REVM

(Readiness for Vocational Ministry)

&

‘In Care’

documents

for Students, Pastors and Boards

 Readiness for Entering Vocational Ministry (REVM) Retreat
The process of preparation for professional spiritual leadership in MCC begins with this
guided spiritual retreat opportunity. REVM is offered semi-annually and provides the venue
to meet with others who sense a similar calling to vocational ministry. REVM offers an
explanation of the process for preparation for ministry, overview of the core characteristics
of a ministry vocation in MCC, evaluation of psychological testing, development of a
Ministry Action Plan (MAP) for ministry preparation, and a time of connection with
mentors and others who have served in ministerial roles within MCC.
The REVM staff will provide each participant with an assessment of readiness to begin the
process of preparation for ministry in MCC. This assessment will be used for ongoing
discernment and for review by the participant and the participant’s supervisor and endorsing
body.
Participation in REVM is dependant upon the recommendation of a local MCC Pastor or
the Regional Elder.
The criteria for recommendation are:
+ Willingness to enter into a mentoring relationship with a MCC Pastor
+ Identifiable gifts for ministry
+ Academic ability to engage and complete theological education
+ Willingness to be in ongoing conversation regarding ministry in our wider denomination.

Timeline for REVM Preparation

Three months prior to REVM
At least 10 weeks prior to REVM
At least 8 weeks prior to REVM
Read and study the MCC Clergy Manual
Seek letter of recommendation and endorsements
from your local MCC Pastor and Board to attend
REVM (forms included in this packet)
Engage in psychological testing
(list of approved testing centers included in this
packet; test results are to be released to Rev. Dr.
Mona West, Director of Formation and Leadership
Development, P.O. Box 1374, Abilene, TX 79604)

Six weeks prior to REVM
Six weeks prior to REVM
Four weeks prior to REVM
Submit Background Check Release Form to the
Office of Formation and Leadership Development
(form included in this packet)
Apply to attend the REVM (application in this
packet)
Submit to the Office of Formation and Leadership
Development

Revised January 2009 2

 • Endorsement forms with application, letter
of recommendation from local MCC Pastor
or Regional Elder and payment for REVM
• Official transcripts of previous education
• Detailed resume or curriculum vitae (secular
and religious)
• Statement of Call to Ministry

Two weeks prior to REVM Psychological test results must be on file with Rev.
Dr. Mona West in the Abilene office.

In-Care Status and Internship

Upon successful completion of the REVM, one is granted In-Care status with MCC and
enters a time of ministerial formation. The period of formation is comprised of three
primary elements:
Personal Spiritual Formation
Education for Vocational Ministry
Relationship with the Denomination
The In-Care journey is guided by an MCC clergyperson who meets at least monthly with the
student to guide, supervise, and evaluate the student in the above elements as they are
detailed on the student’s MAP.
At least one year prior to application for ordination, the student shall complete an Internship
with the guidance of an Internship Supervisor. The Intern meets weekly with a Supervisor
who guides and evaluates the work of the Intern and, ultimately, approves the Intern for
ordination. The internship is a time of practice in the components of ministry and is guided
by the student’s MAP and a Learning Covenant created by the Supervisor and the Intern.

Revised January 2009 3

 APPLICATION FOR LOCAL CHURCH
BOARD ENDORSEMENT
TO ENTER IN-CARE STATUS

Church _____________________________________________ Date _______________

Name of Applicant ________________________________________________________

Applicant’s Address __________________________________________________

Applicant’s Email _______________________________ Phone ____________________

Applicant will please respond briefly to the following:

1. Plans to attend the Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry Retreat

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Plans to establish relationship with an MCC Pastor to guide your process of preparation

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3. Your plans for theological study

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

4. Your plans to fulfill the requirement of psychological testing

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Revised January 2009 4

ATTACHMENTS

1. Please attach a separate page or two articulating (in a fairly detailed way) your call to
ministry.

2. Attach also the letter of recommendation from your local MCC Pastor or Regional Elder
to attend the Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry Retreat

FUNDING REQUEST

In addition to the Board recommendation to enter In-Care status with MCC, does this
application also present a request for funding assistance by this local congregation? ___ Yes
___ No If so, please itemize the details of your financial request, i.e., do you need funds
for psychological testing, travel, conference and/or educational fees? What is the amount of
each request and the timing of your financial need?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

VOTE TO ENDORSE FOR IN-CARE STATUS

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Vice-Moderator

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Clerk

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Treasurer

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Member

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Member

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Member

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Member

___ Yes ___ No ___________________________________ , Pastor

Revised January 2009 5

COMMENTS ON THIS APPLICATION

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Revised January 2009 6

 CONSIDERATIONS FOR BOARDS
WHEN ENDORSING
TO ENTER IN-CARE STATUS

Thank you for considering applicants to enter In-Care status with MCC!
Without your nurture, feedback and guidance, our process for training clergy would be
seriously compromised. You are an important piece in successful preparation for our future.
After reviewing the application and conducting discussion with the Pastor, the Board enters
into conversation with the applicant. We encourage you to ask sufficient questions in the
interview to determine the following:
That the applicant is able to articulate his/her call to ministry – specifically
MCC ministry;
That the applicant’s purposes in undertaking preparation for ministry are
appropriate and wide enough in scope to seek ordination into
denominational ministry; and
That the applicant’s vision of him/herself in ministry is in service to the
Church and to the ministry of MCC.

