Continuing Candidacy

Inquiring Candidate: 2008 Book of Discipline ¶311

1. Contact your pastor, district superintendent (DS), or another deacon or elder
2. Read The Christian as Minister (recommended, not required)
3. Participate in Ministry Inquiry Process (recommended, not required)

Beginning Candidacy: ¶311.1.a-c

1. Member of The United Methodist Church or baptized participant of a recognized United Methodist campus ministry or other United Methodist ministry setting for one (1) year
2. Apply to DS in writing, including statement of call; ask for admission to candidacy program and assignment of a candidacy mentor
3. Complete candidacy online enrollment and $75 payment
4. Complete beginning stages of candidacy with candidacy mentor

Declaring Candidacy: ¶311.1.d, e

1. High school degree or equivalent is required
2. Request interview by Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee or equivalent in your ministry setting; provide statement of call; and responses to disciplinary questions in ¶310
3. Request recommendation by charge conference or equivalent as specified by district committee
4. Continue candidacy program with candidacy mentor and academic requirements

Certified Candidacy: ¶311.2

Completion of the following:

1. Written response to ministry questions in ¶311.2a as well as ¶310
2. Psychological assessment, criminal background, and credit check
3. Notarized statement certifying have neither been accused in writing nor convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or any incident of sexual misconduct or child abuse
4. Provide other information upon request
5. Agree to make a complete dedication to the highest ideals of the Christian life
6. Examination and approval by district committee on ordained ministry

Continuing Candidacy: ¶312

1. Annual recommendation by charge conference
2. Annual interview and approval by district committee
3. Annual report of satisfactory progress of studies and copy of transcripts from university or school of theology

Local Pastor - Completed candidacy certification, licensed, and assigned a clergy mentor ¶314

Completing Candidacy: ¶324

1. Certified candidate for minimum of one (1) year, maximum twelve (12) years
2. One (1) year in service ministry
3. Completion of one-half the basic graduate theological studies to be eligible for commissioning
4. Health certificate completed by medical doctor
5. Written and oral doctrinal exam and written autobiographical statement
6. Interview and recommendation by three-fourths vote of district committee
7. Interview and recommendation by the board or ordained ministry
8. Election to provisional membership by clergy session

Commissioned to ministry of elder or deacon as provisional member