Information on International Pilgrimages with Youth

The Church Educator’s Code
 

The Ministry of Church Education

I believe God calls the whole Church and every member to participate in and extend the ministry of Jesus Christ; that the privilege and responsibility of witnessing to the gospel in church and society belongs to every baptized Christian; that God empowers the ministry of the church and its members by the Holy Spirit; that the church nurtures faith, evokes gifts, and equips its members for service; and that God calls certain of the church’s membrs to various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the Church. I have been called by God to be a minister and servant of Jesus Christ in a ministry of education in the United Church of Christ, a church attentive to the Word, inclusive of all people, responsive to God’s call, and supportive of one another. I will seek to witness to the ministry of Jesus Christ. I will faithfully and diligently perform the work of ministry to which I have been called.

Partnership in Ministry

I will nurture and offer my gifts for the teaching ministry of the church. I will seek to call forth and nurture the gifts of others for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ. I will seek to understand, support, and interpret the diverse ministries of the United Church of Christ and its members as carried out throughout the world. I will work cooperatively and collegially with those with whom I serve in ministry. I will stand in a supportive relationship with, and for the rights of, my staff colleagues, offering and receiving counsel and support in times of need. I will be an advocate for fair and just employment standards for all employees of the church, particularly in the place where I serve. I will be a responsible participant in the life and work of the local church, association, conference, and national settings of the United Church of Christ. I will be a responsible representative of the Church Universal and participate in those activities which strengthen its unity, witness, and mission. I will seek the counsel of the appropriate body and persons in local, conference, or association settings should divisive tensions threaten my relationship with those with whom I minister.

The Ethics of Ministry

I will regard and minister to all persons with equal respect and concern. I will honor all confidences shared with me with the exception of times when I am legally bound to share information. I will honor my legal and moral obligations where appropriate to disclose and report to civil and/or ecclesiastical authorities situations of actual or pending harm to myself or others. I will not use my position, power, or authority to exploit or harass and person for sexual, financial, or other personal gain. I will adhere to my setting’s policy statements concerning appropriate and ethical behavior. I will diligently care for the health and safety of those in my charge. I will not misuse the finances of the institution which I serve. I will deal honorably with the record of my predecessor. I will not, upon my termination and departure from a ministry position, interfere with nor intrude upon the ministry of my successor.

Growth in Ministry

I will seek to grow in faith, knowledge, and the practice of educational ministry through intentional continuing education, study leave/sabbatical, membership in relevant professional organization(s), ongoing study, and worship and devotional life. I will encourage and participate in the periodic evaluation of my ministry. I will cooperate with the appropriate certifying and/or authorizing bodies in the periodic review of my ministry.

Commitments to Self and Family

I will honor my commitments to my family and to myself. I will honor my need for time for physical and spiritual renewal, recreation, and vacation. I will honor my family’s need for privacy and time together as well as my own need for privacy. I will be a responsible steward of my personal and family finances. I will honor and accept responsibility for all debts which I incur. I will attend to my physical well-being and avoide abusive behaviors and abusive use of substances.

Relying on the grace of God, I will lead a life worthy of the calling to which I have been called.

The Church Educator’s Code is available from Local Church Ministries/Worship and Education, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.

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