A Simple Guide to Candidacy

Home , Elder (Methodist)

UM member experiences call from God

Home church pastor *

District Superintendent *

Candidacy Summit

P/SPRC and Charge Conference *

dCOM Certification Interview

Certified (local pastor track) Certified (deacon or elder track)

Appointed as local pastor Complete College/University Licensing School Course of Study Annual dCOM Recertification Annual dCOM Interview Relicensing Interview Complete Theological Education

(Advanced Course of Study) dCOM Recommendation for Commissioning Interview

BOM Commissioning and Provisional Membership Interviews

Appointed, Commissioned as Deacon or Elder, Provisional Member

Two Years Residency, Residency Covenant Group, RCG

BOM Ordination and Full Membership Interviews

Ordination as Deacon or Elder, Full Member

* Use the Tools of Discernment for this step.

A Simple Guide to Candidacy Stages and Mentors

Inquiring Inquiring Candidate Candidate Inquiring Stage From when UM member experiences call from God until candidate attends Candidacy Summit

Exploring Exploring Phase Exploring Candidate From completion of Candidacy Summit to certification Candidate

Exploring Mentor assigned at the Candidacy Summit

Candidate must complete this stage in 2 years or start over at the Summit

Certified If candidate for licensed ministry If candidate for ordained ministry Certified Candidate (Seeking to be appointed and attend (Planning to complete seminary and seek Candidate licensing school and course of study) ordination as deacon or elder—whether serving as a student, PT, FT local pastor or not) Certified Stage From certification to appointment Certified Stage (and between appointments) From certification to commissioning

Certified Mentor assigned Certified Mentor assigned Only if candidate does not After certification receive appointment Candidate must While candidate not under appointment, make progress in studies must be re-certified by dCOM annually and be re-certified by dCOM annually

Candidate must complete this stage in Licensed Local Pastor 12 years or start over at the Summit Local PT and FT licensed local pastors Pastor must make progress in studies and Candidate requests dCOM and BOM be re-licensed by dCOM annually recommendation for commissioning after or during last year of education Clergy Mentor assigned While under appointment Commissioned Minister Commis- until local pastor completes Provisional Member sioned basic course of study From commissioning to ordination Minister

and Note: Residency Covenant Group Provisional Local pastors who have completed basic (RCG) Mentor assigned Member course of study may continue studies, At summer RCG retreat complete advanced course of study, and request dCOM recommendation After two years “residency,” commissioned for associate membership or ministers may request BOM recommendation commissioning and for ordination and full membership provisional membership Inquiring Candidate Checklist

□ Perceive call to ministry □ Member of any UMC or UM campus ministry for one year (¶ 311.1.a) □ Contact home church Pastor

□ Read and discuss one of three books with a lay or clergy guide □ The Christian As Minister □ Answering God’s Call For Your Life □ Understanding God’s Call: A Ministry Inquiry Process

□ Ask District Superintendent if you may begin candidacy □ Send letter or email to District Superintendent (¶ 311.1.b) □ Send statement of call to District Superintendent (¶ 311.1.b)

□ District Superintendent interviews and approves candidacy □ Complete Candidacy Summit application; DS signs □ Mail Candidacy Summit application with $100 check by June 1 □ Pay $45 candidacy fee to GBHEM online □ Get ready for Candidacy Summit □ Complete forms □ Personal Data Inventory □ Personal and Professional References List □ Notarized disclosure □ Permission for background check

□ Do homework in Answer The Call: Candidacy Guidebook □ Read pages 11-33 □ Read and respond to questions on pages 35 - 68 □ Read and respond to questions on pages 89 – 127 □ Read and respond to questions on pages 129 – 141

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted □ Attend Candidacy Summit and continue steps as an “Exploring Candidate”

Local Pastor Checklist

□ Attend licensed local pastor school in June of first year appointed as a local pastor □ Request local pastor’s license

□ While serving under Episcopal appointment, your District Superintendent is your supervisor; you will also be assigned a clergy mentor to encourage you and help you stay connected with your clergy sisters and brothers until you have completed the basic course of study. It is your responsibility to stay in contact with your mentor.

□ Request clergy mentor’s recommendation letter each year prior to relicensing interview

□ After your first year of ministry, begin taking course of study courses until your have completed the basic course of study

□ Stay in contact with your District Office and District Committee on Ministry (dCOM) □ Request and attend annual relicensing interviews with dCOM □ Bring license, course of study transcripts, and clergy mentor’s recommendation letter to each annual relicensing interview

Updated: March 8, 2017 Exploring Candidate Checklist

□ Attend Candidacy Summit; bring forms and Answering the Call

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted

□ Continue work in Answering the Call with mentor group, in person or via video conference or conference call □ Read and discuss pages 35 –68 □ Read and discuss pages 89 - 127

□ Complete work in Answering the Call with mentor group □ Read and discuss pages 129 - 141

□ Schedule and complete psychological interview

□ Contact home Pastor to schedule interviews □ Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee interview (¶ 310.1.d) □ Charge Conference (¶ 310.1.e) - requires 2/3 written ballot approval □ Pastor will also need to accompany candidate to Certification interview, which is scheduled by District Committee on Ministry (dCOM)

□ Prepare for interviews with mentor □ Write statement of call including (i) through (vi) in ¶ 310.2.a; review with mentor; send to P/SPRC and Pastor □ Answer Wesley’s historic questions (¶ 310); review with mentor; send to P/SPRC and Pastor □ Review mentor’s recommendation letter □ Review psychological report

□ Contact District office for Certification interview date (¶ 310.2) □ Send statement of call including (i) through (vi) in ¶ 310.2.a to District □ Send answers to Wesley’s historic questions to District (if requested by dCOM) □ Ask about other District requirements

□ Attend Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee interview (Discipline ¶ 310.1.d) □ Staff Parish Relations Committee complete SPR Ministry Discernment Tool and submit to District Office (effective June 1, 2015)

□ Graduate from an accredited high school or receive a certificate of equivalency

Exploring Candidate Checklist

□ If recommended by P/SPRC, attend Charge Conference (¶ 310.1.e) □ 2/3 written vote required; send minutes to District office

□ If recommended by Charge Conference, attend Certification interview with District Committee on Ministry (¶ 310.2.a) □ Home church Pastor accompanies you to interview. 3/4 written vote required (¶ 310.2.e)

□ If certified, deacon and elder candidates will continue steps as a “Certified Candidate,” receive a certified mentor, and complete theological education.

□ If certified, local pastor candidates will ask District Superintendent for appointment. If appointed, continue steps as “Local Pastor,” attend licensing school, receive a local pastor mentor, and begin course of study. If not appointed, receive a certified mentor and await appointment.

2 Certified Candidate Checklist

□ Stay in contact with District office and District Committee on Ministry (dCOM) □ If serving as a student or local pastor, work through that District □ Request and attend annual recertification interview with dCOM □ Submit transcript to District office annually □ Initiate and maintain regular contact with your certified mentor.

