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Email umea@gbhem.org and include a callback number. Avoid sending postal mail, as UMEA staff work remotely and mail may be delayed.
Endorsement
In government agencies, professional associations and workplaces, endorsement means a person is ecclesiastically qualified and authorized to provide religious ministry and spiritual care in a specialized setting as a representative of a faith group.
In The United Methodist Church, endorsement affirms that a clergy member is eligible for appointment to an extension ministry under ¶344.1b of the Book of Discipline.
Endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors serve in the military, healthcare, prisons, law enforcement, children’s homes, retirement communities, workplaces, counseling centers and other specialized ministries. Life coaches and spiritual directors also may apply for endorsement.
Clergy may also receive approval to serve as volunteer chaplains in the Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, State Guard or as fire or police chaplains.
Endorsement is mandatory for chaplains serving in government agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Bureau of Prisons. It is also required for most board certifications from professional chaplaincy associations.
The United Methodist Endorsing Agency endorses more than 500 clergy to serve in specialized pastoral care settings.
The agency is supported by the generosity of United Methodists across the denomination. It operates under the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and is funded through the church’s general budget. There is no annual fee for endorsees.
No. Endorsement is not available for professional lay chaplains or counselors.
Zoom interviews are held three times a year. In exceptional cases, the director may approve an urgent interview outside of the regular schedule.
The annual conference remains the primary point of belonging, support and accountability for all endorsees. This relationship is mutual. For more, see Roles, Relationships and Responsibilities.
All endorsees under appointment must submit an annual report during the fourth quarter each year. Repeated failure to report may result in withdrawal of endorsement.
In early October, UMEA sends instructions and a link to the online report form. If you do not receive the instructions by mid-October, email umea@gbhem.org to request the link.
Note: This report is separate from the Extension Ministry report filed with your annual conference. Do not send your conference report to UMEA or vice versa.
Endorsement is tied to your appointment. If you leave the endorsed setting—due to a leave of absence or a parish appointment—your endorsement becomes inactive. Notify UMEA of any changes. To return to an endorsed setting, contact UMEA to reactivate your endorsement.
If you lose your clergy credentials, your endorsement is terminated.
Yes. Retired clergy may apply for or retain endorsement. They may continue to receive documentation for board certification or employment. Retired endorsees are typically considered inactive unless appointed by their bishop to serve in an endorsed setting. In such cases, active endorsement may be granted annually upon request in the annual report.
Yes. Changes require UMEA approval. Each case is reviewed individually, and approval is not guaranteed. Contact UMEA to discuss adding or changing your endorsed setting.
Yes. Endorsement may be withdrawn for cause, in coordination with your bishop, following policies set by the GBHEM Board of Directors.
UMEA does not withdraw military endorsements at the request of endorsees seeking to avoid deployment, reassignment or other lawful military orders. Those wishing to leave military service must follow standard procedures for resignation, retirement or release from active duty.
No. United Methodist clergy may only be endorsed by UMEA. Accepting endorsement from another agency will jeopardize your clergy standing in the denomination.
If you are endorsed by another agency and wish to be endorsed by the UMC, your first step is to obtain clergy status in The United Methodist Church. Contact your local district superintendent to explore the process of joining an annual conference. Requirements vary but typically include coursework in United Methodist studies and other administrative steps outlined in the Book of Discipline.
Once your clergy transfer is complete and in good standing, you may be eligible for UMEA endorsement.
If you are endorsed by UMEA and wish to transfer to another agency, you will be ending your clergy relationship with the UMC. UMEA will work with the new endorsing agency to support a smooth transition when possible.
Military Endorsement
Yes. Pastors interested in Reserve or Guard chaplaincy should first consult their Staff-Parish Relations Committee and district superintendent. Service in the Reserve can impact the local church and requires shared understanding and support. See the Guard and Reserve Chaplain Guide for more details.
This program allows seminary students to be commissioned as military officers, receive training and explore a call to military chaplaincy. Candidates do not serve as chaplains.
To be endorsed by UMEA for this program, applicants must be enrolled in a University Senate-approved seminary and in the UMC candidacy process for ordination.
Endorsement Pensions
This fund, established by General Conference, provides limited retirement benefits to endorsed clergy who are not eligible for employer-based pensions.
To qualify, clergy must have been endorsed and appointed by their bishop to an approved setting during the qualifying period. Up to seven years of service may be credited. The job title does not need to include the word “chaplain.”
The fund is administered by UMEA and Wespath. It receives no apportionment dollars. GBHEM’s Board of Directors sets policy and annual grant amounts based on fund health. Contact Wespath to apply.