If the applicant seeks funding assistance in addition to endorsement, can the applicant
explain adequately both the need for assistance and the purposes and accountability attached
to it?
In your judgment and prayerful consideration, to what extent is this person fit,
ready, able, prepared, and equipped for this endeavor? Remember that you are not making a
determination about ordination; rather, you are offering your assessment of the applicant’s
readiness to BEGIN a process.

You may want to consider:

• Does the request for funding fall within the stated vision, mission, and core values of
the church?
• Does the request meet the requirements of the church’s bylaws?
• Is the request/purpose supported by the Pastor?
• Is the request budgeted?
• To what extent does the Board understand its participation and/or investment in
this process as a contribution to the larger goal of equipping leadership for the
mission and ministry of MCC?
• Will the Board endorse the applicant yet provide no financial support?
• Does the Board have any established limits on how much financial support it can
provide for applicants?
• If the Board does not endorse the candidate, how will you explain to the
applicant 1) the process, 2) the decision, and 3) what, if anything could be done to
change the decision?

Revised January 2009 7

 • Is the Board/congregation prepared to be consistent with regard to its endorsements
and financial support of applicants?
• Will the Board seek input from the larger congregation, and, if so, how?

Please take time to discuss the Application among yourselves and Pastor BOTH PRIOR TO
AND FOLLOWING the conversation with the Applicant. Have a plan to guide your
conversation. Begin and end with prayer with the Applicant and offer your support in ways
in which you can follow-through.

Revised January 2009 8

 REQUEST FOR MEETING WITH THE
PASTOR/BOARD
TO CONSIDER ENDORSEMENT
TO ENTER IN-CARE STATUS/FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Applicant’s Name _________________________________ Date ___________________

Local Church ____________________________________________________________

Pastor __________________________________________________________________
I wish to covenant with this church in order to begin the next step in my process of
discerning a call to ordained ministry in MCC. The process of seeking “In-Care” status
begins with establishing a covenant between myself, the local church, and MCC and may or
may not ultimately lead to ordained ministry.
I am requesting an interview with the Pastor and, if appropriate, a follow up interview with
the Board of Directors. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my call to
ministry and to seek your support in taking these next steps in preparation.
As a part of the steps of this covenant relationship in the discernment process I agree to:

• Establish a relationship of accountability to the Pastor

• Abide by the MCC requirements for the discernment process in
accordance with the Manual for Professional Ordained Ministry in
MCC
As a part of the steps of this covenant relationship in the discernment process, I
request that the church agrees to:

• Assist in the discernment process

• Provide feedback to me and to MCC
If I, the Pastor and/or the BOD determine that now is not the time to proceed in this phase
of the discernment process, we have the option to revisit the questions and take action at a
later time.

_________________________________ __________________________________
Signature of Applicant Signature of Pastor (indicating receipt of request)

Revised January 2009 9

 PASTORAL ENDORSEMENT FOR REVM RETREAT

Applicant’s Name _______________________________ Date _____________________

Pastor’s Name ____________________________________________________________

Church _________________________________________________________________

ENDORSEMENT
□ I endorse this candidate for participation in the REVM Retreat
□ I endorse this candidate, with qualifications
Explanation of qualifications:

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

□ I do not endorse this candidate at this time, but may reconsider at a later date.

□ I do not endorse this candidate for participation in the REVM Retreat

COMMENTS
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Revised January 2009 10

 Readiness to Enter Vocational Ministry
REVM
APPLICATION FORM
(due along with payment and supporting documents
four weeks prior to start of REVM Retreat)

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name___________________________________________________________________

Church __________________________________________________________________

Your Address ____________________________________________________________

City______________________ State ________ Zip Code _______ Country __________

Telephone _______________________Alternate Telephone ______________________

Email Address ___________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact _________________________ Phone _________________________

APPLICATION AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Please include the following documentation.

___ Transcripts for all university/seminary education
___ For transfer clergy, documentation of ordination/credentials in former
denomination (see form at the end of this application)
___ Letter of recommendation from Pastor or Elder
___ A detailed statement of your call to ministry, specifically MCC ministry
___ A current curriculum vitae/resume which includes employment and education
history

____All Endorsement Forms from this In-Care Packet

When do you plan to arrive at the REVM site?

