540.1

Appointment of a Recovery Team. When clergy misconduct becomes evident, a timely response of appropriate and compassionate intervention is critical for the sake of the minister and his or her spouse and family, the congregation, and the community. Since such developments are rarely anticipated, advance selection and preparation of qualified persons, both clergy and laity, to facilitate recovery is an important element of the district response plan. These persons are to be appointed by the district superintendent in consultation with the District Advisory Board. When situations of clergy misconduct arise, these persons, acting as a recovery team, are to be deployed by the district superintendent as immediately as possible and in accordance with the district plan. A recovery team so deployed should be comprised of no less than three persons. (211.20, 225.5, 540)