Endorsement for Deacons

Ecclesiastical endorsement is affirmation that a person is performing a valid ministry of The United Methodist Church and has presented evidence of the special education, training, skills and, when required, professional certification necessary to perform that ministry; the authority granted by the denomination to be appointed to and provide pastoral care and counseling ministry in a specific setting.

Endorsement

Interviews are held in Nashville, Tenn. three times a year. Examples of appointments requiring endorsement include: pastoral counselors, marriage and family therapists, mental health, corrections, hospital, hospice, children’s home, retirement community, and workplace.

Deacons and Chaplaincy

There are four components to service as a chaplain: appointment, credentialing requirements, endorsement (¶1421.5, 2008 Book of Discipline), and employment. A deacon may be appointed to serve as a chaplain, if the request for appointment is approved by the bishop.

Deacons in full connection (DFC) are eligible for endorsement to non-military settings by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA) and must meet the same requirements as elders: full conference membership, training, experience, certification as appropriate. Endorsement to military and certain settings is limited to elders due to the requirement for sacramental authority in those settings.

Deacons (DFC) will be eligible to serve as chaplains where sacramental authority is not required or where serving in team ministry with elders. When seeking a chaplain position, it is important that the Deacon (DFC) be clear about this with any potential employer.

Provisional members who have completed seminary may be endorsed. This endorsement is “provisional” pending continued progress toward ordination.