A Simple Guide to CandidacyPastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee interview (¶ 310.1.d) Charge Conference (¶ 310.1.e) - requires 2/3 written ballot approval Pastor will also need

Certified (local pastor track) Certified (deacon or elder track)

Appointed as local pastor Complete College/University Licensing School Course of Study

Complete Theological Education

(Advanced Course of Study)

BOM Commissioning and Provisional Membership Interviews

Appointed, Commissioned as Deacon or Elder, Provisional Member

Two Years Residency, Residency Covenant Group, RCG

BOM Ordination and Full Membership Interviews

Ordination as Deacon or Elder, Full Member

* Use the Tools of Discernment for this step.

dCOM Certification Interview

Annual dCOM Relicensing

Interview

Annual dCOM Recertification

Interview

dCOM Recommendation for Commissioning Interview

A Simple Guide to Candidacy

UM member experiences call from God

Home church pastor *

District Superintendent *

Candidacy Summit

P/SPRC and Charge Conference *

Exploring Candidate

Commis-sioned

Minister and

Provisional Member

Inquiring Candidate

Exploring Candidate

Licensed Local Pastor

Certified Candidate

A Simple Guide to Candidacy Stages and Mentors

Inquiring Candidate

Inquiring Stage From when UM member experiences call from God

until candidate attends Candidacy Summit

Exploring Phase From completion of Candidacy Summit to certification

Exploring Mentor assigned

at the Candidacy Summit

Candidate must complete this stage in 2 years or start over at the Summit

If candidate for ordained ministry (Planning to complete seminary and seek

ordination as deacon or elder—whether serv-ing as a student, PT, FT local pastor or not)

Certified Stage

From certification to commissioning

Certified Mentor assigned After certification

Candidate must

make progress in studies and be re-certified by dCOM annually

Candidate must complete this stage in 12 years or start over at the Summit

Candidate requests dCOM and BOM recommendation for commissioning after or during last year of education

If candidate for licensed ministry (Seeking to be appointed and attend licensing school and course of study)

Certified Stage

From certification to appointment (and between appointments)

Certified Mentor assigned Only if candidate does not

receive appointment

While candidate not under appointment, must be re-certified by dCOM annually

Certified Candidate

Local Pastor PT and FT licensed local pastors

must make progress in studies and be re-licensed by dCOM annually

Clergy Mentor assigned While under appointment

until local pastor completes basic course of study

Note:

Local pastors who have completed basic course of study may continue studies, complete advanced course of study, and request dCOM recommendation

for associate membership or commissioning and

provisional membership

Commissioned Minister Provisional Member

From commissioning to ordination

Residency Covenant Group (RCG) Mentor assigned At summer RCG retreat

After two years “residency,” commissioned

ministers may request BOM recommendation for ordination and full membership

□ Perceive call to ministry

□ Member of any UMC or UM campus ministry for one year (¶ 311.1.a)

□ Contact home church Pastor

□ Read and discuss one of three books with a lay or clergy guide

□ The Christian As Minister

□ Answering God’s Call For Your Life

□ Understanding God’s Call: A Ministry Inquiry Process

□ Ask District Superintendent if you may begin candidacy

□ Send letter or email to District Superintendent (¶ 311.1.b)

□ Send statement of call to District Superintendent (¶ 311.1.b)

□ District Superintendent interviews and approves candidacy

□ Complete Candidacy Summit application; DS signs

□ Mail Candidacy Summit application with $100 check by June 1

□ Pay $45 candidacy fee to GBHEM online

□ Get ready for Candidacy Summit

□ Complete forms

□ Personal Data Inventory

□ Personal and Professional References List

□ Notarized disclosure

□ Permission for background check

□ Do homework in Answer The Call: Candidacy Guidebook

□ Read pages 11-33

□ Read and respond to questions on pages 35 - 68

□ Read and respond to questions on pages 89 – 127

□ Read and respond to questions on pages 129 – 141

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted

□ Attend Candidacy Summit and continue steps as an “Exploring Candidate”

Inquiring Candidate Checklist

Updated: March 8, 2017

□ Attend licensed local pastor school in June of first year appointed as a local pastor

□ Request local pastor’s license

□ While serving under Episcopal appointment, your District Superintendent is your supervisor; you will also be assigned a clergy mentor to encourage you and help you stay connected with your clergy sisters and brothers until you have completed the basic course of study. It is your responsibility to stay in contact with your mentor.

□ Request clergy mentor’s recommendation letter each year prior to relicensing interview

□ After your first year of ministry, begin taking course of study courses until your have completed the basic course of study

□ Stay in contact with your District Office and District Committee on Ministry (dCOM)

□ Request and attend annual relicensing interviews with dCOM

□ Bring license, course of study transcripts, and clergy mentor’s recommendation letter to each annual relicensing interview

Local Pastor Checklist

1

□ Attend Candidacy Summit; bring forms and Answering the Call

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted

□ Continue work in Answering the Call with mentor group,

in person or via video conference or conference call

□ Read and discuss pages 35 –68

□ Read and discuss pages 89 - 127

□ Complete work in Answering the Call with mentor group

□ Read and discuss pages 129 - 141

□ Schedule and complete psychological interview

□ Contact home Pastor to schedule interviews

□ Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee interview (¶ 310.1.d)

□ Charge Conference (¶ 310.1.e) - requires 2/3 written ballot approval

□ Pastor will also need to accompany candidate to Certification interview,

which is scheduled by District Committee on Ministry (dCOM)

□ Prepare for interviews with mentor

□ Write statement of call including (i) through (vi) in ¶ 310.2.a;

review with mentor; send to P/SPRC and Pastor

□ Answer Wesley’s historic questions (¶ 310);

review with mentor; send to P/SPRC and Pastor

□ Review mentor’s recommendation letter

□ Review psychological report

□ Contact District office for Certification interview date (¶ 310.2)

□ Send statement of call including (i) through (vi) in ¶ 310.2.a

to District

□ Send answers to Wesley’s historic questions to District (if requested by dCOM)

□ Ask about other District requirements

□ Attend Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee interview (Discipline ¶ 310.1.d)

□ Staff Parish Relations Committee complete SPR Ministry Discernment Tool and submit to District Office (effective June 1, 2015)

□ Graduate from an accredited high school or receive a certificate of equivalency

Exploring Candidate Checklist

2

□ If recommended by P/SPRC, attend Charge Conference (¶ 310.1.e)

□ 2/3 written vote required; send minutes to District office

□ If recommended by Charge Conference, attend Certification interview with District Committee on

Ministry (¶ 310.2.a)

□ Home church Pastor accompanies you to interview.

3/4 written vote required (¶ 310.2.e)

□ If certified, deacon and elder candidates will continue steps as a “Certified Candidate,” re-

ceive a certified mentor, and complete theological education.

□ If certified, local pastor candidates will ask District Superintendent for appointment. If appoint-

ed, continue steps as “Local Pastor,” attend licensing school, receive a local pastor mentor, and begin course of study. If not appointed, receive a certified mentor and await appointment.

Exploring Candidate Checklist

1 Updated: March 8, 2017

□ Stay in contact with District office and District Committee on Ministry (dCOM)

□ If serving as a student or local pastor, work through that District

□ Request and attend annual recertification interview with dCOM

□ Submit transcript to District office annually

□ Initiate and maintain regular contact with your certified mentor.

