Are there age and/or priesthood requirements?
There is no age requirement. The priesthood requirement is typically that a pastor is a priest, elder, or a high priest.

Can husband and wife co-pastors participate?
Only one member of a co-pastor team or pastoral team can be designated and participate in the Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative. In a congregation where more than one person shares the pastoral responsibility, only one person can be designated as a co-missioned pastor. The person designated must commit for five years of service.

I am a homemaker; can I be a co-missioned pastor?
Absolutely, yes.

Is it realistic and healthy to put such a demand on our pastors?
We recognize and expect that being a co-missioned pastor will require additional time spent in education, training, and ministry. It is essential that the pastor has a deep sense of call to serve and has the time to commit. We are hopeful that the support provided the pastor will provide spiritual renewal, renewed energy, and new uses of time. It is also crucial that the congregation provide shared leadership and ministry support, including “Sabbath” time for its pastor.

What is the congregation’s financial responsibility?
Current planning calls for the following: in years one, two, and three, the congregation is responsible for contributing $1,000.00 each year. In years four and five, the congregation is responsible for contributing $5,000.00 each year. For a limited number of congregations, those who do not have the financial means to make these contributions, financial assistance in the form of a congregational grant will be available. Should funding be an issue, we will work with the congregation and the mission center president to resolve it.

In years four and five, will there be continuing education opportunities for the co-missioned pastor?
Yes, however, each congregation will be expected to fund the cost of continuing education for its pastor.

Is a college degree required for the training offered by the Community of Christ Seminary to the co-missioned pastor?
No.

Is the training provided by the seminary a portion of any degree program?
No.

Is any of the training and education offered by the seminary to the co-missioned pastor available by correspondence or by the Internet?
No. The essential class work and teaching by the seminary will be in the four formational retreats and the three, week-long learning opportunities, offered over a three-year period. Groups of twenty-five co-missioned pastors will be brought together to one site for these formational experiences.

Will extra course work be required by the seminary between the formational retreats and the week-long learning opportunities?
Yes, there will be some assignments between the sessions.

What will be the topics of the classes offered by the seminary?
Classes will include theology, scripture, mission, and practical pastoring skills.

Is the purpose of the stipend to meet the expenses of travel and books?
No. The stipend is in addition to all costs for travel, accommodations, classes, etc. The stipend is recognition of service and an expression of gratitude for the co-missioned pastor.

What about years six, seven, and eight after the five-year commitment of participation in the Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative?
We hope that some pastors will commit beyond year five. However, there is no requirement to do so. We hope to learn new ways (as a denomination) to extend the tenure of a pastor to at least five years and beyond.

Why just USA and Canada?
The Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative is a foundational and strategic ministry of the “Mission to North America,” which is to expand the membership and resources of the church in Canada and the United States.

Can pastors not in the Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative participate?
No. The Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative is designed and budgeted for one hundred selected pastors and their congregations.

Will classes be translated into Spanish, French, and Haitian?
No, all classes will be taught in English and will not be translated.

I am not the pastor, yet I feel called, how can I be a co-missioned pastor?
Contact your mission center president for an opportunity in your area.

How can the pastor serve the congregation while taking course work for three years?
Being a co-missioned pastor will require the pastor to balance the needs and time for self, family, occupation, ongoing education, and ministry. It will not be easy. Again, a deep sense of call to serve and personal stewardship is required.

Can emerging congregations be included?
Yes.

Can small congregations participate?
Yes. There are two basic requirements for participation: first, the pastor must have a deep sense of call and the time to commit; and second, the congregation must be willing to support the pastor and share leadership and ministry with the pastor to and for the congregation

What about MEADS and the pastor training at CLW, will these continue?
Yes. They will continue and be available as in the past.

Will three weeks of training and four formational retreats make a difference?
The Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative is a pilot project, which we will be monitoring. We believe the quantity and more importantly the quality of teaching provided by the Community of Christ Seminary will make a significant difference.

Could a very young, inexperienced elder be eligible to become a co-missioned pastor, if currently a counselor to the pastor?
This person would have to be designated by the congregation, as the one it would support as pastor or as a member of the team that functions as the pastor.

Is the co-missioned pastor considered an employee of the World Church?
No. Tax implications of the stipend will be explained to each co-missioned pastor.

What happens if two to three years down the road, the congregation or pastor changes their minds?
If a congregation or pastor elects to withdraw after the first year, then the opportunity for participation ends. However, if a pastor or congregation withdraws within the first year, there would be an opportunity to submit a new application.