Your first step toward becoming an Elder, Deacon, or Licensed Local Pastor is to begin the Candidacy Process.
To begin the Candidacy Process:
Be a member. You must have been a member of a United Methodist Church or a United Methodist campus ministry for at least one year immediately prior to beginning Candidacy, including a year in some form of leadership. Read and Discuss. Read the books The Christian As Minister and Ministry Inquiry Process and discuss them with your pastor. Contact your District Superintendent. Contact your District Superintendent with a written statement about your call, and make an appointment with him or her to discuss Candidacy. Enroll in Candidacy. Pending a background check, you will be enrolled in the Online Candidacy System, and assigned a clergy mentor to walk you through the rest of the process.Attend Retreat and Mentoring Groups. You'll attend a retreat for new candidates, and meet regularly with your mentoring group for six months while completing the requirements to become a Certified Candidate. Once you are Certified, you'll continue the journey toward becoming an Elder, Deacon, or Licensed Local Pastor. Click to view our video about the Candidacy Process