Day/Date ___________Time: _____________ Carrier/flight number ________________

Revised January 2009 11

Do you have specific access/mobility/dietary needs? Please explain.
We will contact you to confirm provision for your needs.
______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

PAYMENT INFOMATION
Please include the following payment with your registration or send via post immediately
following application:

REVM Registration fee (which is inclusive of food and lodging)

PAYMENT METHOD

____ OPTION 1 Check

Number ___________ Amount ____________________

Name on Check:
_________________________________________________________________

____ OPTION 2 Debit Card

Name on Card
____________________________________________________________________

Card number ________________________ Expiration Date ____________

Amount ___________

____ OPTION 3 Credit Card

Name on Card
____________________________________________________________________

Card number ________________________ Expiration Date ____________

Amount ___________

Revised January 2009 12

PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING

Please tell us your plans for completing the psychological testing requirements.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Will your church pay half of your testing costs? _______

Psychological test results are to be released to Rev. Dr. Mona West, Director of Formation
and Leadership Development, P.O. Box 1374, Abilene, TX 79604 and must be on file prior
to attendance at REVM.

Please send this registration and attachments/supporting documents and forms to:

Ritchie Crownfield
Executive Assistant
Office of Formation and Leadership Development
P.O. Box 14309
Atlanta, GA 30324

Address all inquiries to RitchieCrownfield@mccchurch.net

Revised January 2009 13

 Background Check Release Form

Full Name_______________________________________________________________

Date of Birth_____________________________________________________________

By my signature, I authorize Metropolitan Community Church to perform a criminal

background check.

Signed______________________________________________________Date________

Mail this complete form to Ritchie Crownfield

Executive Assistant
Office of Formation and Leadership Development
P.O. Box 14309
Atlanta, GA 30324

Revised January 2009 14

 Certification of Former Credentials
Applicant Information

Name: ______
Address:
City, State, Postal Code: Country: ______

Denomination Information

Name of Denomination:
Address:
City, State, Postal Code: Country:
Name of Denominational Official:
Title:
Work Phone: E-mail Address:

Certification of Former Credentials

Applicant was ordained on: (date)

Applicant was licensed on: (date)
Dates of Service: From: To:
Date of Resignation (if applicable):
Additional Remarks (please continue on back or additional sheet, if necessary):

I certify that the above is true according to our records

Signature of Denominational Official Date

Revised January 2009 15

 Office of Formation and Leadership Development
List of Approved Centers for Psychological &Vocational Assessment

All centers have been instructed to administer the same assessment tools and to prepare their
reports in a similar format.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS DALLAS, TEXAS
Center for Career Development and The Ministry Development Center of the
Ministry Southwest
Dr. Stephen E. Ott, Director Dr. Ross D. Peterson, Executive Director
30 Milton Street, Suite 107 Dr. Charles W. Darwin, Jr., Associate
Dedham, MA 02026 Director
(781) 329-2100 (o) (781) 407-0955 (f) 8215 Westchester Drive, Suite 307
CCDMIN@aol.com Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 346-9790
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA www.MidwestMinistry.org
Career and Personal Counseling Service MindevcntrSW@aol.com
Dr. Vickie P. McCreary, Executive Director
4108 Park Rd., #200 KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
Charlotte, NC 28209-2259 Midwest Ministry Development Service
(704) 523-7751 Dr. Ross D. Peterson, Executive Director
www.CareerService.org Dr. Yvonne Martinez Thorne, Assoc.
vpmccreary@careerservice.org Director
8301 State Line Road, Suite 216.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Kansas City, MO 64114
Midwest Ministry Development Service (816) 822-1656
Dr. Ross D. Peterson, Executive Director www.MidwestMinistry.org
Dr. Margo M.R. Stone, Associate Executive mmds69kc@aol.com
Director
1840 Westchester Blvd., Ste. 204 OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
Westchester, IL 60154-4334 with services in Los Angeles & Seattle
(708) 343-6268 The Center for Ministry
www.MidwestMinistry.org Dr. Robert L. Charpentier, Director
mmds69chgo@aol.com 8393 Capwell Drive, #220
Oakland, CA 94621-2123
COLUMBUS, OHIO (510) 635-4246
Midwest Ministry Development Service www.CenterforMinistry.org
Dr. Ross D. Peterson, Executive Director ctr4min@aol.com
Rev. John R. Matthews, Associate Executive
Director
1520 Old Henderson Road, 102-B
Columbus, OH 43220-3616
(614) 442-8822
www.MidwestMinistry.org
mmds69col@aol.com

Revised January 2009 16

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
North Central Ministry Development Center
Dr. Mark E. Sundby, Director
516 Mission House Lane NW
New Brighton, MN 55112-2571
(651) 636-5120
www.ncmdc.org
marksundby@comcast.net

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

The Career and Personal Counseling Center
Dr. Barbara Kranendonk, Director
100 2nd Avenue South, Ste. 200S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 823-6294
www.cpccflorida.org
kranenba@mac.com

Revised January 2009 17