Minister for Ministerial Formation, Application Close: April 2, 2026

Ministry Team
Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA)

Reports To
Minister and Team Leader, MESA

FLSA Status
Exempt

Salary Grade
8

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time

Category
National and Global Ministries, Cleveland, Ohio

Starting Salary
$70,000 - 73,000

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE OF POSITION : God is continually calling persons to ministry in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ. The Minister for Ministerial Formation is charged equipping the church to faithfully and effectively call forth and form members for ministerial authorization. The position walks with and resources MIDs, Local Churches, Committees on Ministry, Conference staff and institutions of ministerial formation in that process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Identify emerging trends in the development of ministerial formation in the United Church of Christ and support and to develop long and short-term strategies to address those emerging needs.
• Promote a culture of call and theology of ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ; strengthened by discernment, assessment and covenants of mutual accountability.
• Serve as the primary advocate for the use of the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers for discernment and assessment across all settings of the denomination.
• Lead the development of ministerial formation assessment tools and training materials in conjunction with the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers.
• Liaise with existing clergy cohort programs as a part of ongoing vocational best practices for clergy, including COMPASS (the steering committee for Conference Communities of Practice), and work to develop Member in Discernment community of practice groups with Conference partners.
• Work strategically with the Church about lay pastoral leadership, including initial and ongoing formation for those seeking Lay Ministerial Standing
• Work cooperatively with partners across the UCC in resourcing and supporting the use of the United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry.
• Maximize the impact and visibility of Members in Discernment throughout the UCC by representing their interests in partnership with Conference Staff, Seminaries, Regional Theological Education Programs, and Committees on Ministry.
• Facilitate educational and networking events for Members in Discernment including annual MID gatherings and opportunities for engagement at regional and national events such as General Synod.
• Collaborate with others to support and resource the teaching of UCC history and polity.
• Work in conjunction with other Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Team members and colleagues to conceptualize and prepare material to interpret program objectives.
• Promote the program's positive public image by responding in writing and orally on a timely basis to inquiries for information, accepting speaking engagements, and serving as a resource.
• Contribute to the effectiveness of work teams by fostering a spirit of cooperation and accomplishing assigned tasks.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Position Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.

• Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as in areas of divinity, theology, or leadership development.
• Ministerial Authorization preferred, United Church of Christ or the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
• Demonstrated experience in working with Members in Discernment in local church, association, conference, regional education or seminary setting.
• Member of a local church of the United Church of Christ.
• Understanding of the polity and structures of the United Church of Christ.
• Desire and sensitivity to work in diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and religious settings with a commitment to diversity in the workplace as well as in one's understanding of mission.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially as well as independently.
• Demonstrated written and oral English language skills, including ability to conceptualize and develop print resources; public speaking skills and knowledge of a second language when applicable.
• Demonstrated administrative skills.
• Competency in leadership planning, development and training .
• Must be a self-starter, able to prioritize work and to perform with minimum supervision.
• Ability to travel within the United States.
• Computer experience and ease with adapting to new technology.

OTHER:

This position is based in Cleveland, Ohio and requires 3 days/week in the office on a hybrid schedule.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the ministry. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder's responsibility.

It is expected that the person who holds this position will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies of the UCC and in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization. All staff are encouraged to nurture safety within the work performed on behalf of the UCC by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources.

Comprehensive Benefits Package
Employer paid health, dental, pension, life, and disability benefits

Application Deadline
April 2, 2026

About the Organization
The United Church of Christ

Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.


We believe in God's Continuing Testament.

We believe in Extravagant Welcome

We believe the church's mission is to Change Lives

EOE Statement
The United Church of Christ National Setting celebrates diversity and an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the broad spectrum of our diverse society. We endeavor to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. We are proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, equal opportunity employer.


This position is currently accepting applications.