Elders
Ordained to Word, Service, Sacrament, and Order
Elders are ordained clergy in The United Methodist Church who lead parish and extension ministries through faithful witness, worship and prayer, discipleship, pastoral supervision, and ordering the Church in mission in the world. Through preaching, teaching, and sacramental leadership, elders equip others to live out God's call.
What Is an Elder?
Elders are pastors, preachers, teachers and leaders in the church, ordained to a lifetime ministry of Word, Service, Sacrament, and Order. Many elders serve in local congregations, while others serve through extension ministries such as chaplaincy, campus ministry, counseling, and education.
Wherever they serve, elders represent Christ and the Church, guiding individuals and communities in their faith journeys.
Called to Lead and Serve
Grounded in servant leadership, elders are called to:
- Preach and teach the Word of God
- Administer baptism and Holy Communion
- Inspire the church's mission and ministry
- Equip others for deeper discipleship and service
Elders organize the church for meaningful engagement of the world, embodying a tradition that extends beyond the walls of any one faith community.
Ordering the Life of the Church
As clergy in charge, elders partner with laity and other clergy to guide communities of faith in worship, mission, and spiritual growth. Their leadership includes:
- Visioning and strategic direction
- Administration and program development
- Community engagement and evangelism/li>
Pathway to Ordination
The journey to becoming an elder includes:
- Discernment and candidacy
- Theological education and ministry preparation
- Evaluation, commissioning, and ordination
Each step is designed to help you deepen your discernment, affirm your call, develop your gifts, and prepare you for faithful leadership in the church.
Take the Next Step
If you feel called to ordained ministry as an elder, you are not alone. Resources, mentors, and a clear pathway are available to help you discern and pursue your next steps.
Steps to Becoming an Elder
Begin Your Discernment
- Read The Christian as Minister
- Speak with a pastor, elder or your district superintendent
- Participate in candidacy mentoring and formation
Become a Certified Candidate
- Be active in a United Methodist context for at least one year
- Complete your conference’s candidacy process
- Meet requirements outlined in the Book of Discipline
Complete Educational Requirements
- Earn a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
- Complete an M.Div. or its equivalent from a University Senate-approved theological school or its equivalent
Continue Toward Ordination
- Demonstrate gifts for service, effective leadership, and fruitful ministry
- Complete application, interviews, and evaluations
- Be commissioned and later ordained by a bishop
Is God Calling You?
If you feel called to serve as an elder, your gifts can help connect the church to the needs of the world and lead ministries of compassion and justice.
Start the journey today. Connect with your pastor or conference leadership to learn more.
Take the Next Faithful Step
Exploration 2026 provides a supportive environment for those who are questioning or considering a call to ministry in The United Methodist Church.
Join us to reflect, learn, and listen alongside others on a similar journey — without pressure to decide, and with trust that discernment takes time.
