Showing Appreciation for Pastors Throughout October
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, an opportunity to recognize the pastors and clergy who serve congregations and communities throughout the year. From writing a personal…
Clergy Identification Cards
Your Clergy ID can be used for ministerial purposes, including access to hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions where clergy identification may be required.
- For Active Clergy
- Clergy ID were sent out in October 2024 to all active clergy.
- These IDs are valid for the duration of the current quadrennium until June 2028.
- If you are a clergy member under appointment/assignment and would like to receive an ID card, please submit your request by filling out the Active Clergy ID Form.
- For any questions, please contact Ariel Alonso.
- For Retired Clergy
- A new, modern Clergy ID was created in 2024.
- Retired Clergy IDs will not have an expiration date.
- If you are a retired clergy member from NIC and would like to receive an ID card, please submit your request by filling out the Retired Clergy ID form.
- For any questions, please contact Ariel Alonso.
Annual Clergy Ministry Review
For clergy/pastors appointed to local churches.
Due: May 31, 2026
Ministry Review Support Page
Expectations for Clergy regarding Safe Sanctuaries and Clergy Ethics
Safe Sancutaries
Safe Sanctuaries® is a commitment that allows our sanctuaries, classrooms, mission encounters, camps and retreats, and all spaces where we gather to worship and serve God to be places of trust.
Churches in the Northern Illinois Conference are expected to be “Safe Sanctuary” congregations, where all clergy, church staff and volunteers who have a role in ministries with children, youth, and vulnerable adults should receive training.
We encourage every church to review its policies and safe sanctuary protocols every year, and as a conference, we require that every clergy, staff, and volunteer renew their Safe Sanctuary certificate every three years.
Learn more about Safe Sanctuaries
Clergy Ethics
This training is mandatory for all clergy under appointment in the Northern Illinois Conference and is valid for 4 years. It’s a two-hour, online course. It covers critical boundary awareness, abuse prevention, and ethical guidelines for faith leaders and volunteers working with vulnerable groups. Learn more about the clergy ethics training including instructions on where to sign up.
Reports of Clergy Appointed to Extension Ministry or Beyond the Local Church
Annual Report of the Deacon
For Deacons in Full Connection or Provisional Member in the Deacon Track
Due May 31, 2026
- Submit the 2026 Annual Report of the Deacon (Full/Provisional) in the People Portal
- For instructions on how to access the People Portal, visit the People Portal Support Page
Clergy Appointment to Extension Ministry Annual Report
For Clergy Appointed to an Extension Ministry
Due May 31, 2026
- Submit the 2026 Appointment to an Extension Ministry Annual Report in the People Portal
- For instructions on how to access the People Portal, visit the People Portal Support Page
Consultation Forms
Due Dec. 1, 2025 (for 2026 Appointments)
- Clergy Change of Appointment Consultation
- SPRC Advisory Consultation on Clergy Leadership
- Advisory Consultation for Limited Itineracy
Continuing Education Grants
- Continuing Education Criteria & App (PDF)
- Continuing Education Criteria & App (doc)
- Online Continuing Education Opportunities
Transitions Workshop Resources
- Clergy Housing Relocation Policy (effective March 2025)
- 2021 Transition Workshop Powerpoint
- Mapping your Cultural Orientation
- The First 90 days