The United Reformed Church

Context

1. The Equipping the Saints report called on the Church to explore new patterns of ministry and service within the Church to enable and equip the people of God to be a creative and effective force in their communities. It particularly looked for imagination and flexibility in the best use of ministers of the Word and Sacraments, and for development and extension to build on the successful experiments and effective forms of local church leadership to create a flexible framework for the pastoral care of local congregations.

Reports

• Challenge to the Church
• Equipping the Saints
• Non-Stipendiary Ministry Working Party report 2017

Ministry

• Marks of Ministry - developed by the Education & Learning and Ministries Committees and approved by Mission Council May 2019
• Plan for Partnership
• Finding Support in Ministry
• The Movement of Ministers of Word and Sacraments
• The Movement of Church Related Community Workers
• Taking Stock
• Sickness Policy and Procedures
• Student linkup 2013
• Pastorate profile – pastorates and posts currently authorised by synods to seek a Minister of Word and Sacraments or Church-Related Community Worker

Various

• Criminal record checks
• Information Booklets
• Eldership materials – including Called to be an Elder 
  
• The Manual – Section A
• Appeals Procedure

Further documents relating to the Candidating Process for Ministers of Word and Sacraments & Church Related Community Work can be found here: Candidating Process

In the United Reformed Church, the eldership of a local congregation is a significant ministry – the Elders share responsibility, with the Minister of Word and Sacraments, for the spiritual oversight of the congregation. The Elders’ meeting is intended to be a distinctive and vital part of every URC congregation – with the Elders collectively possessing the abilities, skills and spiritual gifts of leadership. At its best, the Elders’ meeting is at the heart of every local congregation, providing impetus and positive influence on the mission, witness and service of the church. In short, Elders play an essential role in enabling the congregation to live fruitful lives as God’s people.

More information can be found in the They've asked me to be an Elder booklet which has been primarily written for those who have been asked to consider a call to eldership by their Minister or an Elder in their congregation.

• Download They've asked me to be an Elder (PDF | 959kb)

More Communications Information booklets on a variety of subjects can be found here.