printer-friendly email a friend

Christian Calling

 

 

Next Exploration Event Set for November 13-15, 2009

Exploration 2009EXPLORATION 2009 will be held in Dallas, Tex., Nov. 13-15, 2009. Check this site later for program details and registration information.

A gathering for young people (high-school seniors through age 24) considering ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church.

You will learn that all baptized Christians are called to ministry, and that some people are called to ordained ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order and Service through the church.

The ordained ministry of deacons and elders offers incredible opportunities for service in a variety of settings. Ministry settings might include the local church, campus ministry, hospital or military chaplaincy, mission at home and abroad, teaching in college or seminary, social work, counseling, music or youth ministries and many others.

At Exploration you will learn:

  • how you can discern God’s call in your life
  • the nature of ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church
  • steps into ordained ministry
You will also:
  • participate in workshops on topics that speak to your own questions and interests
  • meet others from across the country who are considering their call to ministry
  • have an opportunity to talk with people engaged in a variety of ministries

To find more helpful information about exploring your calling into ministry in the United Methodist Church, you may visit the following link(s):

www.gbhem.org   (navigate to the "Explore Calling" section on the site menu on the left)

 

Candidacy Process for the Deacon, Elder, and Local Pastor

Phase One: ¶311.1 (apply & enroll)

  1. Contact the pastor in the local church, another deacon or elder, or the DS

  2. Read The Christian as Minister (recommended, not required)

  3. Participate in Ministry Inquiry Process (recommended, not required) Phase One: ¶311.11 (apply & enroll)

  4. Member of The United Methodist Church for two (2) years immediately preceding application for candidacy, including a year of service in some form of congregational leadership

  5. Apply to DS, in writing, for admission to candidacy program and be assigned a candidacy mentor by DS/dCOM

  6. Work with mentor to apply online to GBHEM for Candidacy Guidebook.

  7. Complete exploration of candidacy with the mentor (the first two sections of the Candidacy Guidebook)

Phase Two: ¶311.12 (declaring)

  1. Consult with pastor and request for recommendation from S/P-PRC

  2. High school degree or equivalent

  3. Written statement of call and interview by Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee

  4. Recommendation by charge conference

  5. Continue candidacy program with candidacy mentor and academic requirements

Certified Candidate: ¶311.13

Completion of the following:

  1. Written response to ministry questions (¶311.13b & c)

  2. Psychological assessment and report

  3. Provide other information upon request

  4. Agree to make a complete dedication of themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life

  5. Examination and approval by dCOM

    Local Pastor - Completed candidacy certification, licensed, and assigned a clergy mentor ¶311.1


 

Continuation of Candidacy: ¶312

  1. Annual recommendation by charge conference
  2. Annual interview and approval by dCOM
  3. Annual report of satisfactory progress of studies and copy of transcripts from university or school of theology
Completion of Candidacy: ¶324
  1. Certified candidate for minimum of one (1) year, maximum twelve (12) years
  2. One (1) year in service ministry
  3. Completion of academic requirements
  4. Health certificate completed by medical doctor
  5. Written and oral doctrinal exam and written autobiographical statement
  6. Interview and recommendation by three-fourths vote of dCOM
  7. Notarized statement certifying that the candidate has neither been accused in writing nor convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or any incident of sexual misconduct or child abuse
  8. Interview and recommendation by the BOM
  9. Election to probationary membership by clergy session
Commissioning to specialized ministry as probationary member