Department of Church and Authorized Ministry
As outlined in the Oversight of Ministries Authorized by the United Church of Christ, Section 8 of 10*, of the United Church of Christ Manual on the Ministry, the Department for Church and Authorized Ministry (DCAM) is responsible for administering ecclesiastical standing within the Association; carrying out oversight and disciplinary functions; clergy leadership development and continuing education; nurturing the relationship between clergy and congregations; and nurturing the relationship of clergy and congregations with the United Church of Christ.
The Department of Church and Authorized Ministry (DCAM) members are nominated and elected from the 38 congregations of the Central South East Ohio Association (CSEOA) at each annual meeting of the Association.
The elected members will serve three years so that approximately one-third of the Department is elected annually. DCAM members may be elected for a second term.
DCAM membership is as follows:
- Nine elected members.
- Ministers and laypersons.
- One member appointed by the Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ).
- Co-opt members for one year terms (ex-officio)
- CSEOA Association Ministers (ex-officio).
DCAM has oversight of the following four proceedings:
- Periodic Support
- Situational Support Consultation
- Information Review
- Fitness review
In cooperation with the Department of Preparation for Authorized Ministry (DPAM), the Department of Church and Authorized Ministry (DCAM) will connect with the Church and Ministry groups of the Ohio Conference and the United Church of Christ.
Members of the Department for Church and Authorized Ministry
Class 2026
Rev. Terry Williams, Orchard Hill, Chillicothe
Class 2027
Ms. Missy Clum, Trinity UCC, Thornville
Ms. Janet Green Marbley, Advent UCC, Columbus
Department of Church and Preparation for Authorized Ministry
Do you sense God’s call to authorized ministry? DPAM is composed of 12 clergy and lay members elected by the CSEOA to engage persons in a process of discernment listening and preparing for God’s call to authorized ministry. The UCC recognizes 3 forms of authorized ministry: Ordained, Commissioned, and Licensed. Each Member in Discernment (MID) comes recommended by their congregation.
Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministries
Members of the Department of Preparation for Authorized Ministry:
Class 2025
Rev. Susan Langner, Westerville Community UCC, Westerville
Rev. Dr. Bill Nirote, First Congregational UCC, Columbus
Class 2026
Ms. Amy LaDu, Dublin Community UCC, Dublin
Class 2027
Rev. Jackie Nehls, Dublin Community UCC, Dublin
Rev. Robin Knowles Wallace, North Congregational UCC, Columbus
Rev. Dr. Nancy Livingston, First Congregational UCC, Columbus
Central Southeast Ohio Association 