□ Begin or continue and complete undergraduate and theological education □ Complete bachelor’s degree from a college or university recognized by UM University Senate (www.gbhem.org) (¶ 324.3) □ If a deacon candidate, complete master of divinity degree or master’s degree from a graduate theological school recognized by UM University Senate (www.gbhem.org) or master’s degree in area of specialty (¶ 330.3) or alternative route per ¶ 324.5. □ If an elder candidate, complete master of divinity degree recognized by UM University Senate (www.gbhem.org) (¶ 335.3.b) □ Complete courses in United Methodist Doctrine, History, and Polity before Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) interviews for commissioning, which take place in January prior to May commissioning (BOM policy as of April 1990) □ Complete no more than two thirds (2/3) of academic hours required for Master of Divinity or any equivalent degree in long-distance or on-line learning □ Complete (or plan to complete by May of the following year) all educational requirements prior to requesting recommendation for commissioning (BOM policy as of Octo- ber 2008) NOTE: The Texas Annual Conference requires one seminary homiletics course before being ordained (see Provisional Member Checklist)

□ Prepare for commissioning and provisional membership □ Complete at least one year and no more than twelve years as a certified candidate (from date of certification to date of commissioning) and demonstrate gifts of service and leadership □ Request recommendation for commissioning interview with dCOM (May 5th)

□ Prepare for dCOM recommendation interview with mentor □ Answer Disciplinary questions (¶ 324.9.a through p); review with mentor; send to District □ Review mentor’s recommendation letter; arrange for mentor to send recommenda-tion letter directly to District office and dCOM Registrar prior to dCOM recommendation interview; and directly to BOM Registrar by 5:00 pm on December 1 □ Ask about other District requirements

□ Attend dCOM recommendation interview (July/August); take current transcript(s), mentor’s

1 Updated: March 8, 2017 Certified Candidate Checklist

recommendation letter, and a copy of your answers to the Disciplinary questions (¶ 324.9) □ 3/4 Written vote required (¶ 324.10)

□ If recommended by dCOM to proceed to Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) for commissioning interviews, access on-line commissioning requirements at www.txcumc.org and prepare for BOM triad and interviews. Reserve the last two Mondays and Tuesdays in January to meet with BOM until you receive specific dates for interviews.

□ Prepare for BOM recommendation for commissioning triad and interviews □ Arrange for the following information to be sent directly to BOM Registrar by 5:00 pm December 1 □ Complete “Part 1” of “Medical Report of Ministerial Candidate” (Form 103); make an appointment with your physician for a basic medical exam; arrange for physician to complete “Part 2”; arrange for physician to send completed report directly □ Contact all colleges, universities, and theological schools you have attended and arrange for them to send all official undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate transcripts directly (¶ 324.3, 4, and 7) □ Arrange for Form 109 “Theological School Recommendation” to be completed by two persons on seminary staff and delivered directly □ BOM Registrar sends a request to the Cabinet for a written evaluation and/or recommendation of the candidate. Reports will be sent directly to the BOM Registrar.

□ Complete and send the following forms directly to BOM Psychological Chairperson by 4:00 pm October 22 □ “Consent to Perform Criminal History and Background Check” form □ “Authorization for Release of Records and Waiver of Confidentiality” form

□ Contact approved psychological testing center. Arrange with testing center to complete forms; take assessments; and return for follow up interview in person. Report will be sent directly to BOM Psychological Chairperson.

□ Complete the following; send to BOM Registrar by 5:00 pm December 6 □ Copy of valid Driver’s License □ Forms □ Form 102 “Personal Data Inventory” □ Form 105 “Application for Clergy Relationship to the Annual Conference” □ Form 114 “Candidate’s Disclosure Form” (notarized) □ Original Work

2 Updated: March 8, 2017 Certified Candidate Checklist

□ Autobiographical statement (1 page, single spaced) regarding age, health, family status, Christian experience, call to ministry, educational record, formative Christian experiences, and plans for service in the Church (¶ 324.13) □ Written responses to Disciplinary Questions (¶ 324.9.a through p) (Type questions; double space answers) □ Design a six to eight week Bible study as specified by Board of Ministry. Write an outline and plan for teaching including: □ Teaching goals clearly stated □ Description of teaching method □ Description of arrangement of teaching environment □ Broad outline of entire study □ Detailed teaching plans of two sessions □ List of all resources used □ Preach a sermon □ during October, November or December of the year prior to your BOM interview □ in a worship setting □ based on one of the lectionary texts for that week (see UM Book of Worship, official UM programming calendar, or http:// lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/) □ prepare and submit the written manuscript □ provide a video or audio recording of the sermon (DVD video preferred) □ submit a copy of the worship bulletin

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted. □ Meet with your triad. Three members of the BOM—a “triad”--will read and evaluate the information you submitted to the CM. Before your commissioning interviews with the BOM in late January, the triad will contact you to arrange a meeting and meet with you to discuss your pa- pers and help you prepare for the interviews.

□ Prepare for BOM commissioning interviews. One of the BOM Vice Chairpersons will contact you with your interview date and time. Review your responses to the Disciplinary questions; act on advice from your triad; and be prepared to clearly and concisely express your readiness for ministry.

□ Attend BOM commissioning interviews. You will be briefly introduced to the large (70+) Board of Ordained Ministry, then accompanied to your interview by your triad convener or mentor. □ Requires 2/3 written vote of the BOM (¶ 324.14) 3 Updated: March 8, 2017 Certified Candidate Checklist

□ If recommended for commissioning and provisional membership by the BOM, ask your District Superintendent for an Episcopal appointment.

□ If appointed (as of June), you will be commissioned during annual conference (May/June). At- tend the summer Residency Program Orientation Retreat. You will be assigned to a mentor and group. Complete two years as a provisional member prior to requesting ordination as a deacon or elder.

□ If recommended for commissioning and provisional membership by the BOM but not appointed, you will receive a BOM mentor to help you consider your options. You will be commissioned during the next annual conference (May/June) if appointed.

4 Updated: March 8, 2017 Provisional Member Checklist

□ Create your own candidacy file and keep copies of all forms completed and all work submitted □ Complete Conference theological education requirements if necessary

□ Complete one seminary course in homiletics. □ Complete two years full-time service (from date of commissioning to date of ordination) under Episcopal appointment following completion of theological education □ Establish a lay consultation team (LCT) from your local church of 4 to 7 persons by September 1 of first year □ The BOM will assign a Residency Effectiveness Team (RET) made up of your district superintendent, two members of the BOM, an ordained clergy, and a lay consultation team representative

□ Attend Residency Program Orientation Retreat, during which Covenant Groups and Mentors are introduced. □ Continue meeting with Residency Covenant Group and Mentor throughout two years of residency (a minimum of 6 sessions total: 4 in the first year, 2 in the second year) □ Learn more about yourself and others through a Birkman assessment and coaching session during one group session

Participate in a mission trip sponsored by the Cabinet □ Access on-line ordination and full membership requirements and prepare for BOM triad and interviews. Reserve the third, fourth, and fifth Mondays and Tuesdays in March to meet with BOM until you receive specific dates for interviews. □ Request letters of recommendation (check with BOM Registrar for deadlines) □ from your Senior Pastor (if you serve as an associate) arrange to be sent directly to BOM Registrar □ from your Mentor; arrange to be sent directly to BOM Registrar □ BOM Registrar will request a recommendation letter from the Cabinet. The letter will be sent directly to the BOM Registrar.

□ Prepare for BOM ordination and full membership interviews with mentor □ Write first draft of answers to Disciplinary questions (deacons answer Discipline ¶ 330.5.a, b, and c; elders answer Discipline ¶ 335.7.a, b, and c); review with mentor □ Complete any other specific written recommendations or requirements you received from BOM during or following commissioning and provisional membership interviews

□ Arrange for the following information to be sent directly to BOM Registrar □ Complete “Part 1” of “Medical Report of Ministerial Candidate” (Form 103); make an appointment with your physician for a basic medical exam; arrange for physician to complete “Part 2”; arrange for physician to send completed report directly to BOM Registrar

1 Updated: March 8, 2017

Provisional Member Checklist

□ Contact all colleges, universities, and theological schools you have attended and arrange for them to send all official undergraduate, graduate, and post graduate transcripts directly to BOM Registrar □ Complete and send the following forms directly to BOM Candidacy Manager □ “Consent to Perform Criminal History and Background Check” form □ “Authorization for Release of Records and Waiver of Confidentiality” form

□ If Psychological Assessment is required, you will be contacted by the BOM Candidacy Manager with instructions. Report will be sent directly to BOM Psychological Chairperson.

