Local Pastors

Licensed to Word, Sacrament, Order and Service

Local pastors answer God’s call by serving a local congregation or extension ministry. Appointed by a bishop, they lead congregations in worship, mission and spiritual growth while carrying out the full responsibilities of pastoral ministry within their appointment setting.

Local pastors are licensed clergy who carry out the work of ministry in their appointed setting. Their responsibilities include:

• Preaching and teaching the Word
• Leading worship and liturgy
• Administering the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion
• Receiving new members into the church
• Officiating at weddings (where permitted), funerals and confirmations
• Providing pastoral care and guidance
• Overseeing ministry, programs and administration of the congregation.
• Through these responsibilities, local pastors help the church fulfill its mission of witness and service in the world.

Learn More About the Ministry of Local Pastors

This resource outlines the path to becoming a local pastor, including candidacy, education, and ongoing service expectations.

Local pastors serve under appointment and are accountable to the annual conference. Their authority is tied to their specific ministry setting, where they lead, equip and shepherd the congregation. They:

• Order the life of the congregation
• Equip disciples for service
• Offer spiritual leadership and pastoral support
• Provide administrative oversight within their charge.

Local pastors do not serve alone. They are supported through a strong connectional structure that includes:

• Supervision by a district superintendent and bishop
• Regular engagement with a clergy mentor
• Annual review and approval through the district committee on ordained ministry (dCOM)
• Peer support through the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members.

This network ensures ongoing accountability, encouragement and growth in ministry.

Local pastors are equipped for ministry through required theological education and training, including:

• Completion of certified candidacy
• Licensing school or one-third of a Master of Divinity degree
• Basic Course of Study (required theological education)
• Advanced Course of Study (optional, for further development and provisional membership).

Students as Local Pastors

Students preparing for ministry may also serve as local pastors while enrolled in theological education. They may be appointed in their home conference or where they attend school.

Begin Your Discernment

• Read The Christian as Minister with a pastor or mentor
• Talk with a pastor, elder, deacon or district superintendent

Enter the Candidacy Process

• Participate in candidacy mentoring
• Study Answering the Call: Candidacy Guidebook
• Become a certified candidate (per Book of Discipline requirements).

Meet Basic Requirements

• Be an active United Methodist for at least one year
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Complete required candidacy steps as defined by your annual conference.

Is God Calling You?

Local pastors play a vital role in leading congregations, nurturing disciples and serving communities. If you feel called to pastoral ministry, the next step is to begin the discernment and candidacy process.

Start the journey today. Connect with your pastor or conference leadership to learn more.