□ Begin or continue and complete undergraduate and theological education

□ Complete bachelor’s degree from a college or university recognized by UM University Senate (www.gbhem.org) (¶ 324.3)

□ If a deacon candidate, complete master of divinity degree or master’s degree from a graduate theological school recognized by UM University Senate (www.gbhem.org) or master’s degree in area of specialty (¶ 330.3) or alternative route per ¶ 324.5.

□ If an elder candidate, complete master of divinity degree recognized by UM University Senate (www.gbhem.org) (¶ 335.3.b)

□ Complete courses in United Methodist Doctrine, History, and Polity before Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) interviews for commissioning, which take place in January prior to May commissioning (BOM policy as of April 1990)

□ Complete no more than two thirds (2/3) of academic hours required for Master of Divinity or any equivalent degree in long-distance or on-line learning

□ Complete (or plan to complete by May of the following year) all educational require-

ments prior to requesting recommendation for commissioning (BOM policy as of Octo-

ber 2008)

NOTE: The Texas Annual Conference requires one seminary homiletics course before being ordained (see Provisional Member Checklist)

□ Prepare for commissioning and provisional membership

□ Complete at least one year and no more than twelve years as a certified candidate(from date of certification to date of commissioning) and demonstrate gifts of service and leadership

□ Request recommendation for commissioning interview with dCOM (May 5th)

□ Prepare for dCOM recommendation interview with mentor

□ Answer Disciplinary questions (¶ 324.9.a through p); review with mentor; send to District

□ Review mentor’s recommendation letter; arrange for mentor to send recommenda-tion letter directly to District office and dCOM Registrar prior to dCOM recommendation interview; and directly to BOM Registrar by 5:00 pm on December 1

□ Ask about other District requirements

□ Attend dCOM recommendation interview (July/August); take current transcript(s), mentor’s

Certified Candidate Checklist


recommendation letter, and a copy of your answers to the Disciplinary questions (¶ 324.9)

□ 3/4 Written vote required (¶ 324.10)

□ If recommended by dCOM to proceed to Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) for commissioning in-terviews, access on-line commissioning requirements at www.txcumc.org and prepare for BOM triad and interviews. Reserve the last two Mondays and Tuesdays in January to meet with BOM until you receive specific dates for interviews.

□ Prepare for BOM recommendation for commissioning triad and interviews

□ Arrange for the following information to be sent directly to BOM Registrar by 5:00 pm December 1

□ Complete “Part 1” of “Medical Report of Ministerial Candidate” (Form 103); make an appointment with your physician for a basic medical exam; arrange for physi-cian to complete “Part 2”; arrange for physician to send completed report directly

□ Contact all colleges, universities, and theological schools you have attended and arrange for them to send all official undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate transcripts directly (¶ 324.3, 4, and 7)

□ Arrange for Form 109 “Theological School Recommendation” to be completed by two persons on seminary staff and delivered directly

□ BOM Registrar sends a request to the Cabinet for a written evaluation and/or rec-ommendation of the candidate. Reports will be sent directly to the BOM Registrar.

□ Complete and send the following forms directly to BOM Psychological Chairperson by 4:00 pm October 22□ “Consent to Perform Criminal History and Background Check” form

□ “Authorization for Release of Records and Waiver of Confidentiality” form

□ Contact approved psychological testing center. Arrange with testing center to complete forms; take assessments; and return for follow up interview in person. Report will be sent directly to BOM Psychological Chairperson.

□ Complete the following; send to BOM Registrar by 5:00 pm December 6

□ Copy of valid Driver’s License

□ Forms

□ Form 102 “Personal Data Inventory”

□ Form 105 “Application for Clergy Relationship to the Annual Conference”

□ Form 114 “Candidate’s Disclosure Form”(notarized)

□ Original Work



□ Autobiographical statement (1 page, single spaced) regarding age,health, family status, Christian experience, call to ministry, educationalrecord, formative Christian experiences, and plans for service in theChurch (¶ 324.13)

□ Written responses to Disciplinary Questions (¶ 324.9.a through p) (Typequestions; double space answers)

□ Design a six to eight week Bible study as specified by Board ofMinistry. Write an outline and plan for teaching including:

□ Teaching goals clearly stated

□ Description of teaching method

□ Description of arrangement of teaching environment

□ Broad outline of entire study

□ Detailed teaching plans of two sessions

□ List of all resources used

□ Preach a sermon

□ during October, November or December of the year prior toyour BOM interview

□ in a worship setting

□ based on one of the lectionary texts for that week (see UMBook of Worship, official UM programming calendar, or http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/)

□ prepare and submit the written manuscript

□ provide a video or audio recording of thesermon (DVD video preferred)

□ submit a copy of the worship bulletin

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted.

□ Meet with your triad. Three members of the BOM—a “triad”--will read and evaluate the infor-mation you submitted to the CM. Before your commissioning interviews with the BOM in lateJanuary, the triad will contact you to arrange a meeting and meet with you to discuss your pa-pers and help you prepare for the interviews.

□ Prepare for BOM commissioning interviews. One of the BOM Vice Chairpersons will con-tact you with your interview date and time. Review your responses to the Disciplinary questions;act on advice from your triad; and be prepared to clearly and concisely express your readinessfor ministry.

□ Attend BOM commissioning interviews. You will be briefly introduced to the large (70+)Board of Ordained Ministry, then accompanied to your interview by your triad convener ormentor.

□ Requires 2/3 written vote of the BOM (¶ 324.14)



□ If recommended for commissioning and provisional membership by the BOM, ask your DistrictSuperintendent for an Episcopal appointment.

□ If appointed (as of June), you will be commissioned during annual conference (May/June). At-tend the summer Residency Program Orientation Retreat. You will be assigned to a mentor andgroup. Complete two years as a provisional member prior to requesting ordination as a deaconor elder.

□ If recommended for commissioning and provisional membership by the BOM but not appointed,you will receive a BOM mentor to help you consider your options. You will be commissionedduring the next annual conference (May/June) if appointed.



□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all worksubmitted

□ Complete Conference theological education requirements if necessary

□ Complete one seminary course in homiletics.

□ Complete two years full-time service (from date of commissioning to date of ordination)under Episcopal appointment following completion of theological education

□ Establish a lay consultation team (LCT) from your local church of 4 to 7 persons bySeptember 1 of first year

□ The BOM will assign a Residency Effectiveness Team (RET) made up of your districtsuperintendent, two members of the BOM, an ordained clergy, and a lay consultationteam representative

□ Attend Residency Program Orientation Retreat, during which Covenant Groups andMentors are introduced.

□ Continue meeting with Residency Covenant Group and Mentor throughout two years ofresidency (a minimum of 6 sessions total: 4 in the first year, 2 in the second year)

□ Learn more about yourself and others through a Birkman assessment and coachingsession during one group session

Participate in a mission trip sponsored by the Cabinet

□ Access on-line ordination and full membership requirements and prepare forBOM triad and interviews. Reserve the third, fourth, and fifth Mondays and Tuesdaysin March to meet with BOM until you receive specific dates for interviews.

□ Request letters of recommendation (check with BOM Registrar for deadlines)

□ from your Senior Pastor (if you serve as an associate)arrange to be sent directly to BOM Registrar

□ from your Mentor; arrange to be sent directly to BOM Registrar

□ BOM Registrar will request a recommendation letter from the Cabinet. The letter will besent directly to the BOM Registrar.

