Intentional Interim Ministry: Policy And Procedures For .
Intentional Interim Ministry:Policy and Procedures for DesignationJanuary 2019The United Church of CanadaL’Église Unie du Canada
Intentional Interim Ministry: Policy and Procedures for Designation (January 2019)Copyright 2019The United Church of CanadaL’Église Unie du CanadaThe content of this resource is licensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution Non-commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) Licence. To view a copyof this licence, visit a.Any copy must include the United Church copyright notice and the Creative Commons licence.Care has been taken to trace ownership of copyright material contained in this text. The publisher willgratefully accept any information that will enable it to rectify any reference or credit in subsequentprintings.The United Church of CanadaL’Église Unie du Canada3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 200Toronto, ONCanada M8X 2Y41-800-268-3781www.united-church.caSupported byMission & Service
ContentsDefinition . 4Designation of Intentional Interim Ministers . 5A. Qualifications for Designation . 5B. The Process of Designation . 7C. The Process of Continuing Designation . 7D. Removal of Designation . 9Appendix A . 101. Interview of Applicant for Designation . 102. Interview of Applicant for Continuing Designation . 12Appendix B: Possible Questions for Designation Interview . 13Appendix C: Intentional Interim Minister’s Self-Evaluation Tool . 15Appendix D: Exit Interview . 16Intentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)3
The United Church of CanadaDefinitionAn “intentional interim minister” is a member of the order of ministry or designated layminister who has been designated by the Office of Vocation to serve in interim ministry.(The Manual, 2019, section I.1.10.1)Intentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)4
The United Church of CanadaDesignation of Intentional Interim Ministers1. Board / Office of Vocation sets the denominational policy for intentional interim ministers and for interim ministrymaintains a database of intentional interim ministers with their designation history andcurrent statusconsiders applications and decides to designate, not to designate, or to remove thedesignation of intentional interim ministers for the United Church of Canada. Thesedecisions cannot be appealed (The Manual, section J.10.3 d)).keeps a confidential file for each applicant who is interviewed for designation as anintentional interim minister:o The file contains copies of application forms and supporting documents, interviewnotes, evaluation reports, and any other relevant information.o The applicant is made aware of all materials in the file.2. Regional Council educates themselves and communities of faith regarding interim ministry and interimministry policyreceives, reviews, and forwards the evaluation of an interim ministry from the transitionteam to the Office of Vocation – may add comments regarding the circumstances of theinterim ministry situationreceives and forwards the evaluation of the intentional interim minister from thetransition team to the Office of VocationA. Qualifications for Designation1. General Personal and Professional Qualifications normally has a minimum of five years of experience in pastoral ministry in The UnitedChurch of Canada and is knowledgeable about the United Church’s theology, policy, andprocedures, especially for pastoral relationshas the following professional and personal qualities:o well-developed skills in all areas of pastoral ministryo a healthy self-image and a high tolerance for stress and ambiguityo ability to cope with constant change on a personal and professional levelo awareness of their own response to conflict and ability to help others work through ito a sense of humour and the ability to avoid getting caught up in others’ anxietyo skill and experience with planning and intentionality in ministryo flexibility in leadership styleIntentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)5
The United Church of Canada2. Professional Education, Knowledge, and Skills for Intentional Interim MinistersIntentional interim ministers are required to take specialized training to acquire the knowledgeand skills necessary for their work. They are expected to refresh their training regularly throughrelated reading and appropriate continuing education.Education for interim ministry must include instruction in theory by qualified and experienced interim ministerspractice supervised by peers and instructorsevaluation by self, peers, and instructorsThe Interim Ministry Network offers recognized training. Equivalent programs may also beaccepted as appropriate at the discretion of the Office of Vocation.Individuals seeking designation as intentional interim ministers are required to demonstrateknowledge in the following areas: theories of institutional change, particularly as applied to communities of faithintervention tools and strategies to lead the process of changebiblical and theological understandings of change and transitionthe five focus points of interim ministry (heritage, leadership, mission, connections,future)*the five process tasks of interim ministry (join, analyze, focus, connect, exit)the roles