H. Guidelines for Care and Restoration Responses

2016. The following guidelines for restoration are to follow from the directives and conclusions of the Judiciary regarding the possibility of restoration. Every situation requiring care and restoration is unique. Specific actions and timelines of restoration will vary according to the nature and extent of the offense and the ongoing response of the individual. The following broad guidelines are directed toward the five levels of offense: Admonition & rebuke, suspension, removal, and dismissal.

2018. Levels of Response.

1. Admonition & Rebuke. Depending on the nature of the offense, the district should give serious consideration to engaging a licensed psychologist, or mental health counselor if a licensed psychologist is not available, for a personal assessment. An early report could be invaluable in establishing a benchmark in case of future repetition of behavior. A written assessment should be sent to the DS.

a. The restoration team should consider assigning a mature pastor/mentor to meet regularly with the minister as a spiritual friend to walk with during the restoration process.

b. The minister should write an extended reflection focused on the motivation and thought process behind the behavior. This reflection should be shared with the mentoring pastor as a basis of discussion and prayer.

c. Assigned readings from Scripture and other works should be provided followed by written reflection by the minister. These readings and reflections should be shared with the mentoring pastor.

d. The mentoring pastor will provide a written report to the DS. Similarly, a verbal report may be given to the DS with notes recorded.

e. Depending on the offense, reconciliation with others may be necessary. If so, the minister will be required to seek personal reconciliation with those offended by his/her actions. This may take time and should be a natural outcome of the mentoring restoration process; recovery/restoration should continue until intrinsic, heartfelt reconciliation is sought. The mentoring pastor or appointed representative should record these efforts.

f. The minister should provide demonstrable evidence of cooperation with the process, genuine repentance, and heartfelt change with regard to the presenting behavior. This should not be forced, but be a natural outcome of the restoration process.

g. Upon written recommendation from the mentoring pastor and the approval of the DS, the minister will be deemed to have completed the restoration process.

2. Suspension. Ministers who have committed offenses that are considered more serious in nature, are intentional, or ignore previous warnings, may be required to surrender their credentials to the District for a period. The time frame involved will normally be a minimum of 12 months. The suggested guidelines listed for Admonition & Rebuke are required here with the addition of the following:

a. An initial assessment must be conducted by a licensed psychologist or mental health counselor if a licensed psychologist is not available. A written report of the assessment is forwarded to the restoration team. Strategies for restoration must take the psychologist’s report into consideration.

b. A series of counseling sessions should be arranged. The pastor must allow for the release of information to the appropriate person representing the committee.

c. A pastoral friend/mentor should be identified to accompany the minister along the path to restoration.

d. Specific and relevant spiritual disciplines should be identified, cultivated, and journaled. The journal of experiences will form the basis of discussion with the pastoral friend.

e. Identify those affected by the minister’s behavior and guide him/her in determining appropriate restitution.

f. The minister should provide demonstrable evidence of cooperation with the process, genuine repentance, and heartfelt change with regard to the presenting behavior. This should not be forced, but be a natural outcome of the restoration process.

g. Upon written positive reports or recommendations from the counselor(s), the mentoring pastor, and the restoration team, and upon final approval of the DS and DBA, the minister will be deemed to have completed the restoration process.

3. Removal of Credentials. When credentials are removed, the restoration process should begin only after a period of time has passed, allowing for initial healing, perspective, and time to assess the minister’s readiness to enter a formal restoration process. The actual restoration process may be longer for these ministers to allow for full recovery, healing, reconciliation and the re-building of trust. In addition to the steps taken with suspension above, the following are additional guidelines for clergy who have had credentials removed:

a. The time frame for restoration after serious offenses should be a minimum of three years. Engaging an ART is highly encouraged to provide wisdom and guidance for helping to determine best approaches and timeframes.

b. An assessment must be conducted by a licensed psychologist that includes in-depth consultation and an initial report to the chair of the restoration team.

c. The restoration team should work with the offending minister to arrange for a series of counseling sessions with a licensed counselor. Release of information should be signed by the minister for review by appropriate individuals.

d. Reports from the counselor must be consulted to help inform steps for care and restoration.

e. It is vital for the health and well-being of the minister that a pastor be identified and assigned by the restoration team, who can serve as a spiritual friend and mentor throughout this process.

f. Assist in leading the minister to a response of reconciliation and restitution with all others who were affected by the minister’s behavior.

g. Assist in relocating the minister and family to an alternative location if necessary.

h. Assist the minister and family in finding a new church for worship and recovery. A “recovery church” would be most beneficial with trained individuals assisting the restoration and, where appropriate, re-entry into ministry.

i. When it is needful and possible, assist the minister in making recommendations for employment.

j. As stated above, genuine demonstration of efforts of reconciliation, heartfelt repentance, and change of behavior are necessary for consideration of finalizing the restoration process, including restoration of credentials and/or re-entry into vocational ministry.

k. Upon written positive reports or recommendations from the counselor(s), and the mentoring pastor, the restoration team will provide a final report to the DBMD.

l. Upon reviewing the final report from the restoration team, the DBMD may then recommend to the DBA the restoration of credentials. If immorality or crime were involved, restoration of credentials may be accomplished only with the additional approval of the General Board (Discipline, 5245).