Study of Ministry Commission

New Ministry Study Commission to Be Appointed

The United Methodist Council of Bishops will consult with the Boards of Higher Education and Ministry and Discipleship and the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns to establish a 28-member Study of Ministry Commission for 2009-2012.

Delegates to the 2008 General Conference approved the recommendation of the study commission created in 2004 to continue the study and conversation in the denomination about the order of ministry for four more years. At the end of 2008, that commission agreed that further study was needed.

The bishops and the three agencies are to create a guide for ongoing study and dialogue, based on the former commission's suggestions. The guide is to foster conversations on the issues among lay members, deacons and elders, local pastors, bishops and cabinets, the boards of ordained ministry, ethnic constituencies, and central conferences.

The next commission will report to the 2012 General Conference with legislation that addresses the ordering of ministry, the separation of ordination and conference membership, and the streamlining of the ordained ministry candidacy process.

 News Stories

Delegates continue Study of Ministry commission

Bishops can grant sacramental authority to deacons in 2009

2008 General Conference Shortens, Expedites Candidacy Process

Constitutional amendment allows voting rights for local pastors, provisional, and associate members

General Conference sets guidelines on clergy effectiveness

Links to Study-related resources are below.

 PDF fileSeven Days of Preparation: A guide for prayer and preparation in considering the ordering of ministry(121KB)

PDF fileStudy of Ministry Report to 2008 General Conference (525KB)

PDF file Tom Frank's address to the Chairs of the Orders and Fellowship (308KB)

 PDF fileA Critical Analysis of the Ministry Studies since 1944, Heitzenrater (1MB)

PDF file Final Survey Findings of the STUDY OF MINISTRY COMMISSION II Draft Report (644KB)

Preparing a new generation of Christian leaders

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