An image of stained glass and a flying bird, the words "pastoral relations" on a dark red background, and a further image of a campfire at night under the northern lights.

Pastoral Relations Policies And Processes

In the Northern Spirit Regional Council, Pastoral Relations decisions and conversations are dealt with through the Pastoral Relations Commission (PRC) and its related committees, which are resourced by the Pastoral Relations Minister. For Pastoral Relations questions or approvals please contact Adam Hall.

Pastoral Relations Policies, Guidelines and Forms can be found on the Documents and Forms Web Page.

Background documents:

The Manual: Regional Council responsibilities regarding Pastoral Relations are described in The Manual.

Calls to the Church, approved by the 43rd General Council, describes the relationship between the Indigenous Church and the non-Indigenous church.

Responsibilities – overview:

The Manual outlines the responsibilities of the regional councils in relation to Pastoral Relations matters.

The Pastoral Relations Commission takes action on behalf of the Regional Council with regard to the following:

  • Promoting articulation of mission and ministry
  • Approving all ministry positions, calls, and appointments
  • Receiving and approving requests from ministry personnel, communities of faith, or the Office of Vocation to end pastoral relationships
  • Training, appointing and supporting Pastoral Relations Liaison Officers to assist communities of faith with developing profiles and conducting searches for Ministry Personnel
  • Appointing Pastoral Charge Supervisors to work with communities of faith without Ministry Personnel, or during sabbatical or other Ministry Personnel leaves

Pastoral Relations Commission

2024 Members of the Pastoral Relations Commission

Susan Silverthorne, Chairperson, Lay, Wetaskiwin AB
Linda McLaren, OM, Jasper AB
Rob McPhee, Lay, Edmonton AB
Stephen Sparks, OM, Bonnyville AB
Adam Hall, Pastoral Relations Minister

 

Ministry Personnel Support Committee

The Ministry Personnel Support Committee oversees and coordinates the Regional Council’s responsibility to encourage and support Ministry Personnel towards health, joy and excellence in ministry practice, including:

  • Caring for active and retired Ministry Personnel and families experiencing loss and hardship
  • Providing ongoing training opportunities for Ministry Personnel
  • Recommending action on licensing to administer the sacraments and other privileges for individuals who retired while serving as Designated Lay Ministers, and for ministry students
  • Supporting networks and clusters that are established related to the above work

2022-2023 Members of the Ministry Personnel Support Committee

Deborah Brill, DM, Lamont AB
Anna Constantin, OM, Edmonton AB
Dirk Jessen, OM, Edmonton AB
Anne Telford, DM, Edmonton AB
Adam Hall, Pastoral Relations Minister

 

Communities of Faith Support Committee

The Communities of Faith Support Committee oversees and coordinates the Regional Council’s responsibility to support Communities of Faith in their life and work, including:

  • Providing oversight of Community of Faith Covenants with the assistance of Ministry Personnel/Pastoral Charge Supervisors
  • Connecting Communities of Faith with United Fresh Start and other applicable program facilitators
  • Supporting Communities of Faith in structural changes, amalgamations, realignments and/or disbanding, and recommending any action to the Regional Council Executive
  • Supporting emerging new ministries
  • Ensuring compliance with all United Church of Canada and government requirements
  • Supporting networks and clusters that are established related to the above work

2022-2023 Members of  the Communities of Faith Support Committee

Steven Johann, OM, Edmonton AB
Chang Lee, OM, Onoway AB
Alistair Mackay, Lay, Fort McMurray AB
Lynn Maki, OM, Edmonton AB
Adam Hall, Pastoral Relations Minister

 

Lay Leadership Support Committee

The Lay Leadership Support Committee oversees and coordinates the Regional Council’s responsibility to provide ongoing leadership training for lay people, including:

  • Maintaining a list of all Congregational Designated Ministers working in the Region
  • Recommending action on licensing of Licensed Lay Worship Leaders to the Regional Council Executive, and providing ongoing support and oversight
  • Providing training and assessment of Sacraments Elders, and recommending action on licensing and re-licensing to administer the sacraments
  • Supporting networks and clusters that are established related to the above work

2022-2023 Members of the Lay Leadership Support Committee

Gaie Goin, Lay, Wetaskiwin AB
Merlin Rosser, Lay, Edmonton AB
Trudy Tanner, Lay, Hinton AB
Adam Hall, Pastoral Relations Minister