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 of 2019
Rev. Beth Gedert, Zion UCC Delaware
Rev. Robin Knowles Wallace, North Congressional UCC, Columbus
Rev. Eric Williams, North Congregational UCC, Columbus
Class of 2020
Ms. Janet Marbly, Esq, Advent UCC, Columbus
Rev. Scott Elliot, Mt.Vernon UCC
Peter Barclay, First Congressional UCC, Huntington
Class of 2021
Ms. MK O’Haver, Bridges of Grace UCC, Charleston, WV
Mr. Jim Clausing, Grace UCC, Lancaster
Rev. Jackie Nehls, Dublin UCC, Columbus
Rev. Dr. Herb Hicks, DOC Representative
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. The In Discernment Manual, rev 7, Oct 2013 (here or see resources) describes the MID process which is a minimum of two years.
As of January 12, 2017 there are 20 Members in Discernment from 11 congregations: Columbus: Advent UCC, First Congregational, First Community, Move, North Congregational UCC, St Johns; Belpre, Radnor Congregational, Westerville Community UCC, and Zion Delaware.
Members of the Department of Preparation for Authorized Ministry:
Class of 2019
Ms. Jo Anne Nay, North Congregational UCC, Columbus
Ms. Judith Kuck, Dublin Community UCC, Dublin
Ms. Jan Anible, Zion UCC, Delaware
Rev. Jay Groat, Westerville Community UCC, Westerville
Class of 2020
Rev. Scott Schieber, Highwater Congregational UCC, Newark
Rev. Kay Albright, Bridges of Grace UCC, Charleston, WV
Rev. Whitney Bruno, St. Michael’s UCC, Baltimore
Class of 2021
Rev. Nancy Livingston, First Congregational Columbus
Rev. Marilyn Marshall Goetz, Westerville Community UCC
Ms. Jackie Dean, First Congregational Church, Columbus
Ms. Barb Anderson, Dublin Community UCC, Dublin
Department of Church Vitality
Consists of nine elected members. The membership shall include ministers and lay persons. The Department may co-opt additional members for one year terms. Co-opted members may have voice but not vote. This department will be staffed by one of the Association Ministers or his/her representative.
The Department shall be responsible for helping congregations develop effective programs to enhance their congregational life, such as Stewardship; Mission Education; Church Growth and Evangelism, deepen their spiritual growth; and strengthen their relationship to and support of the United Church of Christ.
Class of 2019
Ms. Meg Bennett, Orchard Hill, Chillicothe
Ms. Jennifer St. Clair, Advent, Columbus
Class of 2020
Rev. Rachael Gardner Purdy, First Congressional, Columbus
Rev. Ron Botts, David’s UCC, Canal Winchester
Ms. Lisa Austin Jones, Trinity, Columbus
Class of 2021
Ms. Marylin Lloyd, North UCC, Colunbus
Ms. Mary Felty, Zion Reformed, Thornville
Ms. Marla Flewellen, Advent, Columbus
