointment is for three years (August 2025–August 2028) with the possibility of reappointment for a second three-year term.
For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please see the complete description, below.
To Express Interest
To apply for this vacancy, please express interest or nominate someone.
All submissions will be acknowledged by e-mail. If you do not receive acknowledgement, please contact Member Engagement. Incomplete or late submissions cannot be considered.
For further information or assistance in expressing interest or nominating someone, please contact:
Member Engagement
Toll-Free: 1-800-268-3781
E-mail:
Downloads
- 45-12 Vocational Standards Committee.pdf (186.13 KB) (PDF)