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UMC Candidacy

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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