□ Complete the following; send to BOM Registrar □ Copy of valid Driver’s License □ Forms □ Form 105 “Application for Clergy Relationship to the Annual Confer- ence” □ Form 114 “Candidate’s Disclosure Form” (notarized) □ Original Work □ Written responses to Disciplinary Questions (deacons answer Discipline ¶ 330.5.a, b, and c; elders answer Discipline ¶ 335.7.a, b, and c); Type questions; double space answers □ Design a six to eight week Bible study as specified by the Board of Or- dained Ministry. Write an outline and plan for teaching that includes □ Teaching goals clearly stated □ Description of teaching method □ Description of arrangement of teaching environment □ Broad outline of entire study □ Detailed teaching plans of two sessions □ List of all resources used □ Preach one sermon for evaluation by resident effectiveness team [RET] in years 1 and 2 □ in a worship setting □ based on one of the lectionary texts for that week (see UM Book of Worship, official UM programming calendar, or http:// lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/) □ prepare and submit the written manuscript □ provide a video or audio recording of the sermon (DVD video preferred) □ submit a copy of the worship bulletin

2 Updated: March 8, 2017 Provisional Member Checklist

□ Present a project that demonstrates fruitfulness in carrying out the church’s mission of “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World” (¶ 330.4(5) - Deacon; ¶ 335.7 - Elder) □ Meet with the Resident Effectiveness Team [RET] at your ministry site. □ In the fall of year one: Interviews RET and senior pastor. Develop growth plan. □ In the spring of the second year: Interviews with RET and senior pastor. Review of disciplinary questions, project, growth plan. □ Prepare for BOM ordination and full membership interviews. One of the BOM Vice Chairpersons will contact you with your interview date and time. Review your responses to the Disciplinary questions; act on advice from your RET; and be prepared to clearly and concisely express your effectiveness in ministry.

□ Attend BOM ordination and full membership interviews. You will be briefly introduced to the large (70+) Board of Ordained Ministry and accompanied to your interview by your RET team convener and/or mentor. □ 2/3 written vote required (¶ 335)

□ If recommended for ordination and full membership by the BOM and approved by the clergy session of annual conference, you will be ordained during annual conference (May/June).

3 Updated: July 20, 2018 Updated 4/9/2018

Steps Actions Deadlines Actions Performed By District Home Exploring Inquiring Superintendent Candidacy dCOM Exploring Time to Complete (after step 2): 3 to 14 Months Church Mentor Candidate or Manager Chair Mentor Pastor Chair District A A INQUIRING CANDIDATE ROAD MAP 1 Perceive a call to ministry X 2 Member of a UMC or approved UM ministry for 1 year X 3 Contact home church pastor X Read & discuss with a guide: Answering God's Call for your Life, 4 Christian as Minister, or Ministry Inquiry Process (available from X Cokesbury) 5 Complete Pastor Discernment Tool & Submit to District Office (eff.6/1/15) x 6 Write & send letter to District Superintendent X Interview & approve candidate. Complete District Superintendent 7 X Discernment Tool (eff. 6/1/15) Candidacy Summit Registration sent to Candidacy & Recruitment Assistant : 8 a. Candidate completes form by June 1 X X b. DS signature required c. $100.00 for Psychological Testing Register with GBHEM: 9 a. Requires DS approval X XX b. Exploring Mentor Chair is the assigned mentor 10 "Sign" e-mail notice from GBHEM X 11 Candidacy Fee ($45.00) sent to GBHEM: electronic check or credit card X Summit forms completed: a. Personal Data Inventory 12 b. Personal Reference Form X X c. Notarized disclosure (Form 114) d. Notarized background check 13 Answer The Call sent from GBHEM X 14 List of Summit candidates to Exploring Mentor Chair by June 5 X 15 Create groups of Summit candidates & Exploring Mentors by June 15 X 16 Approval of Exploring Mentor group assignments X 1 Month Summit information to Inquiring Candidates registered for Candidacy Prior to 17 X Summit Candidacy Summit Attend Candidacy Summit; candidate brings: 18 a) Completed forms (Step 16) July / Aug X XXX b) Answer The Call Updated 4/9/2018

Steps Actions Deadlines Actions Performed By District Exploring Home Time to Complete: Exploring Exploring Home Superintendent dCOM dCOM Candidacy Mentor Church Maximum - 2 Years Candidate Mentor Church or Chair Registrar Manager Chair Pastor District A A

EXPLORING CANDIDATE ROAD MAP 1 Attend Candidacy Summit July / Aug X X X X - Superintendent 2 2 scheduled meetings (conference call, IM, chat room, video conf., etc.) Fall X X Prepare for SPRC & Charge Conference interviews; cf. Fulfilling God's Call 3 By Jan. 31 X Sec. 3 X 4 Contact home church pastor for SPRC interview & Charge Conference By Jan. 31 X 5 Write recommendation letter for Certification candidates By Jan. 31 X Final meeting in person: a. Discuss ministry track 6 By Jan. 31 X b. Discuss letter of recommendation X c. Make & sign 2 copies Prepare for dCOM Interviews 7 X Book of Discipline ¶ 310.2a (or Page 128ff in Fulfilling God's Call ). X 8 E-mail responses to Book of Discipline (Step 7) to District Office By Feb. 28 X 9 Signed recommendation letter (final draft) sent to District Office (1 copy) By Feb. 28 X SPRC interview (Discipline ¶310; written: 310.2a). Use SPRC Discernment 10 By Feb. 28 XX Tool - send completed tool to dCOM. (eff. 6/1/15) X 11 Charge Conference votes on Candidate By Feb. 28 X XX 12 Certification interviews scheduled & candidates notified By Feb 15 XXX 13 Exploring Mentors notified of interview dates & times March 1 - 15 X March 15 - 14 dCOM interviews held (give consideration to students & school breaks) XXX April 14 15 dCOM Action Report forms to Candidacy & Recruitment Assistant XX 17 GBHEM records update X 18 Continued Exploring Candidates re-assigned to Exploring Mentors X 19 Contact Exploring candidates not certified after 2 years X X 20 Certified Candidates' names to Certified Mentor Chair by Apr. 21 X

If dCOM Exploring Candidates Continued before Certification Work Through Time Votes to XXX Recommendations / Requirements from dCOM. Assigned X Delay Updated 4/9/2018

Actions Deadlines Steps Actions Performed By District Time to Complete: Certified Board Certified Certified Superintendent dCOM dCOM BOM RCG Candidacy Minimum - 1 Year Mentor of Candidate Mentor or Chair Registrar Registrar Mentor Manager Maximum - 12 Years Chair Ministry District A A

CERTIFIED CANDIDATE ROAD MAP All Certified Candidates 1 Contact Certified Candidate Quarterly X 2 One-on-one meeting Annually X X Spring / 3 Yearly re-certification interview XXXX Annually X Students in UM-Approved seminary complete & return Fall and/or 4 Scholarship application (form online at Spring X http://www.txcumc.org) Annually Fall and/or Scholarship information received & sent to BOM 5 Spring X Scholarship Chair Annually

