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Protocol for a Minister to Minister Exchange (Ministerial Exchange)

Read or download the United Reformed Church protocol and process for ministerial exchange, including an Exchange Agreement and a helpful checklist.

1.     Introduction

The United Reformed Church supports the broader understanding that the Gospel of Christ can be achieved through the exchange of leadership for the purpose of sharing ideas, learning from different perspectives and identifying those things we hold in common though our loyalty to Christ.

Recognising that what we share in Christ is of far greater significance than the unique ways we seek to serve, we also recognise that our uniqueness can be a means of stimulating renewal and growth. For this reason, we commit ourselves to be open to each other so that we might all learn and benefit. As part of the covenant relationship, a minister should first and foremost recognise their role as a learner in the adventure. In the same way the local church(es) recognises their roles as hosts and bearers of a tradition.

When the opportunity arises for a minister to participate in an exchange abroad there are certain criteria which both parties must agree to. No one should be unduly disadvantaged by the exchange and the desired outcome is that the experience will be beneficial for others apart from the minister.

These parties are the Synod (usually through the Synod Moderator and/or Pastoral Committee and who have a formal role in agreeing sabbaticals) and the local church(es). The Synod should take seriously its pastoral responsibility for the local church(es) and decide whether, if the minister has previously shared in an exchange whilst in that pastorate, whether it is appropriate for them to be involved in another.

On the whole exchanges are very positive experiences for churches as well as ministers but there is inconvenience that needs to be dealt with – expecting church officers and worshippers to face this too often would seem to be unreasonable. The local church(es), through the elders meeting, should be given a meaningful opportunity to consent or not to an exchange.

2. Process for exchanges:

2.1 Initial enquiries shall be directed to the Secretary for Ministries.

2.2 For ministers wishing to come from overseas:

  • Upon enquiry the Secretary for Ministries will send the minister an application form/profile;
  • Upon receipt of the completed form the Secretary for Ministries will confirm that the applicant’s own denomination is a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, the Council for World Mission or the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the applicant is in good standing with their denomination;
  • Exchanges are for 3 months or The MoM sub-committee took the decision supporting ministers from outside of the UK for a period of less than 12 months was prohibitive on grounds of cost. This would include sponsorship, visa and healthcare supplement costs and removal and resettlement costs under the Plan for Partnership (to which someone receiving a stipend would be entitled). An exchange would not encounter the same issues as they would not be under the plan but would remain a minister of their home church during the exchange period;
  • Any consideration longer than 12 months will be considered under the processes of Certificate of Eligibility (when applicable) and Certificate of Limited Service (when applicable);
  • Once an application has been received, the Secretary for Ministries would send the profile of the minister to the Synod Moderators to seek potential pastorates/URC ministers to exchange with;
  • The Synod Moderator should inform the Secretary for Ministries of a potential match;
  • The Secretary for Ministries will inform the Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries who will draw up an Exchange Agreement (see Appendix 1);
  • The minister will need to provide an up to date DBS check or equivalent (police check) at their own expense;
  • Following the exchange an evaluation report should be sent to the Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries on what has been learned, what went well and what didn’t. This will be shared with the Ministries Office.

2.3 For those URC ministers wishing to go abroad:

  • Enquiries should be made to the Secretary for Ministries who will advise on the internal protocol;
  • The Secretary for Ministries will consult with the Secretary for Global and Intercultural Ministries for the potential of locations and possibilities;
  • URC ministers will need to be responsible for complying with the visa requirements of participating denominations;
  • URC ministers will need to be responsible for complying with the safeguarding requirements of participating denominations;

3. The participating churches will need to

  • Ensure the manse is in good order;
  • Provide pastoral support to the exchange minister and their dependents for the duration of their stay;
  • Make available access to resources for medical care, dentistry, banking, legal counsel and insurance if such services become necessary;
  • Expenses for travel shall be paid in full upon receipt of a written claim;
  • Free use of the manse shall be provided if it is the property of the church/Synod. If it is the property of the local church/Synod an agreement of the trustees shall be drawn up. Routine costs of operating the manse shall be the responsibility of the owner;
  • Free use of the car shall be provided if it is the property of the church/Synod. If it is the property of the local church/Synod an agreement of the trustees shall be drawn up. Routine costs of operating the car shall be the responsibility of the owner (ie. petrol). Fully comprehensive insurance costs shall be the responsibility of the local church/Synod;
  • For further helpful considerations kindly read the checklist (see appendix 2)

Download appendices 1 & 2

Download this protocol

 

 

United Reformed Church