Members in Discernment

The Association’s Church & Ministry Committee assigns clergy advisers to members of Association churches who are preparing for an authorized form of ministry (ordained, licensed, commissioned).  The Members In Discernment, along with their advisers, meet with the Church & Ministry Committee annually in May for a review and for consideration of continued status as Members In Discernment.  The MIDs are also expected to meet regularly with the Discernment Committee established in the home church.

Annual Review:  The next MID Review Day is scheduled for May 15, 2024, place to be determined.

Scholarships:  both Cumberland Association and Maine Conference have scholarship funds available for seminary education. The Association Church and Ministry Committee provides applications for its scholarship funds to Members In Discernment in late Spring each year. The For Conference scholarships, contact conference@maineucc.org .

Necessary Resources for the Members In Discernment (MID) Process

MID Checklist for Ordination

Local Church Application

Statement of Consent and Background Disclosure 

Evaluator Questionnaire

Authorization and Release Form

Discernment Covenant

Annual Review Prep Sheet

MID Advisor’s Evaluation Form

MID’s Local Church Pastor’s Evaluation Form

Ordination Paper

Ecclesiastical Council Process