Certified Candidates Seeking Commissioning: a . Certified for minimum 1 calendar year b . Completed or completing seminary degree c . Complete Tx Conf. requirements, incl. UM History, X Doctrine & Polity d. Deacon Candidates: Deacon's Provisional Retreat . See GBHEM on "Contacts" Page

Contact dCOM Registrar in writing: 6 a) Request interview with dCOM 5-May X b) Submit transcript 7 Notification of interviews in writing to Certified Candidates by June 14 X Submit to dCOM answers to Book of Discipline ¶ 324.9.a 8 thru p X 9 Review Disciplinary questions with Certified Mentor Summer X 10 Meet with dCOM by Aug 31 X XXX 11 Notify BOM Registrar by Sept 30 X X Packets available for download by Certified Candidates, requiring: a. Background Check 12 by Oct 15 XX b. Credit Report c. Statement of Health d. Sermon & Bible Study 13 Certified Candidate arranges to record sermon Fall X 14 Arrange psychological testing with Candidacy Manager Fall X Phone call to confirm download of packet by Certified 15 by Oct 31 X Candidates 16 Walk through packets with Certified Candidate by Nov 15 X 17 Request rec. letter from District Superintendent Nov X

18 Letter of Recommendation sent to BOM Registrar By Dec 1 X X

19 Completed packets returned to BOM Registrar via email By Dec 1 X 20 Certified Candidate Triad by Jan 15 X X 21 Certified Candidate interviews for Commissioning January X X Approved Certified Candidates reported to Residency 22 April XX Chair Updated 4/9/2018

CERTIFIED CANDIDATE ROAD MAP 23 Residency groups created April / May X Annual 24 Certified Candidates are Commissioned X Conference X

If Not Certfied Candidates Recommended for Commissioning are Until X Appt mentored by BOM appointed

If BOM Votes Certfied Candidates continued by BOM Work Through to 1 Year X X Recommendations / Requirements From BOM X Continu e Updated 4/9/2018

Steps Actions Deadlines Actions Performed By

Time to Complete: District Superintendent Center for Clergy dCOM dCOM Clergy Clergy Certified Full Time - 8 Years or Local Pastor Excellence Chair Registrar Mentor Mentor Chair Mentor Chair Part Time - 12 Yrs. District AA

LOCAL PASTOR ROAD MAP All New Local Pastors Approved Certified Candidates' Names to Dean 1 April X X X of College & Clergy Mentor Chair 2 Local Pastors Assigned to Clergy Mentor by May 1 X 3 Contact Local Pastors May X 4 Attend Licensing School X 5 Quarterly Updates X X

All Continuing Local Pastors 1 Quarterly Updates X X Continue Educational Requirements: a. Undergraduate Degree or 2 Annually b. 4 Courses in COS or X c. Correspondence March / 3 Assessment Prepared & Reviewed X Annually X March / 4 Assessment Sent to District Office X Annually 5 Contact in District Office for Continuation 15-Apr X Continuation Review (Bring Local Pastor 6 April / May X X X License) X 8 Contiunation Forms Evaluated X XX

Local Pastors Not Under Appointment Are X Mentored as Certified Candidates

Local Pastors Seeking Commissioning

Requirements: a. Complete Seminary or X b. Complete Advanced Course of Study Follow Steps 6 - 24 Under "Certified 1 Candidates Seeking Commissioning" Updated 4/9/2018

Steps Actions Deadlines

Provisional RCG RCG Board of BOM Time Time to Complete: 2 Years Elder & Deacon Mentor Mentor Ministry Registrar Required (Post Seminary) Chair

RESIDENCY ROAD MAP Revised 3/25/2015 First Year -

1 Orientation Event X X

4 Personal Interviews X X

5 Birkman Assessment and coaching X x

6 Four Meetings of Covenant Group X X 8 4 Meetings with the Lay Consultation Team (LCT) X

9 Meet with the Residency Effective Team (RET) X

Second Year -

10 Annual Conference May X 13 Provisional Member Mission Trip with The Cabinet X

15 Personal Interviews X X

16 Two Meetings of Covenant Group X X

17 Mid-Course Ministry Setting - Visit & Report X X 18 Notify BOM Registrar 30-Sep X Full Membership & Ordination Packets available to 19 X download 15-Oct

20 Arrange to record sermon Fall X Arrange Psychological Assessment: Candidacy 21 Manager (if required) Fall X

22 Contents of Packet Reviewed Oct X X Request Recommendation from District 23 X Superintendent Nov DEACON Candidates: 24 Completed packet returned via email/mail to BOM X Registrar: Discipline ¶ 330.4. a & b Jan ELDER Candidates: 25 Completed packet returned via email/mail to BOM X Registrar: Discipline ¶ 335.a & b Jan

26 Meet with the Residency Effective Team Dec / Jan X X

27 BOM Interviews Mar X X

28 Election & Ordination Annual Conf. X X

29 Spiritual Retreat X

If BOM Provisional Elders & Deacons Continued to Votes to Complete Recommendations / Requirements from X XX X Continue BOM 1 Year Page 1 Updated November 2019

Important Contacts Office Title First Last E-mail Work Phone Address City State Zip Board of Ordained Ministry Candidacy & Recruitment Assistant Ms. Ivana Wilson [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752 Center for Clergy Excellence Interim Director Rev. Morris Matthis [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Nancy Slade [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752 Associate Director Rev. Elizabeth Duffin [email protected] (713) 521-9383 5215 Main Houston TX 77002-9752 College of Mentors Dean Rev. Meredith Mills [email protected] (979) 221-8509 2215 Lady Leslie Lane Pearland TX 77581-4541 Exploring Mentor - Chair Rev. Kenneth Levingston [email protected] (713) 733-4630 2504 Almeda Genoa Rd. Houston TX 77047-4512 Certified Mentor - Chair Rev. Rita Sims [email protected] (254) 375-2426 PO Box 26 Kosse TX 76653-0026 Residency Mentor - Chair Rev. Brandi Horton [email protected] (713) 782-9046 1320 Main Street Houston TX 77002-6803 Clergy Mentor - Chair Rev. Lorraine Brown [email protected] (281) 337-6036 2205 Avenue G Dickinson TX 77539-3513 Central North District Superintendent Rev. Kip Gilts [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029 Administrative Assistant Miss Gabriela Lopez [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Pat Travers [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029 DCOM Chair Rev. Andrew Payne [email protected] (832) 771-0227 14303 W Lake Houston Pkwy Houston TX 77044-1421 DCOM Registrar Mrs. Pat Travers [email protected] (281) 895-7700 6363 Research Forest Dr Spring TX 77381-6029 DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Mary Tumulty [email protected] (713) 302-9131 30 Rolling Stone Pl. The Woodlands TX 77381-6527 Central South District Superintendent Dr. Jesse Brannen [email protected] (713) 222-0117 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025 District Administrator Ms. Marylyn Green [email protected] (832) 755-9261 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025 Administrative Assistant Ms. Sharon Krowl [email protected] (281) 793-1207 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025 Administrative Assistant Ms. Margo Varro [email protected] (281) 300-9586 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025 DCOM Chair Rev. Hannah Terry [email protected] (832) 910-2637 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston TX 77096 DCOM Registrar Ms. Marylyn Green [email protected] (832) 755-9261 3511 Linkwood Dr. Houston TX 77025 DCOM Psychological Officer Mr. Lee Newick [email protected] (713) 264-3064 3765 Tangley Road Houston TX 77005 East District Superintendent Rev. Richard White [email protected] (936) 899-7383 1507 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin TX 75904-9998 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Claudine Kindred [email protected] (936) 899-7383 1507 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin TX 75904-9998 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Vonnie Johnson [email protected] (936) 899-7383 1507 S. John Redditt Dr. Lufkin TX 75904-9998 DCOM Chair Rev. Amanda Davis [email protected] (409) 283-2471 P.O. Box 698 Woodville TX 75979-0698 DCOM Registrar Rev. Karen Jones [email protected] (936) 598-2707 211 Porter St. Center TX 75935-3831 DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Tom Teekell [email protected] (936) 564-7257 PO Box 4609 SFASU Nacogdoches TX 75962-0001 North District Superintendent Rev. Chuck Huffman [email protected] (903) 758-7003 1101 Pine Tree Road Longview TX 75604 Administrative Assistant - Longview Ms. Anna Rohde [email protected] (903) 758-7003 1101 Pine Tree Road Longview TX 75604 Administrative Assistant - Texarkana Ms. Lonna Nunn [email protected] (903) 794-6231 4008 Moores Ln Texarkana TX 75503-2158 DCOM Chair Rev. Patrick Evans [email protected] (903) 793-1116 6203 N Kings Hwy. Texarkana TX 75503 DCOM Registrar Ms. Anna Rohde [email protected] (903) 758-7003 1101 Pine Tree Road Longview TX 75604 DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Brian Brooks [email protected] (903) 660-3216 P.O.Box 365 Hallsville TX 75650 Northwest District Superintendent Rev. Marlin Fenn [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131 Administrative Assistant Ms. Martie Belt [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Susan Brannen [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131 DCOM Chair Rev. Jason Smith [email protected] (903) 675-5161 225 Lovers Lane Athens TX 75751 DCOM Registrar Ms. Martie Belt [email protected] (903) 593-1861 324 W Elm Tyler TX 75702-7131 DCOM Psychological Officer Mr. Michael Peschke [email protected] (832) 594-8933 15622 Regian Dr. Lindale TX 75771 South District Superintendent Rev. Vincent Harris [email protected] (281) 998-8993 1062 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena TX 77504-2904 Administrative Assistant Ms. Eva Layton [email protected] (281) 998-8993 1062 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena TX 77504-2904 DCOM Chair Rev. Mireya Martinez [email protected] (281) 487-8787 1062 Fairmont Parkway Pasadena TX 77504-2904 DCOM Registrar Ms. Eva Layton [email protected] (281) 998-8993 1062 Fairmont Pkwy Pasadena TX 77504-2904 DCOM Psychological Officer Dr. Peter Cammarano [email protected] (979) 297-7991 300 Willow Dr. Lake Jackson TX 77566-4719

