Board of Ordained Ministry 

Meet The Teams

The Board of Ordained Ministry of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference is sub-divided into several "working" teams to carry out the Discilinary functions of the Board.  Four of the more important teams doing the work of the board are listed below. A complete listing of the board members and their individual team assignments can be downloaded here.

The Ministerial Effectiveness Review Team (MERT) is charged with providing candidates written guidelines (635.2h) and establish the criteria of the disciplinary and annual conference requirements for the local pastor, associate membership, provisional membership, and full membership (635.2g, i), interview and examine all candidates as to their fitness and giftedness for ministry, and they work with the Cabinet they develop standards for clergy effectiveness in cooperation with the cabinet (635.2q, 604.4, 350).

The Conference Relations Team maintains accountability and ethical standards with all Conference members (635.2r, 605.6) and when necessary examines and makes recommendations to BOM on special ministries for which members seek appointments.** (635.2s)  The also make recommendations to the BOM concerning changes in Conference Relationship, interviewing persons when deemed necessary. 

The Mentor Team works closely with the Discernment Coordinator in the recruitment and training of mentors for candidates during candidacy and as clergy mentors for local pastors and provisional members (349).  It oversees the structure and administrative of the Candidacy Summite Event.

The Assessement Team tracks candiates for Ordained Ministry, keeping in contact with they throughout their seminary career. They work closely with seminaries and universities to target and recuit future ministry leaders.

The Residence in Ministry Team works with newly graduated seminary students who have just been Commissioned as they transition from the academic setting into the ministry setting of the local church.  The team also works with each Clergy Person as they prepare for their Ordination interviews.

The Policies and Procedure person maintains consistent policies and procedures for both the Board of Ordained Ministry and the District Committees on Ministry (634.1c).  They update and preserve the Board Policy Manual and orient new Board members to the current policies and procedures.  

The Continuing Formation Team assesses the needs, develops, and promotes continuing education and formation opportunities for ordained ministers, Associate Members, and Local Pastors. (634.2n-p,u 334.2b)  They promote, implement, and supervise certification programs for lay and clergy. (634.1c, 634.2t, 351)  They also administer MEF Continuing Education Standards and Grants and organize the annual New Pastor Orientation in consultation with the Cabinet.