□ Prepare for BOM ordination and full membership interviews with mentor

□ Write first draft of answers to Disciplinary questions (deacons answer Discipline ¶330.5.a, b, and c; elders answer Discipline ¶ 335.7.a, b, and c); review with mentor

□ Complete any other specific written recommendations or requirements you receivedfrom BOM during or following commissioning and provisional membership interviews

□ Arrange for the following information to be sent directly to BOM Registrar

□ Complete “Part 1” of “Medical Report of Ministerial Candidate” (Form 103);make an appointment with your physician for a basic medical exam; arrange forphysician to complete “Part 2”; arrange for physician to send completed reportdirectly to BOM Registrar

Provisional Member Checklist


□ Contact all colleges, universities, and theological schools you have attended and arrange for them to send all official undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate transcripts directly to BOM Registrar

□ Complete and send the following forms directly to BOM Candidacy Manager

□ “Consent to Perform Criminal History and Background Check” form

□ “Authorization for Release of Records and Waiver of Confidentiality” form

□ If Psychological Assessment is required, you will be contacted by the BOM Candidacy Manager with instructions. Report will be sent directly to BOM Psychological Chairperson.

□ Complete the following; send to BOM Registrar

□ Copy of valid Driver’s License

□ Forms

□ Form 105 “Application for Clergy Relationship to the Annual Confer-ence”

□ Form 114 “Candidate’s Disclosure Form” (notarized)

□ Original Work

□ Written responses to Disciplinary Questions (deacons answer Discipline ¶ 330.5.a, b, and c; elders answer Discipline ¶ 335.7.a, b, and c); Type questions; double space answers

□ Design a six to eight week Bible study as specified by the Board of Or-dained Ministry. Write an outline and plan for teaching that includes

□ Teaching goals clearly stated

□ Description of teaching method

□ Description of arrangement of teaching environment

□ Broad outline of entire study

□ Detailed teaching plans of two sessions

□ List of all resources used

□ Preach one sermon for evaluation by resident effectiveness team [RET] in years 1 and 2

□ in a worship setting

□ based on one of the lectionary texts for that week (see UM Book of Worship, official UM programming calendar, or http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/)

□ prepare and submit the written manuscript

□ provide a video or audio recording of the sermon (DVD video preferred)

□ submit a copy of the worship bulletin


3 Updated: July 20, 2018

□ Present a project that demonstrates fruitfulness in carrying outthe church’s mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for theTransformation of the World” (¶ 330.4(5) - Deacon; ¶ 335.7 - Elder)

□ Meet with the Resident Effectiveness Team [RET] at your ministry site.

□ In the fall of year one: Interviews RET and senior pastor. Develop growth plan.

□ In the spring of the second year: Interviews with RET and senior pastor. Review ofdisciplinary questions, project, growth plan.

□ Prepare for BOM ordination and full membership interviews. One of the BOM ViceChairpersons will contact you with your interview date and time. Review your responses to theDisciplinary questions; act on advice from your RET; and be prepared to clearly and conciselyexpress your effectiveness in ministry.

□ Attend BOM ordination and full membership interviews. You will be briefly introducedto the large (70+) Board of Ordained Ministry and accompanied to your interview by your RETteam convener and/or mentor.

□ 2/3 written vote required (¶ 335)

□ If recommended for ordination and full membership by the BOM and approved by theclergy session of annual conference, you will be ordained during annual conference(May/June).


Updated 4/9/2018

Steps Actions Deadlines

Time to Complete (after step 2): 3 to 14 Months Inquiring Candidate

Home Church Pastor

District Superintendent

orDistrict A A

Candidacy Manager

dCOM Chair

Exploring Mentor

Exploring Mentor Chair

INQUIRING CANDIDATEROAD MAP

1 Perceive a call to ministry X2 Member of a UMC or approved UM ministry for 1 year X3 Contact home church pastor X4

Read & discuss with a guide: Answering God's Call for your Life, Christian as Minister, or Ministry Inquiry Process (available from Cokesbury)

X

5 Complete Pastor Discernment Tool & Submit to District Office (eff.6/1/15) x6 Write & send letter to District Superintendent X7 Interview & approve candidate. Complete District Superintendent

Discernment Tool (eff. 6/1/15) X

8

Candidacy Summit Registration sent to Candidacy & Recruitment Assistant :a. Candidate completes formb. DS signature requiredc. $100.00 for Psychological Testing

by June 1 X X

9Register with GBHEM:a. Requires DS approvalb. Exploring Mentor Chair is the assigned mentor

X X X

10 "Sign" e-mail notice from GBHEM X

11 Candidacy Fee ($45.00) sent to GBHEM: electronic check or credit card X

12

Summit forms completed:a. Personal Data Inventoryb. Personal Reference Formc. Notarized disclosure (Form 114)d. Notarized background check

X X

13 Answer The Call sent from GBHEM X14 List of Summit candidates to Exploring Mentor Chair by June 5 X15 Create groups of Summit candidates & Exploring Mentors by June 15 X16 Approval of Exploring Mentor group assignments X

17 Summit information to Inquiring Candidates registered for Candidacy Summit

1 Month Prior to

Candidacy Summit

X

18Attend Candidacy Summit; candidate brings:a) Completed forms (Step 16)b) Answer The Call

July / Aug X X X X

Actions Performed By

Updated 4/9/2018


Time to Complete: Maximum - 2 Years

Exploring Candidate

Exploring Mentor

Exploring Mentor Chair

Home Church Pastor

Home Church

DistrictSuperintendent

orDistrict A A

dCOM Chair

dCOM Registrar

Candidacy Manager

EXPLORING CANDIDATEROAD MAP

1 Attend Candidacy Summit July / Aug X X X X - Superintendent

2 2 scheduled meetings (conference call, IM, chat room, video conf., etc.) Fall X X

3 Prepare for SPRC & Charge Conference interviews; cf. Fulfilling God's Call Sec. 3 By Jan. 31 X X

4 Contact home church pastor for SPRC interview & Charge Conference By Jan. 31 X5 Write recommendation letter for Certification candidates By Jan. 31 X

6

Final meeting in person:a. Discuss ministry trackb. Discuss letter of recommendationc. Make & sign 2 copies

By Jan. 31 X X

7 Prepare for dCOM Interviews Book of Discipline ¶ 310.2a (or Page 128ff in Fulfilling God's Call ). X X

8 E-mail responses to Book of Discipline (Step 7) to District Office By Feb. 28 X9 Signed recommendation letter (final draft) sent to District Office (1 copy) By Feb. 28 X

10 SPRC interview (Discipline ¶310; written: 310.2a). Use SPRC Discernment Tool - send completed tool to dCOM. (eff. 6/1/15) By Feb. 28 X X X

11 Charge Conference votes on Candidate By Feb. 28 X X X12 Certification interviews scheduled & candidates notified By Feb 15 X X X13 Exploring Mentors notified of interview dates & times March 1 - 15 X14 dCOM interviews held (give consideration to students & school breaks) March 15 -

April 14 X X X

15 dCOM Action Report forms to Candidacy & Recruitment Assistant X X17 GBHEM records update X18 Continued Exploring Candidates re-assigned to Exploring Mentors X19 Contact Exploring candidates not certified after 2 years X X20 Certified Candidates' names to Certified Mentor Chair by Apr. 21 X

If dCOM Votes to

Delay

Exploring Candidates Continued before Certification Work Through Recommendations / Requirements from dCOM.