and responsibilities of the intentional interim minister, as distinct from thoseof other types of ministrytheories of family systems, conflict management, strategic planning, and adulteducationthe ecclesiology, policies, and practices of The United Church of Canada, particularly asthey pertain to interim ministryThey are also required to demonstrate skill in the following areas: *analysis of a community of faith from different perspectives and with differentframeworksuse of appropriate tools throughout the interim processbiblical and theological reflection with community of faith on history, heritage, mission,identity, purpose, and structureawareness of own leadership style preferences and ability to adapt as necessaryability to maintain a non-anxious presence in an anxious systemcritical reflection on one’s own practice of ministry in the midst of transitionDeveloped by the Interim Ministry NetworkIntentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)6
The United Church of CanadaB. The Process of Designation1. IndividualsIndividuals interested in becoming an intentional interim minister consult intentional interim ministry documents on the United Church websiteconsult with colleagues to discern whether they are personally qualified and suited forthis ministrymay request a discernment consultation with the Office of Vocation minister2. Regional CouncilThe Regional Council for the region in which the applicant is a member will provide a referenceregarding the applicant’s general suitability for intentional interim ministry at this time.3. Credentialing Committee of the Office of Vocation reviews the application and checks the referencesmay request additional information related to previous pastoral relationshipsappoints a team, which includes at least one experienced interim minister and one layperson with interim ministry experience, to interview the applicanto see Appendices A1. and B for suggested interview process and questionsreceives from the interview team a written summary of the interview and arecommendation to designate or not to designate the applicant as an intentionalinterim minister. A decision may be postponed subject to the applicant taking furtherspecified training to be completed by a named deadline.takes formal action on the recommendation of the interview teammay make suggestions for personal or professional developmentprovides written notice of its decision to the applicant, the applicant’s regional council,and the Office of Vocation for the applicant’s personnel fileensures that it receives, and maintains on file, written acknowledgment from theapplicant that the decision has been receivedthe decision cannot be appealedif the decision was not to recommend initial designation with conditions, the applicantmay reapply in one year if the conditions have been met. Applicant will provideevidence of the steps they have taken to meet the conditions.C. The Process of Continuing DesignationDesignation as an intentional interim minister must be confirmed after the first interim ministryappointment. Designation then continues to be valid for as long as the minister is in an interimministry appointment and up to five years thereafter, unless designation is withdrawn by theCredentialing Committee of the Office of Vocation. After each interim ministry appointment,the evaluation from the transition team, with any additional assessment (signed by the ministerto verify they have seen it) from the governing body and/or the regional council, is forwardedto the Office of Vocation for consideration.Intentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)7
The United Church of CanadaAn initial designation is valid for five years. If within that time an individual does not have aninterim ministry appointment, their designation expires automatically, without formal actionbeing required. In order to continue their designation, they will be required to take an interimministry refresher course and to have a proposed interim ministry appointment.1. IndividualsIndividuals requesting continuing designation complete an online applicationcomplete and submit Intentional Interim Minister’s Self-Evaluation Tool (see Appendix C)2. Regional CouncilThe Regional Council for the region in which the intentional interim minister is a member will conduct an exit interview and compile a summarygive the applicant a copy, which may be edited by mutual agreementsend a copy of the summary, signed by the Regional Council and the applicant, to theOffice of Vocation3. Credentialing Committee of the Office of Vocation reviewso the application for continuing designation and all attached documentso the evaluation reports, exit interview, and any recommendations from the initialinterim appointmentappoints a team, which includes at least one experienced interim minister and one layperson with interim ministry experience, to interview the applicanto see Appendix A2. for suggested interview process and questionsreceives from the interview team a written summary of the interview and arecommendation to continue or not to continue the designation of the applicant as anintentional interim ministertakes formal action on the recommendation of the interview teamprovides written notice of its decision to the applicant, the applicant’s region, and theOffice of Vocation for the applicant’s personnel fileensures that it receives, and maintains on file, written acknowledgment from theapplicant that the decision has been receivedthe decision cannot be appealedIntentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)8
