This is a template for a ministry agreement between a Local Ordained Minister and the parish. Parishes should refer to the Conditions of Service Manual when creating a new agreement.
These terms of call are set out in terms of headings. Specific terms of call for an individual local ordained minister need to have some content under each heading. Some of the headings relate to specific detail which will vary in relation to a specific position e.g. the designation of the position. Other headings will have specific content which will be the standard minimum expected.
These terms of call should form a document which is to be presented, with all details complete, to the congregation and then to the presbytery/UCC for approval.
Terms of Call for Local Ordained Ministers
Designation
For example:
- Minister of St Cuthbert’s parish
- Children and Family Worker, Calvin Ministry team
- Faith educator, Eastmere Parish
Status
One of the following options should be specified:
- Sole charge,
- Collegiate member of ministry team,
- Associate member of ministry team,
- Assistant member of ministry team.
Position
One of the following options should be specified:
- Full-time
- Part-time (If part-time, what percentage of time)
Tenure
This local ministry position is for limited tenure of _______ years from ____ to ____.
The position will be reviewed not less than six months prior to the end of term by the parish and the presbytery and a decision made as to whether or not the term will be renewed.
Note: The maximum term is for five years with the possibility of renewal.
Accountability
To Presbytery of xxxx
If associate, or assistant, to senior minister
Working relationships
These should be specified and will include:
- Session/parish council; Board of managers
- Congregation
- Presbytery
- Wider church
- Other (give details as required)
Expectations
- Key tasks are to be listed - this will include the post-ordination learning agreement with the School of Ministry which will have been determined as part of the assessment and pre-ordination process
Appraisal
- An annual ministry appraisal will be required - (The terms of call should specify the month in which this is to take place; the terms of call may also specify who will do the review)
Supervision
- Monthly supervision is required with a presbytery-approved supervisor
Remuneration
This should be specified and will include:
- Stipend or part thereof (as determined by the Assembly)
- Approved allowances (as determined by the Assembly)
- Housing Provision to approved standard (as per Assembly regulations
- Beneficiary Fund provision
- Reimbursement for approved expenses eg car, phone rental and work-related tolls.
There should also be provision for appropriate secretarial/administrative assistance. If the position is non-stipendiary there still should be provision in the terms of call for reimbursement of work-related expenses.
Leave
The leave provisions should be specified and will include:
- Annual leave, as per ministry regulations
- Study leave, as per ministry regulations
- Sick leave, as per ministry regulations
- Bereavement leave, as per ministry regulations
- Special leave (paid or unpaid), as per ministry regulations
- Parental leave, as per ministry regulations
If the position is non-stipendiary there still should be provision for leave (which will be unpaid).
Special Conditions
Specify here any particular provisions which might be included in the terms of call and haven’t been covered elsewhere in the document.
Date
Terms of call approved by Presbytery of _______________ on _______________.