Candidacy Process for the Deacon, Elder, and Local Pastor

1.  Inquiring Candidate:  Book of Discipline ¶306.1

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

  2. Read The Christian as Minister

  3. Participate in Ministry Inquiry Process with a guide

2.  Exploring Candidate:  Book of Discipline ¶306.2

  1. Member of The United Methodist Church for two (2) years including a year of service.

  2. Apply to DS and be assigned a candidacy mentor by DS/DCOM

  3. Apply to GBHEM for Candidacy Guidebook (send $50 to GBHEM)

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

3.  Declared Candidate:  Book of Discipline ¶306.3

  1. Written statement of call and request for recommendation

  2. High school graduate

  3. Consult with the pastor and interview by Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee

  4. Recommended by charge conference

  5. Continue candidacy studies with candidacy mentor

4.  Certified Candidate:  Book of Discipline ¶306.4

  1. Written response to ministry

  2. Psychological assessment 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 ¶341

Continuation of Candidacy:  Book of Discipline ¶307

  1. Annual recommendation by charge conference

  2. Annual approval by DCOM

  3. Annual report of satisfactory progress of studies and copy of transcripts from university or school of theology

5.  Completion of Candidacy:  Book of Discipline ¶315

  1. Certified candidate for minimum of two (2) years, maximum twelve (12) years

  2. Two (2) years in service ministry

  3. Completion of academic requirements

  4. Health certificate

  5. Written and oral doctrinal exam and written autobiographical statement

  6. Interview and recommendation by 3/4 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

  8. Interview with the BOM

  9. Recommendation by BOM

  10. Election to probationary membership by clergy session.
 
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