Resources for Churches - The Central Conference of the ECC

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The Central Conference develops and delivers several kinds of resources to member churches, including those found here. We strive to provide relevant and accessible resources to all, and encourage you to call the Central Conference office at 773-267-3060 or the Covenant Resource Center at 800-338-IDEA for more resource ideas.

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Publications

Compassion, Mercy and Justice Commission Health Care Resources

The Compassion, Mercy and Justice Commission of the Central Conference has prepared a list of healthcare resources for residents of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Click here to download a PDF file of this document.

Compassion, Mercy and Justice Commission - The Center for Faith and Health

Click here to download a PDF file with information on The Center for Faith and Health at North Park Theological Seminary - which was developed in collaboration with the Covenant Ministries of Benevolence to equip Christian leaders in health and ministry to integrate faith and health in professional and congregational settings. You can also visit their website here.

Central Conference Directory -- This directory contains useful information on Conference boards, committees, and churches. Click here to download the Directory as a PDF file. This document is 81 pages long, and may take awhile to download over a dial-up connection.

Central Conference Annual Service Awards -- Each year the Central Conference presents an award to a member of a Central Conference Covenant church who has given outstanding Christian service to his or her church and community. Click here for information on the J. William Fredrickson Urban Ministry Award and the David A. Larson Town & Country Award.

Charting a Course - Paving the Way -- Endorsed by the 2005 Annual Meeting of the Central Conference, this new Vision maps our ministry together through 2008. Click here to download the PDF file.

Basis for Women in Ministry -- This document prepared by the Evangelical Covenant Church provides a biblical basis for women in ministry. Click here to to learn more on the Evangelical Covenant Church's website.

Calling of a New Pastor -- Developed by the Central Conference Committee on Ministerial Care, this document outlines the responsibilities and obligations of the Pastoral Search Committee as the committee searches for a new pastor. Click here to download the document in PDF form.

Church Profile form -- This form is an informational and communicational tool for the church seeking a new pastor. Click here to view the instructions in PDF format, and here to view the entire form in PDF format.

Central Conference Constitution and Bylaws -- click here to download our Constitution and our Bylaws in PDF form.

Ethical Principles for Covenant Ministers -- Developed by the Ethics Committee and the Board of the Ministry of The Covenant Ministerium, this document outlines ethical principles for all Covenant ministers. Click here to download the document in PDF form.

Guidelines for a Sabbatical Leave -- This document is an introduction to the definition of a sabbatical leave and tips on preparations for a sabbatical leave for ministers. Click here to download the document in PDF form, and here for more information.

Ministry of New Church Planting Information -- If you have ever thought about becoming a church planter or felt God tugging you in that direction, please read our document from the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism. Click here to download the document in PDF form. If you want more information, please contact Associate Superintendent Jolene Bergstrom Carlson at 773-267-3060 or email her at info@centralconf.org All inquiries will be confidential.

Natural Church Development Brochure -- If your church is interested in learning more about Natural Church Development, click here to download our brochure in PDF form. If you want more information, please contact Deborah Griffith at 773-267-3060 or email her at info@centralconf.org

Pastoral Relations Committee Guidelines -- A guidebook for the relationship between pastor and congregation, including mutual ministry reviews and compensation parameters. Click here to download the manual in PDF form.

Position on the Practice of Baptism -- This document prepared by the Evangelical Covenant Church outlines the church's position on baptism. Click here to go to the document on the Evangelical Covenant Church's website.

Response to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct -- Developed by the Central Conference Committee on Ministerial Care, this policy gives due process to a difficult subject. Click here to download the document in PDF form.

Grants and Scholarships

Churches Planting Ministries Grants -- The Central Conference provides a variety of kinds of grants to churches seeking to plant community ministries of mercy, justice, or compassion. Click on the links below to download the specific grant or grant information in PDF form.

Forms

Training Needs Assessment form - Churches interested in having the Central Conference provide training classes and workshops may print this form to outline their needs for training. Completed forms should be mailed to Deborah Griffith, Director of Ministry Development at the Central Conference office at 3319 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60625.

Leadership Volunteer form -- Individuals interested in serving the ministries of the Central Conference through a board, commission or committee may print this form and mail it to the Central Conference office at 3319 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.

Links to Other Central Conference-Affiliated Websites

Sustaining Pastoral Excellence

North Park University

North Park Theological Seminary

Covenant Harbor Bible Camp

Covenant Point Bible Camp

Midwest Ministry Development Service

Calling-of-a-New-Pastor.pdf