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Ministerial Preparation in the Wesleyan Church

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Ministerial Preparation in The Wesleyan Church

If you are beginning ministerial studies, specialized lay ministry training, or transferring ordination to the Wesleyan Church, then be sure to Enroll Online for Ministerial Preparation. You can also download the Ministerial Preparation Packet.  https://regserv.wesleyan.org/eventmanager/OnlineRegistration.asp?EventCode=9KF

The call to ministry is an exciting journey, yet there will be challenges along the way. For those just beginning this journey there is an online enrollment form available to help you begin this process. The Manual of Ministerial Preparation is one guide which will make the path to ministry more understandable. Students can use the academic requirements chart as a quick reference guide to the courses required for credentialing in the Wesleyan Church. Ministerial students will find that they have several options to completing requirements for credentials including attending one of our Wesleyan Colleges/Universities, approved seminaries, FLAME, or completing correspondence courses.

How Do I Become a Minister in The Wesleyan Church?

  • Become a Covenant Member of a local Wesleyan Church.  
  • Respond to a call to ministry
  • In consultation with the pastor, request the local church to recommend you to the District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) as a Licensed Ministerial Student.  One year must be completed in this category before district licensing as a minister. 
  • Register with the Ministerial Study Course Agency.  Go to http://www.wesleyan.org/em/forms.   Under ‘Ministerial Preparation’ select ‘Enrollment’ to get the necessary form. 
  • Submit transcripts of all previous college studies to Education and the Ministry department at the World Headquarters of the Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Submit DBMD forms #1 and #2 to DBMD.  Go to http://www.wesleyan.org/em/forms.  Under ‘DBMD’ select ‘DBMD #1’ and ‘DBMD #2’ to get the necessary forms. 
  • Have initial interview with the DBMD as per their schedule. 
  • Complete the educational requirements for Wesleyan ministry which may be found at http://www.wesleyan.org/em/ministerial_preparation   then selecting ‘Academic Requirements for Ordination’.  These may be completed at one of the Wesleyan Colleges/Universities, or at one of the approved seminaries, including Asbury Theological Seminary. 
  • chart below for meeting Wesleyan ordination requirements at Asbury Theological Seminary]
  • Complete a minimum of 2 years of service as an appointed minister in a Wesleyan Church (minimum of 1 year of service required for those with an MDiv degree from an approved seminary)
  • Complete all forms requested and have final interview with the DBMD
  • Receive the recommendation for ordination by the DBMD to the District Conference
  • Be certified by the Education and the Ministry Department for completion of academic requirements
  • Be ratified by District Conference vote to be ordained
  • Receive ordination in a public ceremony by the district
  • For full MDIV course list see https://one.asburyseminary.edu/sites/default/files/0910catalog.pdf