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Set-Apart Ministry

About Set-Apart Ministry

Set apart ministry in the United Methodist Church is a calling by God to serve the Church either through a full time or part time role as an ordained Elder, Deacon, or Licensed Local Pastor / Associate Member. 

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Ordained Ministry 

  • Deacons: Focus on servanthood, teaching/preaching, and community service, emphasizing compassion and justice. Deacons equip and connect a local church with its community while also connecting the community with the local church. 

  • Elders: Lead congregations, preach/ teach the scriptures, celebrate sacraments, order the work and administration of the local congregation, and provide pastoral care for the church and community.

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Licensed Local Pastors / Associate Members

  • Perform pastoral duties (in a part time or full time role) in a specific church or charge including preaching, teaching, administration of the sacraments, pastoral care, and other work  

7-Step Process

  1. A person feels called to ministry and begins a process of discernment with those close to them.  

  2. The person speaks with their pastor, and the local church affirms their call 

  3. The District and Conference also affirm the call, and the person is admitted as a candidate for ministry after attending the Candidacy Summit and participating in a mentoring group for 6 months. 

  4. The person is expected to complete a college degree (I’m not already attained) and then may: attend Local Pastors Licensing School, pursue a Master of Divinity degree or another appropriate Masters degree, or enter into an alternative schooling for ministry called the Coarse of Study.  

  5. The person then either receives a license to serve as a local pastor, or if seeking ordination, serves as a provisional member for three years 

  6. A person seeking to be a full member as an Elder, Deacon, or Associate Member writes and defends their stances on theology and calling through a series of essays, a written bible study, and recorded sermon, all of which is presented before the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry where interviews occur as a form of examination.  

  7. A bishop ordains the person  

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