Time Assigned X X X X


Updated 4/9/2018


Time to Complete: Minimum - 1 Year Maximum - 12 Years

Certified Candidate

Certified Mentor

Certified Mentor Chair


orDistrict A A

dCOM Chair

dCOM Registrar

BOM Registrar

Board of

Ministry

RCG Mentor

Candidacy Manager

CERTIFIED CANDIDATEROAD MAP

All Certified Candidates1 Contact Certified Candidate Quarterly X2 One-on-one meeting Annually X X

3 Yearly re-certification interview Spring / Annually X X X X X

4Students in UM-Approved seminary complete & return Scholarship application (form online at http://www.txcumc.org)

Fall and/or Spring Annually

X

5 Scholarship information received & sent to BOM Scholarship Chair

Fall and/or Spring Annually

X

Certified Candidates Seeking Commissioning:a . Certified for minimum 1 calendar yearb . Completed or completing seminary degreec . Complete Tx Conf. requirements, incl. UM History, Doctrine & Polityd. Deacon Candidates: Deacon's Provisional Retreat . See GBHEM on "Contacts" Page

X

6Contact dCOM Registrar in writing:a) Request interview with dCOMb) Submit transcript

5-May X

7 Notification of interviews in writing to Certified Candidates by June 14 X

8 Submit to dCOM answers to Book of Discipline ¶ 324.9.a thru p X

9 Review Disciplinary questions with Certified Mentor Summer X10 Meet with dCOM by Aug 31 X X X X11 Notify BOM Registrar by Sept 30 X X

12

Packets available for download by Certified Candidates, requiring:a. Background Checkb. Credit Reportc. Statement of Healthd. Sermon & Bible Study

by Oct 15 X X

13 Certified Candidate arranges to record sermon Fall X14 Arrange psychological testing with Candidacy Manager Fall X15 Phone call to confirm download of packet by Certified

Candidates by Oct 31 X

16 Walk through packets with Certified Candidate by Nov 15 X17 Request rec. letter from District Superintendent Nov X18 Letter of Recommendation sent to BOM Registrar By Dec 1 X X

19 Completed packets returned to BOM Registrar via email By Dec 1 X20 Certified Candidate Triad by Jan 15 X X

21 Certified Candidate interviews for Commissioning January X X

22 Approved Certified Candidates reported to Residency Chair April X X


Updated 4/9/2018


Time to Complete: Minimum - 1 Year Maximum - 12 Years

Certified Candidate

Certified Mentor

Certified Mentor Chair


orDistrict A A

dCOM Chair

dCOM Registrar

BOM Registrar

Board of

Ministry

RCG Mentor

Candidacy Manager

CERTIFIED CANDIDATEROAD MAP


23 Residency groups created April / May X

24 Certified Candidates are Commissioned Annual Conference X X

If Not Appt

Certfied Candidates Recommended for Commissioning are mentored by BOM

Until appointed X

If BOM Votes

to Continu

e

Certfied Candidates continued by BOM Work Through Recommendations / Requirements From BOM 1 Year X X X

Updated 4/9/2018


Time to Complete: Full Time - 8 Years Part Time - 12 Yrs.

District Superintendentor

District AA

Center for Clergy Excellence

dCOM Chair

dCOM Registrar Local Pastor Clergy

MentorClergy

Mentor ChairCertified

Mentor Chair

LOCAL PASTORROAD MAP

All New Local Pastors

1 Approved Certified Candidates' Names to Dean of College & Clergy Mentor Chair April X X X

2 Local Pastors Assigned to Clergy Mentor by May 1 X3 Contact Local Pastors May X

4 Attend Licensing School X5 Quarterly Updates X X

All Continuing Local Pastors1 Quarterly Updates X X

2

Continue Educational Requirements:a. Undergraduate Degree orb. 4 Courses in COS orc. Correspondence

Annually X3 Assessment Prepared & Reviewed March /

Annually X X

4 Assessment Sent to District Office March / Annually X

5 Contact in District Office for Continuation 15-Apr X6 Continuation Review (Bring Local Pastor

License) April / May X X X X8 Contiunation Forms Evaluated X X X

Local Pastors Not Under Appointment Are Mentored as Certified Candidates X

Local Pastors Seeking Commissioning

Requirements:a. Complete Seminary orb. Complete Advanced Course of Study

X1 Follow Steps 6 - 24 Under "Certified

Candidates Seeking Commissioning"


Updated 4/9/2018


Time to Complete: 2 YearsProvisional

Elder & Deacon(Post Seminary)

RCG Mentor

RCG Mentor Chair

Board of Ministry

BOM Registrar

Time Required

RESIDENCYROAD MAP

Revised 3/25/2015 First Year - 1 Orientation Event X X

4 Personal Interviews X X

5 Birkman Assessment and coaching X x

6 Four Meetings of Covenant Group X X

8 4 Meetings with the Lay Consultation Team (LCT) X9 Meet with the Residency Effective Team (RET) X

Second Year - 10 Annual Conference May X13 Provisional Member Mission Trip with The Cabinet X15 Personal Interviews X X

16 Two Meetings of Covenant Group X X

17 Mid-Course Ministry Setting - Visit & Report X X18 Notify BOM Registrar 30-Sep X

19 Full Membership & Ordination Packets available to download 15-Oct X

20 Arrange to record sermon Fall X21 Arrange Psychological Assessment: Candidacy

Manager (if required) Fall X22 Contents of Packet Reviewed Oct X X

23 Request Recommendation from District Superintendent Nov X

24DEACON Candidates:Completed packet returned via email/mail to BOM Registrar: Discipline ¶ 330.4. a & b Jan

X

25ELDER Candidates:Completed packet returned via email/mail to BOM Registrar: Discipline ¶ 335.a & b Jan

X26 Meet with the Residency Effective Team Dec / Jan X X

27 BOM Interviews Mar X X

28 Election & Ordination Annual Conf. X X

29 Spiritual Retreat X

If BOM Votes to Continue

Provisional Elders & Deacons Continued to Complete Recommendations / Requirements from BOM 1 Year

X X X X

Page 1 Updated November 2019

Office Title First Last E-mail Work Phone Address City State Zip

Candidacy & Recruitment Assistant Ms. Ivana Wilson [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752

Interim Director Rev. Morris Matthis [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752Administrative Assistant Mrs. Nancy Slade [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752Associate Director Rev. Elizabeth Duffin [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752

Dean Rev. Meredith Mills [email protected] (979) 221-8509 2215 Lady Leslie Lane Pearland TX 77581-4541Exploring Mentor - Chair Rev. Kenneth Levingston [email protected] (713) 733-4630 2504 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston TX 77047-4512Certified Mentor - Chair Rev. Rita Sims [email protected] (254) 375-2426 PO Box 26 Kosse TX 76653-0026Residency Mentor - Chair Rev. Brandi Horton [email protected] (713) 782-9046 1320 Main Street Houston TX 77002-6803Clergy Mentor - Chair Rev. Lorraine Brown [email protected] (281) 337-6036 2205 Avenue G Dickinson TX 77539-3513

Superintendent Rev. Kip Gilts [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029Administrative Assistant Miss Gabriela Lopez [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029Administrative Assistant Mrs. Pat Travers [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029DCOM Chair Rev. Andrew Payne [email protected] (832) 771-0227 14303 W Lake Houston Pkwy Houston TX 77044-1421DCOM Registrar Mrs. Pat Travers [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Mary Tumulty [email protected] (713) 302-9131 30 Rolling Stone Pl. The Woodlands TX 77381-6527

