MRP-2008:4

4. Restorative. The primary objective of restoration is to help offenders and those negatively affected experience healing, interpersonal forgiveness and reconciliation, and to assist offenders in restoring their spiritual relationship with God. The church will be prepared to offer the spiritual, psychological, and mediation resources necessary for assisting in restoration. When possible and appropriate, due consideration will be given to the restoration of ministry credentials for those who have been removed. The restorative process is to be understood as developmental in nature, assisting in the moral and spiritual growth and maturity of the offending minister over time. Therefore, the process must not be rushed nor should expectations for the restoration of credentials be raised prematurely.