UMC Ordination
Candidacy Process for the Deacon, Elder, and Local Pastor
Candidacy Process for the Deacon, Elder, and Local Pastor
Step 1. Inquiring Candidate: Book of Discipline par. 306.1
- Contact the pastor in the local church or another deacon or elder
- Read The Christian as Minister
- Participate in Ministry Inquiry Process with a guide
Step 2. Exploring Candidate: par. 306.2
- Member of The United Methodist Church for two (2) years including a year of service in some form of congregational leadership
- Apply to DS for candidacy packet and be assigned a candidacy mentor by DS/DCOM
- Apply to GBHEM for Candidacy Guidebook using Form 101 (send $50 to GBHEM)
- Complete exploration of candidacy with the mentor (the first two sections of the Candidacy Guidebook)
Step 3. Declared Candidate: par. 306.3
- Written statement of call and request for recommendation
- High school graduate
- Consult with the pastor and interview by Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee
- Recommended by charge conference
- Continue candidacy studies with candidacy mentor and school
Step 4. Certified Candidate: par. 306.4
- Written response to ministry
- Psychological assessment report
- Provide other information upon request
- Agree to make a complete dedication of themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life
- Examination and approval by DCOM
Local Pastor - Completed candidacy certification, licensed, and assigned a clergy mentor ¶341.
Step 5. Continuation of Candidacy: par. 307
- Annual recommendation by charge conference
- Annual approval by DCOM
- Annual report of satisfactory progress of studies and copy of transcripts from university or school of theology
Step 6. Completion of Candidacy par. 315
- Certified candidate for minimum of two (2) years, maximum twelve (12) years
- Two (2) years in service ministry
- Completion of academic requirements
- Health certificate
- Written and oral doctrinal exam and written autobiographical statement
- Interview and recommendation by 3/4 vote of DCOM
- Notarized statement certifying that the candidate has neither been accused in writing nor convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or any incident of sexual misconduct
- Interview with the BOM
- Recommendation by BOM
- Election to probationary membership by clergy session
Commissioning to specialized ministry as probationary member