The United Church of CanadaD. Removal of DesignationDesignation of an intentional interim minister may be removed through the Office of Vocation. Arequest for removal of designation may be made by a transition team, governing body, orregional council. The Credentialing Committee of the Office of Vocation may make a decision(with or without such a request) in response to an unsatisfactory evaluation or other actionrelated to the standing of the ministry personnel. The minister must be notified in writing andmay appeal to the Board of Vocation through normal United Church procedures.Process1. Documents: The Office of Vocation receives a request for the intentional interimminister’s designation to be reviewed along with evaluations of the interim ministry andthe intentional interim minister. If the request is received partway through anappointment, the transition team, the governing body, and the region will be asked forcurrent evaluations of the interim ministry and the intentional interim minister.2. Notification: The intentional interim minister must be informed of concerns and thepossibility that designation may be removed.3. Interview: The Office of Vocation arranges for an interview with the intentional interimminister to address the concerns that have been raised. Representation from thetransition team, governing body, and/or regional council may be included as requiredto provide interpretative comments on the context. The intentional interim ministermay bring an observer with whom to debrief following the interview.4. Prior to the interview, the interview team will review the intentional interim minister’sfile. The interview would follow the process used for continuing designation withparticular emphasis on the concerns raised, qualifications for designation (see page 5),and effectiveness as an intentional interim minister.5. Removal of designation: If the concerns raised are not adequately addressed in theinterview, and if the interview team discerns that the intentional interim minister lacksthe skills or calling for continuing designation, the interview team may recommendremoval of designation to the Credentialing Committee of the Office of Vocation. A copyof the recommendation will be sent to the intentional interim minister.6. Remedial work: If the interview team recommends removal of designation and discernsthat were some remedial work done, the intentional interim minister might thenreapply for designation, the goals for the remedial work must be communicated to theintentional interim minister in writing.7. Appeal: The decision of the Credentialing Committee may be appealed to the Board ofVocation through normal United Church procedures.Intentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)9
The United Church of CanadaAppendix A1. Interview of Applicant for DesignationThe interview team consists of a minimum of three people appointed by the CredentialingCommittee of the Office of Vocation; at least one must be an experienced interim minister andone a lay person with experience of interim ministry, either as a member of a community offaith or as a regional council representative to a transition team. The applicant may bring anobserver. The Office of Vocation minister may observe and act as a resource.Prior to the interview, the team will choose a chair and secretary, review the file, and preparequestions (see Appendix B).At the beginning of the interview, the chair will explain the process and possible results.The interview will explore personal and professional experiences that have brought the applicant to their interestin intentional interim ministryinterim ministry training, other related courses and programs, and further skilldevelopmentpractical and biblical understanding of intentional interim ministrypersonal qualities and skills and personal and professional suitabilityany particular issues raised by the applicant’s fileTime will be allotted for any questions or additional comments from the applicant.Note: At any point in the interview, with the mutual agreement of the applicant and theinterview team, the process may be adjourned for a definite or indefinite time without adecision having been reached.The interview team may agree to recommend initial designationto recommend initial designation with conditions to be fulfilled prior to application forcontinuing designation. These conditions may include further training or otherexpectationsnot to recommend initial designation with conditions to be fulfilled prior to reapplicationnot to recommend designationIntentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)10
