Candidacy Process

Persons who believe that God is calling them to ministry in The United Methodist Church will be involved in a process of discernment.  There are many components to this, but the main feature is working with a mentor.

If you are a young person seeking to know more about your call, you may want to link to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s website designed to assist you in this discernment - http://www.explorecalling.org/.

You can also download the form for Recommendation or Renewal for Candidacy.

The role of the minister in the candidacy process...What do I do when someone is saying, "I Think God is Calling Me" ? 

There are many components to this, the first of which is to work with your pastor to read “The Christian As Minister”  (required) and “Understanding God’s Call”  (very helpful, but optional). 

At the Candidacy retreat you will be assigned group mentor.
 

Upcoming Candidacy Retreat Dates:

• July 12 and 13, 2019
• January 10 and 11, 2020
• July 10 and 11, 2020

Please see the Candidacy Retreat Check List to ensure all necessary items are completed. This Check List outlines all the steps needed for Candidacy.

Simple Guides:

• Simple Guide to Local Pastor
• Simple Guide to Provisional/Full Connection

Areas in Ministry Resources:

• Elder
• Endorsed Clergy
• Deacon
• Local Pastor

Other Resources:

• Candidacy from GBHEM
• Starting Candidacy
• Ordination Poster PDF
• Glossary of Candidacy Terms
• Step by Step UMCARES Guide
• GBHEM Steps to Licensed and Ordained Ministry
• Staff Parish Interview Process and Questions