Certification Studies

CERTIFICATION OF QUALIFIED PEOPLE IN

specialized ministries in The United Methodist Church demonstrates a level of competency and standards set by the denomination. These standards include faith formation, academic training and experience, membership in The United Methodist Church, and continuing study in the area of specialization.

The church’s need for individuals who can serve to the best of their ability makes certification by The United Methodist Church increasingly important.

Three Tracks for Certification in The United Methodist Church

• Professional
• Undergraduate
• Paraprofessional

Each track is available in twelve areas of specialized ministry: camp/retreat ministry; children’s ministry, Christian education, collegiate ministry, evangelism, ministry with the poor, ministry with people with disabilities, music ministry, older adult ministry, spiritual formation, urban ministry, and youth ministry.

Certification Requirements

1. Recognized Christian character, personal competence, integrity, and commitment to the church’s total ministry and mission.
2. Ability to relate to people, to work with volunteers and staff and to function with emotional maturity and sound judgment.
3. Demonstrated leadership, ability to integrate theory and practice, an understanding of, and commitment to the church’s ministry.
4. A member of The United Methodist Church for at least one (1) year before enrolling in the certification process. Courtesy certification may be granted to Pan-Methodist members at the approval of GBHEM.
5. Knowledge of The United Methodist Church’s structure, polity, resources, program, and mission.
6. Psychological assessment and background check is required prior to certification.
7. Two years of supervised experience in the specialized area of ministry is required at the time of certification. Supervised experience must be approved by the annual conference BOM and shall be defined as a contractual agreement with supervision, accountability, evaluation, and continuing education.
8. Educational Requirements:
   • A graduate degree (a master’s degree, doctor of ministry, doctorate in theological studies, master of divinity, master of theological studies).The degree must include a concentration in the area of specialization and a course in United Methodist studies (a minimum of 15 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours). The degree must also be from a University Senate-approved seminary or a graduate degree from a United Methodist-related college or university where the DOM has approved the graduate program for certification
     
     OR
   • A Bachelor’s Degree and Graduate Courses – a bachelor’s degree plus five (5) graduate certification courses in the area of specialization including United Methodist studies courses must be taken at a UM Senate approved seminary or from a UM-related college or university where DOM has approved the graduate degree for the fulfillment of the requirements for certification.
9. There should be an expressed commitment to continuing education that includes a planned program to enrich both personal and professional growth. Such a program shall include: 1) reading; 2) study – individual and group learning events; 3) participation in professional, community, denominational, and ecumenical groups; 4) renewal of spiritual life; and 5) evaluation by the immediate supervisor.
10. Be a member of a group or association related to the area of specialization.