- Home
- About the NAC
- Guide for Ministers
Guide for Ministers
- back
- 3.1 Ministerial order
- 3.2 Ministerial authority
- 3.3 Ordination of ministers
- 3.3.1 Ordination: Procedure
- 3.3.2 Ordination: Sequence and recommended wording
- 3.4 Ministerial mandate
- 3.4.1 Ministerial mandate: Working area
- 3.4.2 Ministerial mandate: Exercising a ministry outside of the working area
- 3.4.3 Ministerial mandate: Exercising a ministry in retirement
- 3.5 Exercise of a previously held ministry
- 3.6 Leave of absence
- 3.6.1 Leave of absence: Possible reasons
- 3.6.2 Leave of absence: Procedure
- 3.6.3 Repealing a leave of absence
- 3.7 Reinstatement of ministers
- 3.7.1 Reinstatement of ministers: Procedure
- 3.7.2 Reinstatement of ministers: Liturgical position in the divine service
- 3.7.3 Reinstatement of ministers: Procedure
- 3.8 Retirement of ministers
- 3.8.1 Retirement of ministers: Sequence and recommended wording
- 3.9 Resignation from ministry
- 3.10 Dismissal from ministry
- 3.11 Re-ordination
- 3.12 Appointment of ministers
- 3.12.1 Appointment of ministers: Procedure
- 3.12.2 Appointment of ministers: Sequence and recommended wording
- 3.13 Assignment
- 3.14 Termination
- 3.15 Documentation of ordination, appointment, assignment
- 3.16 Prerequisites for a ministry
- 3.16.1 Self-conception of the minister
- 3.16.2 Prerequisites for a ministry: The Creed
- 3.16.3 Prerequisites for a ministry: Age
- 3.16.4 Prerequisites for a ministry: Competency profiles
- 3.16.5 Prerequisites for a ministry: Lifestyle
- 3.17 Initiation into ministry, appointment, or service
- 3.18 Training
- 3.19 Rights
- 3.19.1 Rights: Consent to ordination, appointment, and assignment
- 3.19.2 Rights: Information rights
- 3.19.3 Rights: Participation in meetings and divine services for ministers
- 3.19.4 Rights: Care and recuperation
- 3.19.5 Rights: Pastoral care
- 3.19.6 Rights: Right to a hearing
- 3.19.7 Rights: Retirement
- 3.19.8 Rights: Resignation from ministry
- 3.20 Obligations
- 3.20.1 Obligations: Connection to the apostolate
- 3.20.2 Obligations: Advocating the doctrine
- 3.20.3 Obligations: Compliance with Church regulations
- 3.20.4 Obligations: Impartiality
- 3.20.5 Obligations: Duty to refuse benefits
- 3.20.6 Obligations: Confidentiality
- 3.20.7 Obligations: Ministers working together
- 3.20.8 Obligations: Duty of disclosure
- 3.20.9 Obligations: Loyalty and good conduct
- 3.20.10 Obligations: Conflicts with professional interests
- 3.20.11 Obligations: Restraint in political activity
- 3.20.12 Obligations: Protection from sexual violence
- 3.21 Consequences of breaching ministerial obligations
3.16.5 Prerequisites for a ministry: Lifestyle
3.16.5.1 Matrimony
Marriage is the lifelong union between a man and woman desired by God, upon which His blessing rests. It also forms the foundation for the family. It is based on a free and voluntary public expression of fidelity by both partners. Mutual love and fidelity are indispensable factors in the success of a marriage. God’s blessing is an important and valuable foundation for marriage and family life.[25]
A monogamous marriage is a divine institution and not only a human institution. A polygamous marriage, that is marriage with multiple spouses, is not in accordance with Christian teaching and values. The fact that God has explicitly anchored the protection of marriage within the Ten Commandments underscores the importance and value of marriage as a divine institution.[26]
The activity of the minister does not require him or her to be married, however, a minister is expected to credibly profess matrimony as a Christian standard for the union between man and woman. In their matrimony, married ministers should thus endeavour to practise the Christian values of
- genuine love,
- serious commitment,
- enduring fidelity, and
- mutual support.
3.16.5.2 Cohabitation
While taking into consideration the traditional, cultural, and social circumstances, the District Apostle issues regulations governing the situation of ministers who live in civil partnerships.
If a Deacon is cohabitating with his or her partner, the Apostle, Bishop, or district rector will assess the situation at the direction of the District Apostle, and make a decision as to whether it is possible for him or her to continue in the exercise of his or her ministry. The Church has particular expectations concerning the conduct of life of a priestly minister. If a priestly minister is cohabiting with a partner, the District Apostle should assess the situation and make a decision and, if need be, delegate this to the responsible Apostle.