Resolution: On The Essential Role Of The Professional Christian Educators And Youth Ministers In The Life Of The Local Church

[This document in PDF format]

Submitted by CAUCE, a recognized group of the Connecticut Conference UCC

WHEREAS, In Paul's letter to the Ephesians we are told: "The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry for the building up of the body of Christ,..."....(Ephesians 4:11-12 NRSV); and

WHEREAS, "The complicated, rapidly changing and pluralistic environment in which today's congregations live present new challenges which require a professional educational ministry...." (The Professional Church Educators Guide by the Association of United Church Educators 2000); and

WHEREAS, The Mission statement of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ states: "We come together as Local Churches and members to equip one another to proclaim the Gospel to the communities of Connecticut and to the world by teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, doing the work of reconciliation and justice and living faithfully in daily life. Amen" (Mission Statement of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ adopted October, 1998); and

WHEREAS, Christian Education and Youth Ministry is understood as a professional vocation whether as paid staff or volunteers in the local church setting; and

WHEREAS, These professionals are engaged in ministries that are vital to the spiritual formation, education and growth of our children, youth and adults in these times when it is often difficult to learn what it means to live as a person of faith;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we the delegates of the 136th Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference affirm the vital and essential role of Professional Christian Educators and Youth Ministers in the local church;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge local churches to provide opportunities for continuing education, professional training and spiritual nourishment such as are offered by the Connecticut Conference, professional organizations including the Connecticut Association of United Church Educators (CAUCE) and other educational organizations and institutions;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That we urge local churches to provide fair wages and benefits to Christian Educators and Youth Ministers as voted and recommended by the Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference in 1999 as well as the salary guidelines as recommended by CAUCE in 2003;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That we join with all clergy and lay members of the Connecticut Conference in prayerful support and appreciation of the vital ministries of the Professional Christian Educators and Youth Ministers of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ.

VOTED