Southeast District Page 2 Updated November 2019

Important Contacts Office Title First Last E-mail Work Phone Address City State Zip Superintendent Rev. Alicia Coltzer-Besser [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004 Administrative Assistant Ms. Timolin Colbert [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Paula Davis [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004 DCOM Chair Rev. Mark Bunch [email protected] (409) 883-2611 402 W. John Ave. Orange TX 77630-4057 DCOM Registrar Ms. Timolin Colbert [email protected] (409) 833-9510 PO Box 4004 Beaumont TX 77704-4004 DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Jon Stouffer [email protected] (936) 776-0575 701 Calder St Beaumont TX 77701-2306 Southwest District Superintendent Rev. Tony Vinson [email protected] (281) 499-3700 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Claire Kincannon [email protected] (281) 499-3700 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lori Benjamin [email protected] (281) 499-3700 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859 DCOM Chair Rev. Marty Vershel [email protected] (281) 499-3502 3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City TX 77459-2859 DCOM Registrar Rev. Kenny Carter [email protected] (281) 221-5748 34 Fulton Dr N Alvin TX 77511 DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Leo Tyler [email protected] / [email protected] (281) 507-1531 20775 Kingsland Blvd. Katy TX 77450-2706 West District Superintendent Rev. Wanda Bess [email protected] (979) 696-8962 PO Box 9890 College Station TX 77842 Administrative Assistant Ms. Debbie Keim [email protected] (979) 696-8962 PO Box 9890 College Station TX 77845 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Azalea Andrade [email protected] (979) 696-8962 PO Box 9890 College Station TX 77845 DCOM Chair Rev. Katy Ware Haislet [email protected] (979) 846-8731 417 University Drive College Station TX 77840-1375 DCOM Registrar Rev. Samuel Cutrone [email protected] (979) 589-2793 5298 Alexander Cemetery Rd Bryan TX 77808-8800 DCOM Psychological Officer Rev. Tommy Myrick [email protected] (979) 690-4673 4201 State Highway 6 South College Station TX 77845-8967

TX Conference Board of Ministry Chair Rev. Jeff McDonald [email protected] (713) 528-0527 5501 Main Street Houston TX 77004-6917 Registrar Rev. Linda Christians [email protected] (713) 622-5710 PO Box 22013 Houston TX 77227-2013 Vice-Chair Elders Rev. Deborah Proctor [email protected] (281) 852-1000 19325 Pinehurst Trail Dr Humble TX 77346-2244 Vice-Chair Deacons Rev. DeAndre Johnson [email protected] (281) 980-6888 3300 Austin Pkwy Sugar Land TX 77479-2714 Order of Elders Rev. Todd Jordan [email protected] (281) 360-4500 5629 Kingwood Dr. Kingwood TX 77345-2625 Order of Deacons Rev. Hannah Terry [email protected] (832) 910-2637 5200 Willowbend Blvd Houston TX 77096-5219 Fellowship of Local Pastors Rev. Irv White [email protected] (713) 723-8187 6011 W. Orem Dr. Houston TX 77085-1273 Psychological Rev. Melissa Maher [email protected] (713) 354-4401 11140 Greenbay Street Houston TX 77024 Scholarships Rev. Nathan Hodge [email protected] (936) 856-2233 PO Box 315 Willis TX 77378-0315 dCOM Trainer Rev. David Brasher [email protected] (903) 894-6762 PO Box 152 Bullard TX 75757-0152

General Board of Higher Education & Ministry www.gbhem.org (615) 340-7400 PO Box 340007 Nashville TN 37203-0007

Cokesbury www.cokesbury.com (800) 409-5346 Ministry of DEACONS

Ordained to Word, Service, Compassion, In the Congregation and Justice In the congregation, deacons help to lead worship and assists Deacons are ordained clergy who lead the people of God through the pastor with presiding at the sacraments of baptism and Holy ministries of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Some deacons Communion. They also preach and teach; raise the congregation’s serve congregations in ministries of Christian education, music, awareness of the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world; lead outreach, administration, or pastoral care. Some deacons serve outreach ministries; and conduct funerals and weddings. Their outside the church in such ministries as social-service organizations, ministry in a church includes sending the faithful into ministry schools, legal services, or as chaplains. outside the church walls.

Ordination and Leadership In the World

Ordained ministers are leaders who are set apart in ministries that Beyond the local congregation, deacons may serve in social service represent God’s love. Ordination is a lifetime covenantal relationship agencies; in church-related schools, institutions, agencies, and in that includes mutual care and accountability. It is founded in the places where people are hungry to know a loving God. While many sacrament of baptism, through which all Christians are called into of these ministries can be performed by lay people, the ordained service. Deacons are ordained into this lifetime relationship. are distinct in their accountable relationship to the church, their representative ministry (representing service to the church and the The office of the deacon dates back to New Testament times. The church to the world), their leadership, and their lifetime commitment word “deacon” carries the meaning of “servant” and “messenger.” to this relationship. Deacons serving beyond the local church also A deacon’s work includes ministries of compassion and justice and have a “secondary appointment” to a congregation, connecting the leading the faithful in these ministries. United Methodist deacons church to the needs of the world. are appointed to their places of ministry. They typically find their place of service and request appointment from the bishop.

