Education Routes

All deacons are required to complete the Basic Graduate Theological Studies in the Christian Faith. These may be completed as part of a theological degree or in addition to a Masters Degree and/or certification in a specialized area of ministry. All theological education must be at a seminary on the University Senate approved list. See Routes below.

Ordained Deacon in full connection Basic Graduate Theological Studies in the Christian Faith

2008 Book of Discipline ¶324.4-5

  • Evangelism
  • New Testament
  • Old Testament
  • Church History
  • Theology
  • Mission of the Church in the World
  • Worship and Liturgy
  • U.M. Doctrine
    U.M. Polity
    U.M. History
  • Minimum 24 Semester Hours (usually 27 hours) Of the Basic Graduate Studies

Routes for the Fulfillment of the Educational Requirements for the Election and Commissioning of Provisional membership toward Ordained Deacon in full connection

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Masters of Divinity or equivalent theological degree from a school approved by the University Senate
  • should include minimum of 24 semester hours of basic graduate theological studies in the Christian faith*
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree from a graduate theological school recognized by the University Senate
  • completed minimum of 24 semester hours of basic graduate theological studies in the Christian faith*
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization
  • In addition completed minimum of 24 semester hours of basic graduate theological studies in the Christian faith*
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Professional Certification
    Church or secular professional certification in the area of ministry, including a minimum of eight (8) semester hours of graduate academic credit, and
  • completed minimum of 24 semester hours of basic graduate theological studies in the Christian faith*
    (have reached 35 years at time of being certified as candidate)

    • NOTE: For missional purposes exceptions to the undergraduate degree requirements may be made in consultation with the Board of Higher Education and Ministry

    *Graduate Theological studies in the Christian faith: Evangelism, Old Testament, New Testament, Theology, Church History, Mission of the Church in the World, Worship/Liturgy, and United Methodist Doctrine, Polity and History.

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