Superintendent Dr. Jesse Brannen [email protected] (713) 222-0117 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025District Administrator Ms. Marylyn Green [email protected] (832) 755-9261 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025Administrative Assistant Ms. Sharon Krowl [email protected] (281) 793-1207 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025Administrative Assistant Ms. Margo Varro [email protected] (281) 300-9586 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025DCOM Chair Rev. Hannah Terry [email protected] (832) 910-2637 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston TX 77096DCOM Registrar Ms. Marylyn Green [email protected] (832) 755-9261 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025DCOM Psychological Officer Mr. Lee Newick [email protected] (713) 264-3064 3765 Tangley Road Houston TX 77005

Superintendent Rev. Richard White [email protected] (936) 899-7383 1507 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin TX 75904-9998Administrative Assistant Mrs. Claudine Kindred [email protected] (936) 899-7383 1507 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin TX 75904-9998Administrative Assistant Mrs. Vonnie Johnson [email protected] (936) 899-7383 1507 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin TX 75904-9998DCOM Chair Rev. Amanda Davis [email protected] (409) 283-2471 P.O. Box 698 Woodville TX 75979-0698DCOM Registrar Rev. Karen Jones [email protected] (936) 598-2707 211 Porter St. Center TX 75935-3831DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Tom Teekell [email protected] (936) 564-7257 PO Box 4609 SFASU Nacogdoches TX 75962-0001

Superintendent Rev. Chuck Huffman [email protected] (903) 758-7003 1101 Pine Tree Road Longview TX 75604Administrative Assistant - Longview Ms. Anna Rohde [email protected] (903) 758-7003 1101 Pine Tree Road Longview TX 75604Administrative Assistant - Texarkana Ms. Lonna Nunn [email protected] (903) 794-6231 4008 Moores Ln Texarkana TX 75503-2158DCOM Chair Rev. Patrick Evans [email protected] (903) 793-1116 6203 N Kings Hwy. Texarkana TX 75503DCOM Registrar Ms. Anna Rohde [email protected] (903) 758-7003 1101 Pine Tree Road Longview TX 75604DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Brian Brooks [email protected] (903) 660-3216 P.O.Box 365 Hallsville TX 75650

Superintendent Rev. Marlin Fenn [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131Administrative Assistant Ms. Martie Belt [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131Administrative Assistant Mrs. Susan Brannen [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131DCOM Chair Rev. Jason Smith [email protected] (903) 675-5161 225 Lovers Lane Athens TX 75751DCOM Registrar Ms. Martie Belt [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131DCOM Psychological Officer Mr. Michael Peschke [email protected] (832) 594-8933 15622 Regian Dr. Lindale TX 75771

Superintendent Rev. Vincent Harris [email protected] (281) 998-8993 1062 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena TX 77504-2904Administrative Assistant Ms. Eva Layton [email protected] (281) 998-8993 1062 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena TX 77504-2904DCOM Chair Rev. Mireya Martinez [email protected] (281) 487-8787 1062 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena TX 77504-2904DCOM Registrar Ms. Eva Layton [email protected] (281) 998-8993 1062 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena TX 77504-2904DCOM Psychological Officer Dr. Peter Cammarano [email protected] (979) 297-7991 300 Willow Dr. Lake Jackson TX 77566-4719

Important Contacts

East District

North District

Northwest District

South District

Southeast District

Central South District

Board of Ordained Ministry

Center for Clergy Excellence

College of Mentors

Central North District

mailto:[email protected]








































Page 2 Updated November 2019

Office Title First Last E-mail Work Phone Address City State Zip

Important Contacts

Superintendent Rev. Alicia Coltzer-Besser [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004Administrative Assistant Ms. Timolin Colbert [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004Administrative Assistant Mrs. Paula Davis [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004DCOM Chair Rev. Mark Bunch [email protected] (409) 883-2611 402 W. John Ave. Orange TX 77630-4057DCOM Registrar Ms. Timolin Colbert [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Jon Stouffer [email protected] (936) 776-0575 701 Calder St Beaumont TX 77701-2306

Superintendent Rev. Tony Vinson [email protected] (281) 499-3700 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859Administrative Assistant Mrs. Claire Kincannon [email protected] (281) 499-3700 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lori Benjamin [email protected] (281) 499-3700 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859DCOM Chair Rev. Marty Vershel [email protected] (281) 499-3502 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859DCOM Registrar Rev. Kenny Carter [email protected] (281) 221-5748 34 Fulton Dr N Alvin TX 77511DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Leo Tyler [email protected] / [email protected] (281) 507-1531 20775 Kingsland Blvd. Katy TX 77450-2706

Superintendent Rev. Wanda Bess [email protected] (979) 696-8962 PO Box 9890 College Station TX 77842Administrative Assistant Ms. Debbie Keim [email protected] (979) 696-8962 PO Box 9890 College Station TX 77845Administrative Assistant Mrs. Azalea Andrade [email protected] (979) 696-8962 PO Box 9890 College Station TX 77845DCOM Chair Rev. Katy Ware Haislet [email protected] (979) 846-8731 417 University Drive College Station TX 77840-1375DCOM Registrar Rev. Samuel Cutrone [email protected] (979) 589-2793 5298 Alexander Cemetery Rd Bryan TX 77808-8800DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Tommy Myrick [email protected] (979) 690-4673 4201 State Highway 6 South College Station TX 77845-8967

Chair Rev. Jeff McDonald [email protected] (713) 528-0527 5501 Main Street Houston TX 77004-6917Registrar Rev. Linda Christians [email protected] (713) 622-5710 PO Box 22013 Houston TX 77227-2013Vice-Chair Elders Rev. Deborah Proctor [email protected] (281) 852-1000 19325 Pinehurst Trail Dr Humble TX 77346-2244Vice-Chair Deacons Rev. DeAndre Johnson [email protected] (281) 980-6888 3300 Austin Pkwy Sugar Land TX 77479-2714Order of Elders Rev. Todd Jordan [email protected] (281) 360-4500 5629 Kingwood Dr. Kingwood TX 77345-2625Order of Deacons Rev. Hannah Terry [email protected] (832) 910-2637 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston TX 77096-5219Fellowship of Local Pastors Rev. Irv White [email protected] (713) 723-8187 6011 W. Orem Dr. Houston TX 77085-1273Psychological Rev. Melissa Maher [email protected] (713) 354-4401 11140 Greenbay Street Houston TX 77024Scholarships Rev. Nathan Hodge [email protected] (936) 856-2233 PO Box 315 Willis TX 77378-0315dCOM Trainer Rev. David Brasher [email protected] (903) 894-6762 PO Box 152 Bullard TX 75757-0152

www.gbhem.org (615) 340-7400 PO Box 340007 Nashville TN 37203-0007

www.cokesbury.com (800) 409-5346

West District

TX Conference Board of Ministry

General Board of Higher Education & Ministry

Cokesbury

Southwest District
























http://www.cokesbury.com/

Ministry of DEACONS

Ordained to Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice

Deacons are ordained clergy who lead the people of God through ministries of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Some deacons serve congregations in ministries of Christian education, music, outreach, administration, or pastoral care. Some deacons serve outside the church in such ministries as social-service organizations, schools, legal services, or as chaplains.