First Steps – Deacon

• Read and discuss The Christian as Minister with a Becoming a Certified clergyperson or candidacy mentor. This book is available for purchase at www.Cokesbury.com. Candidate – Deacon (¶310) • Be a member of the UMC or active in a United Methodist • Contact a pastor, an elder, a deacon, or the district ministry setting for a minimum of one year. superintendent to inquire about admission into the candidacy process. The district superintendent invites • Register online in the Candidacy Application System and applicants to enroll in the candidacy process. pay the candidacy application fee. • Participate in a candidacy mentoring group or meet with a • Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry candidacy mentor (as assigned by the annual conference) (dCOM) to discuss your call to ordained ministry, and to study Answering the Call: Candidacy Guidebook complete all required steps to become a certified and refine your call to ministry. candidate as listed in ¶¶310-314 and determined by the annual conference.

Educational Requirements and Academic Qualifications – Deacon (¶324) • High school diploma or equivalent. Continuing Steps – Deacon • Bachelor’s degree (some exceptions apply) from an approved institution. • Demonstrate gifts for ministries of compassion, justice, • Graduate degree options include: and leadership to the satisfaction of the dCOM. – Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate- • Complete application requirements including health certificate, approved seminary or other master’s degree from a background checks, written theological exam, and autobiographical University Senate-approved seminary statement. – Master’s degree in an area of specialization and • Interview first with the dCOM and then with the Board of Ordained completion of Basic Graduate Theological Studies Ministry (BOM) to be recommended for commissioning. • Alternative education available for candidates over 35 years • Receive Clergy Session approval for election to provisional old includes a bachelor’s degree, United Methodist Certification membership, followed with commissioning by a bishop. in Professional Ministry, and basic Graduate • After successfully completing the requirements of provisional Theological Studies. membership, apply for recommendation by the BOM and approval by the Clergy Executive Session for ordination and full membership. • Be ordained by a bishop.

The candidacy process is listed in ¶¶310-314 in The Book of Discipline. The ministry of the Deacon is described in ¶¶328-331 in The Book of Discipline.

Visit www.gbhem.org/deacons for more information. Telephone: 615-340-7375 • E-mail: [email protected] Ministry of ELDERS

Ordained to Word, Sacrament, Order, Itinerant Clergy and Service In more than 230 years of Methodism, the elders’ distinguishing Elders lead and serve the Church in the ministries of Word, mark has been their willingness to offer themselves “without reserve Sacrament, Order, and Service. Elders’ primary responsibilities to be appointed and to serve” (¶333). Elders commit to full-time, are communicating the faith and proclaiming God’s Word through itinerant service in the Church under the bishop’s authority. Through preaching and teaching. Elders administer the sacraments of itineracy, the Church also assures pastoral leadership for every local baptism and Holy Communion and order the Church’s ministry. Most congregation. elders serve as pastors in charge of local congregations. However, elders may also serve in a variety of extension ministry (¶343) Elders who are in good standing and continue to fulfill their settings (such as chaplaincy or pastoral counseling). Bishops and professional responsibilities are continued under appointment district superintendents are chosen from among the elders, because unless they are on leave and are assured equitable compensation the ordering of ministry and administering the Discipline are elders’ for their ministry. responsibilities. Elder as Pastor in Charge Service Elders oversee the local church’s ministry as it fulfills its mission Ordained ministry is rooted in servant leadership. As servant leaders, of service and witness in the world. This includes administrative elders embody Jesus’s teaching. For John Wesley, this meant refusing oversight, evangelistic leadership, programmatic planning, spiritual the limitations of parish boundaries and claiming the world as his nurturing, and pastoral care in the congregation. The pastor sets the parish. Today, elders lead in service by organizing the Church for vision and direction of the congregation for its witness in the world and its mission and service in the world. Through prophetic preaching, leads the church in worship and liturgical life. biblical interpretation, sacramental administration, theological reflection, and organizing the Church for ministry, elders equip Christians for their ministry of service in the world. Elders appointed to extension ministries (e.g., chaplaincy, counseling, campus ministry, and education) also carry out this task. Wherever appointed, elders carry their vows of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service as ordained representatives of Christ’s church.

First Steps – Elder

• Read and discuss The Christian as Minister with a Becoming a Certified clergyperson or candidacy mentor. This book is available for purchase at www.Cokesbury.com. Candidate – Elder (¶310) • Be a member of the UMC or active in a United Methodist • Contact a pastor, an elder, a deacon, or the district ministry setting for a minimum of one year. superintendent to inquire about admission into the candidacy process. The district superintendent invites • Register online in the Candidacy Application System and applicants to enroll in the candidacy process. pay the candidacy application fee. • Participate in a candidacy mentoring group or meet with a • Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry candidacy mentor (as assigned by the annual conference) (dCOM) to discuss your call to ordained ministry, and to study Answering the Call: Candidacy Guidebook complete all required steps to become a certified and refine your call to ministry. candidate as listed in ¶¶310-314 and determined by the annual conference.

Educational Requirements and Academic Qualifications – Elder (¶324) Continuing Steps – Elder

• High school diploma or equivalent. • Demonstrate gifts for ministries of service and leadership to the satisfaction of the dCOM. • Bachelor’s degree (some exceptions apply) from an approved institution. • Complete application requirements including health certificate, background checks, written theological exam, and • Master of Divinity degree from a University Senate-approved autobiographical statement. seminary or completion of the Basic and Advanced Course • Interview first with the dCOM and then with the Board of Study. of Ordained Ministry (BOM) to be recommended for commissioning. • Receive Clergy Session approval for election to provisional membership, followed with commissioning by a bishop. • After successfully completing the requirements of provisional membership, apply for recommendation by the BOM, and approval by the Clergy Session for ordination and full membership. • Be ordained by a bishop.

The candidacy process is listed in ¶¶310-314 in The Book of Discipline. The ministry of the Elder is described in ¶¶332-340 in The Book of Discipline.

Visit www.gbhem.org/elders for more information. Telephone: 615-340-7389 • E-mail: [email protected] Ministry of LOCAL PASTORS

Licensed to Word, Sacrament, Order, Local Pastor Relationships and Service The local pastor is supervised by a district superintendent and bishop A local pastor answers God’s call by serving a local congregation or and meets regularly with a clergy mentor and the district Committee extension ministry. When appointed, the local pastor performs the on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) for annual approval to serve. Local pastor’s duties, including preaching and teaching; leading in worship pastors receive theological education through the Course of Study and liturgy; receiving new members; performing the sacraments of each year. After completion of the Course of Study, a local pastor baptism and Holy Communion; and the services of marriage (where may complete the Advanced Course of Study to pursue provisional state laws allow), burial, and confirmation. The local pastor’s membership. Along with associate members, they participate in the authority is limited to the appointment setting. The local pastor is Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members for ongoing peer not ordained and serves by virtue of a license for pastoral ministry support while in ministry. after completing certified candidacy, licensing school, and annual conference requirements. Local pastors are clergy members of the annual conference. Students Appointed as Local Pastors

Students who are enrolled in pre-theological or theological studies in a Licensed to Order the Life of the Congregation(s) college, university, or school of theology listed by the University Senate may be appointed as local pastors. Students may be appointed to serve The local pastor oversees the Church’s ministry to fulfill its mission either in the annual conference where their certification is held or in of witness and service in the world where appointed. The local pastor another annual conference where they attend school (¶318.3). gives pastoral support and guidance and trains lay leadership to fulfill their ministries. The local pastor has administrative oversight of the charge and supervises the programs of the congregation(s) he or she serves.

