Other Matters Involving Assignments

Cross-Conference Assignments

Stationing committees may consider candidates from other conferences only after consulting with the conference superintendent of the other conference involved.

Ministers involved in a cross-conference assignment have full voting privileges in the conference where they are assigned for three years, provided they waive in writing their voting privileges in the conference of which they are a member. Voting privileges in the conference where they are assigned cease if conference membership has not been transferred within three years.

Special Appointment Assignments

Stationing committees may appoint annual conference ministers and elders to special appointment assignments such as chaplains, missionaries, and general officials. These appointments are made on the request of the minister or elder called to such service. Such assignments are made on the same basis as other pastoral assignments by conference stationing committees.

Special Considerations

All annual conference ministers and elders are assumed to be available for assignment. The Church of the United Brethren in Christ recognizes that life situations may warrant a time of unavailability and establishes the following exemptions:

1. Leave of Absence. Ministers may seek to be exempted from service for personal reasons or because of ministry-related service in another position. Those who do may request a leave of absence. This exemption will be granted for one year. Ministerial licenses are considered to be in good standing during this exemption period.

2. Retired Status. At age 65, ministers may request retired status from the annual conference of which they are members. This exemption does not need to be renewed. Ministerial licenses are considered to be in good standing during this exemption period.

3. Inactive without Cause. This exemption is used for ministers who have not reported to the annual conference as required and who are not serving in a ministerial capacity in the church. These ministerial licenses are not considered to be in good standing during this exemption period.

4. Probation. This exemption is used for ministers who are living inconsistently with the expectations and obligations of ministers as described in the Discipline or who are under investigation for such. Ministerial licenses are suspended during this probation period and can only be renewed to good standing after a full restoration process is completed.