Steps Into Ministry as a Local Pastor

If you believe God is calling you to the ministry of local pastor:

• Spend time in prayer and discernment, listening for God’s call in your life.
• Talk with your pastor, and read The Christian as Minister.
• Meet with your church’s staff/parish relations committee and talk with your district superintendent.
• Complete the candidacy process to become certified as a candidate for ministry.
• Meet with your district committee on ordained ministry to obtain their recommendation for further studies.
• Complete the studies for the local pastor, including the annual conference’s licensing school and the Course of Study offered through various seminaries.
• Be approved by the annual conference board of ordained ministry.
• Provide the annual conference with a satisfactory certificate of good health and other evaluations as required by the annual conference.
• Be approved by the clergy session of annual conference.
• Be licensed and receive an appointment from the bishop.