Ordination and Leadership

Ordained ministers are leaders who are set apart in ministries that represent God’s love. Ordination is a lifetime covenantal relationship that includes mutual care and accountability. It is founded in the sacrament of baptism, through which all Christians are called into service. Deacons are ordained into this lifetime relationship.

The office of the deacon dates back to New Testament times. The word “deacon” carries the meaning of “servant” and “messenger.” A deacon’s work includes ministries of compassion and justice and leading the faithful in these ministries. United Methodist deacons are appointed to their places of ministry. They typically find their place of service and request appointment from the bishop.

In the Congregation

In the congregation, deacons help to lead worship and assists the pastor with presiding at the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion. They also preach and teach; raise the congregation’s awareness of the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world; lead outreach ministries; and conduct funerals and weddings. Their ministry in a church includes sending the faithful into ministry outside the church walls.

In the World

Beyond the local congregation, deacons may serve in social service agencies; in church-related schools, institutions, agencies, and in places where people are hungry to know a loving God. While many of these ministries can be performed by lay people, the ordained are distinct in their accountable relationship to the church, their representative ministry (representing service to the church and the church to the world), their leadership, and their lifetime commitment to this relationship. Deacons serving beyond the local church also have a “secondary appointment” to a congregation, connecting the church to the needs of the world.

First Steps – Deacon

• Read and discuss The Christian as Minister with a clergyperson or candidacy mentor. This book is available for purchase at www.Cokesbury.com.

• Contact a pastor, an elder, a deacon, or the district superintendent to inquire about admission into the candidacy process. The district superintendent invites applicants to enroll in the candidacy process.

• Participate in a candidacy mentoring group or meet with a candidacy mentor (as assigned by the annual conference)

to study Answering the Call: Candidacy Guidebook and refine your call to ministry.

Becoming a Certified Candidate – Deacon (¶310)

• Be a member of the UMC or active in a United Methodist ministry setting for a minimum of one year.

• Register online in the Candidacy Application System and pay the candidacy application fee.

• Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) to discuss your call to ordained ministry, and complete all required steps to become a certified candidate as listed in ¶¶310-314 and determined by

the annual conference.

Educational Requirements and Academic Qualifications – Deacon (¶324)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Bachelor’s degree (some exceptions apply) from an approved institution.

• Graduate degree options include:

– Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate- approved seminary or other master’s degree from a University Senate-approved seminary

– Master’s degree in an area of specialization and completion of Basic Graduate Theological Studies

• Alternative education available for candidates over 35 years old includes a bachelor’s degree, United Methodist Certification

in Professional Ministry, and basic Graduate Theological Studies.

The candidacy process is listed in ¶¶310-314 in The Book of Discipline.

The ministry of the Deacon is described in ¶¶328-331 in The Book of Discipline.

Visit www.gbhem.org/deacons for more information.

Telephone: 615-340-7375 • E-mail: [email protected]

Continuing Steps – Deacon

• Demonstrate gifts for ministries of compassion, justice, and leadership to the satisfaction of the dCOM.

• Complete application requirements including health certificate, background checks, written theological exam, and autobiographical statement.

• Interview first with the dCOM and then with the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) to be recommended for commissioning.

• Receive Clergy Session approval for election to provisional membership, followed with commissioning by a bishop.

• After successfully completing the requirements of provisional membership, apply for recommendation by the BOM and approval by the Clergy Executive Session for ordination and full membership.

• Be ordained by a bishop.

Ministry of ELDERS

Ordained to Word, Sacrament, Order,and Service

Elders lead and serve the Church in the ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service. Elders’ primary responsibilities are communicating the faith and proclaiming God’s Word through preaching and teaching. Elders administer the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion and order the Church’s ministry. Most elders serve as pastors in charge of local congregations. However, elders may also serve in a variety of extension ministry (¶343) settings (such as chaplaincy or pastoral counseling). Bishops and district superintendents are chosen from among the elders, because the ordering of ministry and administering the Discipline are elders’ responsibilities.

Service

Ordained ministry is rooted in servant leadership. As servant leaders, elders embody Jesus’s teaching. For John Wesley, this meant refusing the limitations of parish boundaries and claiming the world as his parish. Today, elders lead in service by organizing the Church for its mission and service in the world. Through prophetic preaching, biblical interpretation, sacramental administration, theological reflection, and organizing the Church for ministry, elders equip Christians for their ministry of service in the world. Elders appointed to extension ministries (e.g., chaplaincy, counseling, campus ministry, and education) also carry out this task. Wherever appointed, elders carry their vows of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service as ordained representatives of Christ’s church.

Itinerant Clergy

In more than 230 years of Methodism, the elders’ distinguishing mark has been their willingness to offer themselves “without reserve to be appointed and to serve” (¶333). Elders commit to full-time, itinerant service in the Church under the bishop’s authority. Through itineracy, the Church also assures pastoral leadership for every local congregation.

Elders who are in good standing and continue to fulfill their professional responsibilities are continued under appointment unless they are on leave and are assured equitable compensation for their ministry.

Elder as Pastor in Charge

Elders oversee the local church’s ministry as it fulfills its mission of service and witness in the world. This includes administrative oversight, evangelistic leadership, programmatic planning, spiritual nurturing, and pastoral care in the congregation. The pastor sets the vision and direction of the congregation for its witness in the world and leads the church in worship and liturgical life.

First Steps – Elder





Becoming a Certified Candidate – Elder (¶310)



• Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) to discuss your call to ordained ministry, and complete all required steps to become a certified candidate as listed in ¶¶310-314 and determined by


Educational Requirements and Academic Qualifications – Elder (¶324)


• Bachelor’s degree (some exceptions apply) from an approved institution.

• Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate-approved seminary or completion of the Basic and Advanced Course of Study.


The ministry of the Elder is described in ¶¶332-340 in The Book of Discipline.

Visit www.gbhem.org/elders for more information.


Continuing Steps – Elder

• Demonstrate gifts for ministries of service and leadership to the satisfaction of the dCOM.

• Complete application requirements including health certificate, background checks, written theological exam, and autobiographical statement.

• Interview first with the dCOM and then with the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) to be recommended for commissioning.

• Receive Clergy Session approval for election to provisional membership, followed with commissioning by a bishop.

• After successfully completing the requirements of provisional membership, apply for recommendation by the BOM, and approval by the Clergy Session for ordination and full membership.

• Be ordained by a bishop.

Ministry of LOCAL PASTORS

Licensed to Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service

A local pastor answers God’s call by serving a local congregation or extension ministry. When appointed, the local pastor performs the pastor’s duties, including preaching and teaching; leading in worship and liturgy; receiving new members; performing the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion; and the services of marriage (where state laws allow), burial, and confirmation. The local pastor’s authority is limited to the appointment setting. The local pastor is not ordained and serves by virtue of a license for pastoral ministry after completing certified candidacy, licensing school, and annual conference requirements. Local pastors are clergy members of the annual conference.

Licensed to Order the Life of the Congregation(s)

The local pastor oversees the Church’s ministry to fulfill its mission of witness and service in the world where appointed. The local pastor gives pastoral support and guidance and trains lay leadership to fulfill their ministries. The local pastor has administrative oversight of the charge and supervises the programs of the congregation(s) he or she serves.

Local Pastor Relationships

The local pastor is supervised by a district superintendent and bishop and meets regularly with a clergy mentor and the district Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) for annual approval to serve. Local pastors receive theological education through the Course of Study each year. After completion of the Course of Study, a local pastor may complete the Advanced Course of Study to pursue provisional membership. Along with associate members, they participate in the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members for ongoing peer support while in ministry.

