If you feel called to ministry in The United Methodist Church, there are several ministry options available to you.
God may be calling you to ministry as an Elder. Elders are ordained for ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service. Most Elders serve as pastors, though some serve as chaplains, campus ministers, professors, or in other ministry settings.God may be calling you to ministry as a Deacon. Deacons are ordained for ministries of Word and Service. Deacons serve as a bridge between the church and the world. Many Deacons serve in agencies outside the church, in ministries of outreach, mission, and justice. Others serve within the local church, in areas such as Christian education, youth, children, music, or missions.God may be calling you to ministry as a Licensed Local Pastor. Local Pastors are licensed for ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service in a particular congregation. The educational requirements and procedures are different for Local Pastors than for Elders. God may be calling you to ministry as a lay person. Through baptism, we are each called to serve God and others. You may be called to serve through your secular career, your role in your family, or as a lay staff person or volunteer in your congregation. "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part in it."
-1 Corinthians 12:27
