MRP-2018:1

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.