The United Church of CanadaThe interview team meets with the applicant (on the same occasion, if possible, or as soon aspossible after) to discuss its findings and advise the applicant verbally of the recommendation.If the decision is not to recommend, the chair will ensure that pastoral care is available to theapplicant.The chair is responsible for checking references as needed. The secretary prepares a summaryof the interview and circulates it to the interview team for editing and approval and then to theapplicant. The summary concludes with the recommendation of the interview team torecommend initial designation, initial designation with specified conditions, or not torecommend designation.The interview summary and recommendation are forwarded to the Credentialing Committee ofthe Office of Vocation for action.A record of the interview and recommendation is kept in the applicant’s file in the Office ofVocation. If the decision is to recommend initial designation with conditions to be fulfilled prior toapplication for continuing designation, these conditions are to be put in writing andcommunicated to the applicant, with a copy included in the applicant’s file.If the decision is not to recommend initial designation with conditions to be fulfilledprior to re-application, these conditions are to be put in writing and communicated tothe applicant, with a copy included in the applicant’s file.If the decision is not to recommend the applicant for designation, reasons for nonrecommendation are to be communicated to the applicant and kept in the applicant’sfile. This decision cannot be appealed.Intentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)11
The United Church of Canada2. Interview of Applicant for Continuing DesignationThe process follows the one for initial designation. Review of the file will include application,evaluations from the transition team and from the governing body if submitted, self-evaluationfrom the intentional interim minister, and any comments from the regional council.The interview will focus on the present (or just completed) interim ministry. Here are somesample questions: What were the goals? How did you facilitate the community of faith’s work on them?What did you learn about the community of faith’s systems and how did you work withthem?Which of the focus points was the most significant during this interim and why?In what ways were your leadership style and skills useful?Where did you find your tool kit deficient? What is your plan for skill development?What sacred story would describe this interim?Any particular issues raised by the applicant’s file will also be addressed.The interview team may agree to recommend continuing designationto not recommend continuing designationIntentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation(January 2019)12
The United Church of CanadaAppendix B: Possible Questionsfor Designation InterviewPersonal/Professional History What highlights of your faith journey and ministry experience have brought you toco
Intentional Interim Ministry: Policies and Procedures for Designation 4 (January 2019) Definition An “intentional interim minister” is a member of the order of ministry or designated lay minister who has been designated by the Office of Vocation to serve in interim ministry. (The Manual, 2019, section I.1.10.1)
Intentional interim ministry (often referred to simply as interim ministry) is an opportunity for a community of faith to take an intentional time out to seek spiritual and organizational renewal, to rediscover its identity, and to revitalize its mission. For the policy on interim ministry, see The Manual, 2019, Pastoral Relations section I.1.10.
3. Interim pastor is an interventionist, not a caretaker 4. Interim pastor is highly experienced with particular skills 5. Interim Pastor is trained through the Interim Ministry Network (UCC) 6. The Transition Team approach to an intentional interim pastorate A Transition process and timeline An Interim Pastor contract
ME – Ministry of Economics MES – Ministry of Education and Science MEPRD – Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development MF – Ministry of Finance MH – Ministry of Health MI – Ministry of the Interior MJ – Ministry of Justice MRDLG – Ministry of Regional Development and Local Government MT – Ministry of Transport
This supports the Interim Ministry as a whole and forms the link to both Presbytery and IMTG. 10. The first meeting of the TSG takes place (usually in the first month of the Interim Ministry). This takes the form of information gathering at the meeting, followed by the formulation of aims and objectives for the Interim Ministry.
The Interim PPAP Process Revision 2.0 3 Once the Warrant has been accepted, the Interim hyperlink will be enabled as seen below in Section 10. . Rev Level Record the end date for the Interim in the Interim Expiry Date. This date must be greater than the current date. Once it is past, the Interim will be marked
1 William Wimsatt and Monroe Beardsley, “The Intentional Fallacy,” The Sewanee Review 54, no. 3 (Summer 1946): 468-488. 2 Wimsatt and Beardsley, “The Intentional Fallacy,” 468. 3 Wimsatt and Beardsley, “The Intentional Fallacy,” 470. 4 Garry Hagberg, “Artistic
Ministry of Justice 35 Fiji Corrections Service 37 Ministry of Communications 40 Ministry of Civil Service 43 . Ministry of Health and Medical Services 60 Ministry of Housing and Community Development 64 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation 68 Ministry of Youth and Sports 73 Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Schemes 77 Ministry .
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