First Steps – Local Pastor

• Read and discuss The Christian as Minister with a Becoming a Certified clergyperson or candidacy mentor. This book is available for purchase at www.Cokesbury.com. Candidate – Local Pastor (¶310) • Be a member of the UMC or active in a United Methodist • Contact a pastor, an elder, a deacon, or the district ministry setting for a minimum of one year. superintendent to inquire about admission into the candidacy process. The district superintendent invites • Register online in the Candidacy Application System and applicants to enroll in the candidacy process. pay the candidacy application fee. • Participate in a candidacy mentoring group or meet with a • Meet with the district Committee on Ordained Ministry candidacy mentor (as assigned by the annual conference) (dCOM) to discuss your call to licensed ministry, and to study Answering the Call: Candidacy Guidebook complete all required steps to become a certified and refine your call to ministry. candidate as listed in ¶¶310-314 and determined by the annual conference.

Educational Requirements and Academic Qualifications – Local Pastor (¶¶315, 319)

• High school diploma or equivalent. Continuing Steps – Local Pastor • Licensing school or completion of one-third of a Master of Divinity degree at a school of theology listed by the University • Annual renewal of the License for Pastoral Ministry through Senate. the dCOM with approval by the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) and the Clergy Session. • Basic Course of Study–A prescribed course of theological education for Local Pastors that is designed to last five years. • Receive appointment from the bishop.

• Advanced Course of Study (optional)–Includes 32 semester • Local pastors may continue to serve in that capacity after hours of graduate theological study which begins completing Course of Study, or may apply for associate after the Basic Course of Study membership after meeting additional requirements. is completed. • Local pastors or associate members may apply for provisional membership after completing Advanced Course of Study and meeting additional requirements.

The candidacy process is listed in ¶¶310-314 in The Book of Discipline. The ministry of the Local Pastor is described in ¶¶315-323 and ¶340 in The Book of Discipline.

Visit www.gbhem.org/localpastors for more information. Telephone: 615-340-7416 • E-mail: [email protected] Ministry of ENDORSED CLERGY

Ministry Outside Church Walls Healthcare Chaplaincy

Apart from serving God in the local church, ordained or licensed Chaplains who serve in healthcare organizations (e.g., hospital, clergy may also be appointed to ministries in specialized settings palliative care, hospice) help patients, families, and friends cope which extend Christ’s love and justice into the world. These settings with sickness, disability, dying, and death. They work on a team with are usually institutions with the primary purpose of education, doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers. international security, peacekeeping, incarceration, or healthcare in nonprofit and for profit agencies. To serve in these settings, clergy are Chaplains assess the patient’s spiritual needs and provide pastoral expected to have ecclesiastical endorsement. care for patients, families, and healthcare staff. They frequently conduct worship, offer sacraments, and are involved with critical Endorsement is the Church’s process to ensure clergy possess the incident stress management. In addition, healthcare chaplains serve skills and capabilities needed for a particular setting, and that they on ethics committees that address complex issues in modern medicine. are appropriate representatives of the denomination. The Church then endorses those who they affirm to serve in specific ministerial settings. Pastoral Counseling

Chaplaincy and Government Employment Pastoral counselors have received specialized training to bring together the resources of scripture, faith, and the insights of behavioral science. The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects and accommodates They serve in counseling centers, healthcare institutions, or on the the religious beliefs and practices of citizens. When citizens are pastoral staff of a local church. Counselors work with individuals, entrusted to the care of the government (e.g., military, healthcare, families, and groups where treatment is integrated within the tradition, prison), their life needs are the state’s responsibility. Chaplains are beliefs, and resources of the faith community. employed with primary oversight responsibility of religious/spiritual accommodation for these individuals.

The specialized needs of these government settings make ministry challenging. Each requires a chaplain with a strong pastoral care skill set which includes: an understanding of and ability to work with the population; counseling and critical incident stress management; leadership in worship and religious education; and active community outreach. All government settings necessitate the chaplain’s ability to function within structured protocols and government systems.

Endorsement Settings of GBHEM’s United Methodist Endorsing Agency Requirements for • Children’s Home • Pastoral Counseling • Clinical Pastoral Education • Law Enforcement/Prison Ecclesiastical Endorsement • General Hospital • Retirement Home (¶331.4; ¶337.3; ¶1421.5) • Hospice • Specialized Settings • Life Coach • Spiritual Direction Those seeking endorsement to a specific setting must meet the • Marriage and Family • Substance Abuse following criteria: • Mental Health • Veterans Affairs • Military (Air Force, Army, Navy) • Workplace 1) Local pastor, associate member, provisional deacon or elder, or ordained deacon or elder. 2) Degrees from an accredited college and a University Senate-approved seminary. 3) Additional requirements as specified by the ministry setting.

The Application Process (¶1421.5)

To receive an application, contact the United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA). Applicants are responsible for providing materials requested on the application to UMEA: The Interview

• Names and addresses of two personal references and your district The interviewing committee is made up of endorsed superintendent. UMEA will contact your bishop for a reference chaplains and pastoral counselors. The interview’s purpose report. is to understand the applicant’s perception of Christian faith as it relates to the desired ministry. Upon completion of the • A succinct life history and statement of your understanding of interview, recommendations are made for consideration by ministry as it pertains to ministry in the setting for which you are the Endorsing Committee. Areas examined include: seeking endorsement. 1) Moral and emotional stability 8) Balance When all materials have been received and requirements 2) Self-evaluation 9) Institutional vs. met, an interview will be scheduled. 3) Theory of Christian ministry congregational ministry 4) Motivation 10) Evidence of a pastoral 5) Continuing education support system 6) Sense of humor 7) Cooperativeness/diversity

Endorsement Decisions Endorsement is conferred or denied by the Endorsing Committee which is comprised of Higher Education and Ministry Board Members.

Visit www.gbhem.org/chaplains for more information. Telephone: 615-340-7411 • E-mail: [email protected] Book Of Discipline

“In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small membership churches, expand team ministry in churches and in deference to an expression of gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and utlilized.” (2012 BOD, ¶271) Four Major Components

There are four major components to the For additional information and resources formation of Certified Lay Ministers: for Certified Lay Ministry, please 1. Training visit our website at 2. Supervision 3. Support WWW.GBOD.ORG 4. Accountability

The General Board of Discipleship PO Box 340003 Nashville, TN 37203 Certified Lay Minister