Students Appointed as Local Pastors

Students who are enrolled in pre-theological or theological studies in a college, university, or school of theology listed by the University Senate may be appointed as local pastors. Students may be appointed to serve either in the annual conference where their certification is held or in another annual conference where they attend school (¶318.3).

First Steps – Local Pastor





Becoming a Certified Candidate – Local Pastor (¶310)



• Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) to discuss your call to licensed ministry, and complete all required steps to become a certified candidate as listed in ¶¶310-314 and determined by


Educational Requirements and Academic Qualifications – Local Pastor (¶¶315, 319)


• Licensing school or completion of one-third of a Master of Divinity degree at a school of theology listed by the University Senate.

• Basic Course of Study–A prescribed course of theological education for Local Pastors that is designed to last five years.

• Advanced Course of Study (optional)–Includes 32 semester hours of graduate theological study which begins

after the Basic Course of Studyis completed.


The ministry of the Local Pastor is described in ¶¶315-323 and ¶340 in The Book of Discipline.

Visit www.gbhem.org/localpastors for more information.


Continuing Steps – Local Pastor

• Annual renewal of the License for Pastoral Ministry through the dCOM with approval by the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) and the Clergy Session.

• Receive appointment from the bishop.

• Local pastors may continue to serve in that capacity after completing Course of Study, or may apply for associate membership after meeting additional requirements.

• Local pastors or associate members may apply for provisional membership after completing Advanced Course of Study and meeting additional

requirements.

Ministry of ENDORSED CLERGY

Ministry Outside Church Walls

Apart from serving God in the local church, ordained or licensed clergy may also be appointed to ministries in specialized settings which extend Christ’s love and justice into the world. These settings are usually institutions with the primary purpose of education, international security, peacekeeping, incarceration, or healthcare in nonprofit and for profit agencies. To serve in these settings, clergy are expected to have ecclesiastical endorsement.

Endorsement is the Church’s process to ensure clergy possess the skills and capabilities needed for a particular setting, and that they are appropriate representatives of the denomination. The Church then endorses those who they affirm to serve in specific ministerial settings.

Chaplaincy and Government Employment

The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects and accommodates the religious beliefs and practices of citizens. When citizens are entrusted to the care of the government (e.g., military, healthcare, prison), their life needs are the state’s responsibility. Chaplains are employed with primary oversight responsibility of religious/spiritual accommodation for these individuals.

The specialized needs of these government settings make ministry challenging. Each requires a chaplain with a strong pastoral care skill set which includes: an understanding of and ability to work with the population; counseling and critical incident stress management; leadership in worship and religious education; and active community outreach. All government settings necessitate the chaplain’s ability to function within structured protocols and government systems.

Healthcare Chaplaincy

Chaplains who serve in healthcare organizations (e.g., hospital, palliative care, hospice) help patients, families, and friends cope with sickness, disability, dying, and death. They work on a team with doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers.

Chaplains assess the patient’s spiritual needs and provide pastoral care for patients, families, and healthcare staff. They frequently conduct worship, offer sacraments, and are involved with critical incident stress management. In addition, healthcare chaplains serve on ethics committees that address complex issues in modern medicine.

Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral counselors have received specialized training to bring together the resources of scripture, faith, and the insights of behavioral science. They serve in counseling centers, healthcare institutions, or on the pastoral staff of a local church. Counselors work with individuals, families, and groups where treatment is integrated within the tradition, beliefs, and resources of the faith community.

Endorsement Settings

of GBHEM’s United Methodist Endorsing Agency

• Children’s Home• Clinical Pastoral Education• General Hospital• Hospice• Life Coach• Marriage and Family• Mental Health • Military (Air Force, Army, Navy)

Requirements for Ecclesiastical Endorsement

(¶331.4; ¶337.3; ¶1421.5)

Those seeking endorsement to a specific setting must meet the following criteria:

1) Local pastor, associate member, provisional deacon or elder, or ordained deacon or elder.

2) Degrees from an accredited college and a University Senate-approved seminary.

3) Additional requirements as specified by the ministry setting.

The Application Process (¶1421.5)

To receive an application, contact the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA). Applicants are responsible for providing materials requested on the application to UMEA:

• Names and addresses of two personal references and your district superintendent. UMEA will contact your bishop for a reference report.

• A succinct life history and statement of your understanding of ministry as it pertains to ministry in the setting for which you are seeking endorsement.

When all materials have been received and requirements met, an interview will be scheduled.

Endorsement DecisionsEndorsement is conferred or denied by the Endorsing Committee which iscomprised of Higher Education and Ministry Board Members.

Visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains for more information.


The Interview

The interviewing committee is made up of endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors. The interview’s purpose is to understand the applicant’s perception of Christian faith as it relates to the desired ministry. Upon completion of the interview, recommendations are made for consideration by the Endorsing Committee. Areas examined include:

1) Moral and emotional stability 2) Self-evaluation 3) Theory of Christian ministry 4) Motivation 5) Continuing education 6) Sense of humor 7) Cooperativeness/diversity

• Pastoral Counseling• Law Enforcement/Prison• Retirement Home• Specialized Settings• Spiritual Direction• Substance Abuse• Veterans Affairs• Workplace

8) Balance 9) Institutional vs. congregational ministry10) Evidence of a pastoral support system

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a

holy nation. God’s own people, in order that you

may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called

you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

— I Peter 2:9

Certified Lay Minister

Book Of Discipline“In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small membership churches, expand team ministry in churches and in deference to an expression of gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and utlilized.” (2012 BOD, ¶271)

Four Major ComponentsThere are four major components to the formation of Certified Lay Ministers:

1. Training2. Supervision3. Support4. Accountability

For additional information and resources for Certified Lay Ministry, please

visit our website at

WWW.GBOD.ORG

The General Board of DiscipleshipPO Box 340003

Nashville, TN 37203

RecertificationThe CLM may be recertified by the dCOM) every two years upon:

• Written application for recertification to the dCOM

• Ministry review by church council or charge conference from the congregation of which he or she is a member (when under assignment, ministry review by church council or charge conference where assigned).

• Satisfactory completion of an approved continuing education event

• Recommendation of DS

(2012 BOD, ¶271.3 and ¶271.4)

Transfer of Certification“A certified lay minister who moves may transfer certification to the new district upon receipt of a letter from the previous District’s Committee on Ordained Ministry confirming current certification.” (2012 BOD, ¶271.5)

AssignmentThe CLM is assigned by the DS to provide lay servant leadership in a ministry or in a church as part of a ministry team. The CLM is accountable to the DS or another ordained or licensed minister appointed to oversee the charge, who will make provision for sacramental ministry and provide guidance and mentoring to the CLM assigned (2012 BOD, ¶205.4).

CLMs are laypersons and as such are not eligible for support by equitable compensation funds

or pension that are provided for clergy members. The local congregation is

encouraged to provide appropriate compensation (2012 BOD, ¶271.6).

Steps to CertificationSTEP 1: LOCAL CHURCH RECOMMENDATIONWritten recommendation of the pastor and supporting vote of the church council or charge conference where he/she holds membership. A CLM must demonstrate appreciation of United Methodist history, doctrine, polity, worship and liturgy through service in the local church.