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” — I Peter 2:9 What is a Certified Lay Steps to Certification Recertification Minister? STEP 1: LOCAL CHURCH RECOMMENDATION The CLM may be recertified by thedCOM) every Written recommendation of the pastor and supporting vote two years upon: Laity have long been a part of ministry in of the church council or charge conference where he/she Methodism. Lay preachers, exhorters, and class holds membership. A CLM must demonstrate appreciation of • Written application for recertification to the leaders have served the church since its earliest United Methodist history, doctrine, polity, worship and liturgy dCOM days. through service in the local church. • Ministry review by church council or charge conference from the congregation of which he “The certified lay minister is to preach the Word, or she is a member (when under assignment, provide a care ministry to the congregation, STEP 2: CERTIFICATION AS A LAY SERVANT ministry review by church council or charge assist in program leadership, and be a witness Before becoming a CLM, one must be a certified layservant conference where assigned). in the community for the growth, missional and or a person with equivalent training as defined by his/her • Satisfactory completion of an approved connectional thrust of The United Methodist Church district or conference which includes completion of the continuing education event as part of a ministry team with the supervision and BASIC and an advanced Lay Servant Ministries course. • Recommendation of DS support of a clergy person.” (2012 BOD, ¶271.1) STEP 3: COMPLETE COURSEWORK (2012 BOD, ¶271.3 and ¶271.4) Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs) are usually providing Complete courses Modules 1-4 for Certified Lay Ministry (or ministry in part-time or volunteer roles in a variety of their equivalent as required by the annual conference) and formats: courses relevant to his/her assignment. Transfer of Certification • in visitation and care ministry “A certified lay minister who moves may transfer • as parish nurse (with appropriate training) STEP 4: DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION certification to the new district upon receipt of • as a small group leader After completion of appropriate screening and assessment, a letter from the previous District’s Committee • in preaching ministries a person requests a letter of recommendation from his/her on Ordained Ministry confirming current • as a missionary or church planter District Superintendent (DS). certification.” • in smaller new faith communities – that are not (2012 BOD, ¶271.5) stand-alone parishes; house churches, ethnic fellowships, small faith communities STEP 5: CERTIFICATION BY DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON • in Ethnic Ministries ORDAINED MINISTRY Assignment • as Hispanic/Latino Lay Missioners Apply in writing to, and appear before, District Committee • as a pastor of a small church as part of a on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) for review and approval of The CLM is assigned by the DS to provide lay ministry team certification. servant leadership in a ministry or in a church as • on a pastoral team on multi-point charges or part of a ministry team. The CLM is accountable parishes to assist in continuity of leadership to the DS or another ordained or licensed minister • as a pastoral associate in a larger church appointed to oversee the charge, who will make • multi-cultural or cross-cultural groups by provision for sacramental ministry and provide developing indigenous leadership guidance and mentoring to the CLM assigned (2012 BOD, ¶205.4).

CLMs are laypersons and as such are not eligible for support by equitable compensation funds or pension that are provided for clergy members. The local congregation is encouraged to provide appropriate compensation (2012 BOD, ¶271.6). Time Frame for Lay Servant Completion of Lay Ministries Speaker Requirements Informational To be determined by each annual conference. There is no time frame indicated in the Brochure Book of Discipline.

Renewal and For additional information and resources for Lay Recertification Process Servant Ministries, please visit our website at The renewal process for local church lay servants WWW.GBOD.ORG is unchanged from the former local church lay speaker process. The recertification process for The General Board of Discipleship certified lay servants also remains the same as PO Box 340003 that for the former lay speaker process. Nashville, TN 37203

Lay Speakers must also complete an advanced course once every three years and in addition must interview with the district committee every three years. The district committee will recommend those who qualify for recertification by the annual conference committee.

Conference Director Title Change

The title change from Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries to Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries was ratified by the 2013 annual and central conference sessions.

COM381 The New Lay Servant Ministries LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES AND BEYOND In 2012 the General Conference of The United Titles and Requirements Defined Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. For several quadrennia various name changes were proposed – none LOCAL CHURCH LAY SERVANT CERTIFIED LAY SERVANT of which adequately described the role of this Serve primarily in the local congregation Local Church Lay Servants who have taken an leadership development program. advanced course in LSM; serve in the local 1. Pastor and church council or charge conference congregation and beyond The term servant was chosen because it best approval describes what Jesus told his disciples in John 2. Completion of the basic course for lay servants 1. Pastor and church council or charge 13 after he himself had performed the duties conference approval of the lowliest servant. We should be honored 3. Submission of report and reapplication annually 2. Completion of the basic course for to serve as our Lord and Savior did. We are 4. Completion of a refresher course every 3 years called to live out our discipleship as servants in lay servants leadership! 3. Completion of an advanced course for lay servants LAY SPEAKER 4. Submission of report and reapplication Certified Lay Servant or person, with equivalent annually training as defined by his or her district or 5. Completion of an advanced course every Local Church and conference, who provides pulpit supply three years Certified Lay Servants Required course of study: Lay Servant basic course, leading worship, leading There is no change in the process of becoming prayer, discovering spiritual gifts, preaching, United CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER a local church or certified lay servant from the Methodist heritage, and United Methodist polity Certified Lay Servant or person, with equivalent former lay speaker process. There was, however, training as defined by his or her district or a role of lay speaker added to the program, which 1. Pastor and charge conference approval conference, who provides lay servant leadership includes specific preparation and accountability 2. Completion of the basic course for lay servants in a ministry/church as part of a ministry team processes. 3. Completion of required courses for lay speaker 4. Interview with District Committee on Lay 1. Pastor and church council or charge Servant Ministries (LSM) or equivalent conference approval 5. Approval by conference committee on LSM or 2. DS recommendation Course Availability equivalent 3. Demonstrated appreciation of UM history, 6. Submission of report annually doctrine, polity, worship and liturgy through All courses will be available online with the 7. Completion of an advanced course every service in local church exception of preaching in order to facilitate the three years 4. Completion of required course work process for certified lay servants to meet the 8. Recertification every 3 years 5. Application in writing to District Committee lay speaker requirements. Online courses are (2012 BOD ¶266.6) on Ordained Ministry (dCOM) available at www.BeADisciple.com. 6. Appearance before dCOM for review and approval Please check with your conference director of lay 7. Recertification biannually servant ministries for more information regarding (2012 BOD ¶271.3) your annual conference requirements for lay speakers. Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry A few important Conference Policies for Candidates

Approved Seminaries In order to be considered for commissioning and probationary/provisional membership which can lead to ordination as an elder and full membership in the Texas Annual Conference, candidates must graduate with “a Master of Divinity degree from a school of theology listed by the University Senate” (Discipline 2016, ¶ 324.4.a, page 245). Deacon candidates must graduate with “a Master of Divinity degree from a school of theology listed by the University Senate, or a master’s degree in an area of specialized ministry” (Discipline 2016, ¶ 324.4.b, page 233). The additional theological requirements must be taken through a University Senate-approved seminary. A list of University Senate-approved seminaries is available on-line at www.gbhem.org. Please note: At this time, Houston Graduate School of Theology and Fuller’s Houston satellite program are not University Senate-approved.

Long-distance or On-line Learning No more than two third of academic hours required for the Master of Divinity or any equivalent degree may be taken in long-distance or on-line learning. (CBOM, March 2011)

Commissioning as a Deacon or Elder All candidates for commissioning as a deacon or elder and probationary/provisional membership in the Texas Annual Conference shall have completed courses in United Methodist doctrine, history, and polity before they are properly before the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for interviews. (CBOM, April 1990) Auditing is not permitted, but courses taken through Houston Graduate School of Theology or by correspondence are acceptable.

All candidates for commissioning as an elder or deacon and probationary/provisional membership in the Texas Annual Conference shall have completed all educational requirements prior to commissioning. (CBOM, October 2008)

Candidates recommended by the Texas Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for commissioning as a deacon or elder and probationary/provisional membership must have received an Episcopal appointment prior to commissioning. (CBOM, October 2008)

Ordination as an Elder or Deacon All probationary/provisional candidates for ordination as an elder or deacon shall have completed one course in worship and one course in homiletics. (CBOM, October 2015)

Sexual Ethics A sexual ethics course is required for all appointed clergy—student local pastors, part and full time local pastors, probationary/provisional members, deacons, and elders—before or within the first year of a first appointment, and once every four years under appointment. To register for a sexual ethics course, go to the Texas Annual Conference website www.txcumc.org or contact Rev. Gail Ford Smith’s office at 713.521.9383.

For additional candidacy policies, please consult with your mentor; your District office; your District Committee on Ministry chairperson or registrar; the road map in this binder; and The Discipline of the United Methodist Church 2016 (¶ 301–336 or pages 223–271).

Updated December 14, 2017