STEP 2: CERTIFICATION AS A LAY SERVANTBefore becoming a CLM, one must be a certified lay servant or a person with equivalent training as defined by his/her district or conference which includes completion of the BASIC and an advanced Lay Servant Ministries course.

STEP 3: COMPLETE COURSEWORKComplete courses Modules 1-4 for Certified Lay Ministry (or their equivalent as required by the annual conference) and courses relevant to his/her assignment.

STEP 4: DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATIONAfter completion of appropriate screening and assessment, a person requests a letter of recommendation from his/her District Superintendent (DS).

STEP 5: CERTIFICATION BY DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON ORDAINED MINISTRYApply in writing to, and appear before, District Committee on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) for review and approval of certification.

What is a Certified Lay Minister?Laity have long been a part of ministry in Methodism. Lay preachers, exhorters, and class leaders have served the church since its earliest days.

“The certified lay minister is to preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of The United Methodist Church as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person.” (2012 BOD, ¶271.1)

Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) are usually providing ministry in part-time or volunteer roles in a variety of formats:

• in visitation and care ministry• as parish nurse (with appropriate training)• as a small group leader • in preaching ministries• as a missionary or church planter • in smaller new faith communities – that are not

stand-alone parishes; house churches, ethnic fellowships, small faith communities

• in Ethnic Ministries• as Hispanic/Latino Lay Missioners• as a pastor of a small church as part of a

ministry team• on a pastoral team on multi-point charges or

parishes to assist in continuity of leadership• as a pastoral associate in a larger church• multi-cultural or cross-cultural groups by

developing indigenous leadership

For additional information and resources for Lay Servant Ministries, please visit our website at

WWW.GBOD.ORG

The General Board of DiscipleshipPO Box 340003

Nashville, TN 37203

COM381

Time Frame for Completion of Lay Speaker RequirementsTo be determined by each annual conference. There is no time frame indicated in the Book of Discipline.

Renewal and Recertification ProcessThe renewal process for local church lay servants is unchanged from the former local church lay speaker process. The recertification process for certified lay servants also remains the same as that for the former lay speaker process.

Lay Speakers must also complete an advanced course once every three years and in addition must interview with the district committee every three years. The district committee will recommend those who qualify for recertification by the annual conference committee.

Conference Director Title ChangeThe title change from Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries to Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries was ratified by the 2013 annual and central conference sessions.

Lay Servant MinistriesInformational Brochure

LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES AND BEYONDTitles and Requirements Defined

LOCAL CHURCH LAY SERVANTServe primarily in the local congregation

1. Pastor and church council or charge conference approval

2. Completion of the basic course for lay servants3. Submission of report and reapplication annually4. Completion of a refresher course every 3 years

LAY SPEAKERCertified Lay Servant or person, with equivalent training as defined by his or her district or conference, who provides pulpit supply

Required course of study: Lay Servant basic course, leading worship, leading prayer, discovering spiritual gifts, preaching, United Methodist heritage, and United Methodist polity

1. Pastor and charge conference approval2. Completion of the basic course for lay servants3. Completion of required courses for lay speaker4. Interview with District Committee on Lay

Servant Ministries (LSM) or equivalent5. Approval by conference committee on LSM or

equivalent6. Submission of report annually7. Completion of an advanced course every

three years8. Recertification every 3 years (2012 BOD ¶266.6)

CERTIFIED LAY SERVANTLocal Church Lay Servants who have taken an advanced course in LSM; serve in the local congregation and beyond


2. Completion of the basic course for lay servants3. Completion of an advanced course for lay servants4. Submission of report and reapplication

annually5. Completion of an advanced course every

three years

CERTIFIED LAY MINISTERCertified Lay Servant or person, with equivalent training as defined by his or her district or conference, who provides lay servant leadership in a ministry/church as part of a ministry team


2. DS recommendation3. Demonstrated appreciation of UM history,

doctrine, polity, worship and liturgy through service in local church

4. Completion of required course work5. Application in writing to District Committee

on Ordained Ministry (dCOM)6. Appearance before dCOM for review and

approval7. Recertification biannually (2012 BOD ¶271.3)

The New Lay Servant MinistriesIn 2012 the General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. For several quadrennia various name changes were proposed – none of which adequately described the role of this leadership development program.

The term servant was chosen because it best describes what Jesus told his disciples in John 13 after he himself had performed the duties of the lowliest servant. We should be honored to serve as our Lord and Savior did. We are called to live out our discipleship as servants in leadership!

Local Church and Certified Lay ServantsThere is no change in the process of becoming a local church or certified lay servant from the former lay speaker process. There was, however, a role of lay speaker added to the program, which includes specific preparation and accountability processes.

Course AvailabilityAll courses will be available online with the exception of preaching in order to facilitate the process for certified lay servants to meet the lay speaker requirements. Online courses are available at www.BeADisciple.com.

Please check with your conference director of lay servant ministries for more information regarding your annual conference requirements for lay speakers.

Updated December 14, 2017

Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry A few important Conference Policies for Candidates Approved Seminaries In order to be considered for commissioning and probationary/provisional membership which can lead to ordination as an elder and full membership in the Texas Annual Conference, candidates must graduate with “a Master of Divinity degree from a school of theology listed by the University Senate” (Discipline 2016, ¶ 324.4.a, page 245). Deacon candidates must graduate with “a Master of Divinity degree from a school of theology listed by the University Senate, or a master’s degree in an area of specialized ministry” (Discipline 2016, ¶ 324.4.b, page 233). The additional theological requirements must be taken through a University Senate-approved seminary. A list of University Senate-approved seminaries is available on-line at www.gbhem.org. Please note: At this time, Houston Graduate School of Theology and Fuller’s Houston satellite program are not University Senate-approved. Long-distance or On-line Learning No more than two third of academic hours required for the Master of Divinity or any equivalent degree may be taken in long-distance or on-line learning. (CBOM, March 2011) Commissioning as a Deacon or Elder All candidates for commissioning as a deacon or elder and probationary/provisional membership in the Texas Annual Conference shall have completed courses in United Methodist doctrine, history, and polity before they are properly before the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for interviews. (CBOM, April 1990) Auditing is not permitted, but courses taken through Houston Graduate School of Theology or by correspondence are acceptable. All candidates for commissioning as an elder or deacon and probationary/provisional membership in the Texas Annual Conference shall have completed all educational requirements prior to commissioning. (CBOM, October 2008) Candidates recommended by the Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for commissioning as a deacon or elder and probationary/provisional membership must have received an Episcopal appointment prior to commissioning. (CBOM, October 2008) Ordination as an Elder or Deacon All probationary/provisional candidates for ordination as an elder or deacon shall have completed one course in worship and one course in homiletics. (CBOM, October 2015) Sexual Ethics A sexual ethics course is required for all appointed clergy—student local pastors, part and full time local pastors, probationary/provisional members, deacons, and elders—before or within the first year of a first appointment, and once every four years under appointment. To register for a sexual ethics course, go to the Texas Annual Conference website www.txcumc.org or contact Rev. Gail Ford Smith’s office at 713.521.9383. For additional candidacy policies, please consult with your mentor; your District office; your District Committee on Ministry chairperson or registrar; the road map in this binder; and The Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016 (¶ 301–336 or pages 223–271).

http://www.gbhem.org/

http://www.txcumc.org/

Documents

A Simple Guide to CandidacyPastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee interview (¶ 310.1.d) Charge Conference (¶ 310.1.e) - requires 2/3 written ballot approval Pastor will also need