1. The church’s ministry is derived from the ministry of Christ, who bids all people to receive salvation and follow Him as disciples in the way of love. This summons to ministry is to the whole people of God, or Laity (laos) who are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,” charged to “declare the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness and into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) Baptism initiates this call to ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
2. With the exception of the offices of bishop and presiding elder (district superintendent), which are reserved for elders, all Laity and Clergy may serve in various offices. Offices of ministry refer to what followers of Christ do for the general building up of the body of Christ. Offices include, but are not limited to, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, administrators, miracle workers, healers, and helpers (Eph. 4:11-13, and 1 Cor. 12:28). The Holy Spirit works in and through a call to ministry and the subsequent discernment and affirmation of that call by the church.
1. A certified lay minister is a professing member of a local congregation who has received special training in Wesleyan doctrine and our denominational polity, and endorsement by the church in order to serve the church as laity. This category encompasses all those who were previously named certified lay servants, certified lay speakers, certified lay ministers, deaconesses, home missioners, and lay missioners. Certified lay ministers may work in any area of the church’s ministry, including leading, teaching, proclaiming/preaching, evangelizing, worship, and caring ministry. As laity, a certified lay minister is not subject to the approval or appointment of the bishop or presiding elder, although they may request the lay minister serve in a ministry capacity outside his or her own local church.
2. Qualifications. Persons desiring to be certified lay ministers must fulfill the following qualifications:
a. Professing member of a local Global Methodist congregation (or its predecessor) for at least two years.
b. Satisfactory completion of a course in lay ministry, approved by the Commission on Higher Education and Ministry, covering the church’s doctrine, history, polity, and basic Bible knowledge.
c. Satisfactory completion of at least one advanced course in lay ministry, approved by the Commission on Higher Education and Ministry, on an area of ministry (e.g., preaching, worship leading, caring ministry, etc.). Coursework or training in other settings may be counted to meet this requirement at the discretion of the board of ministry.
d. National background check.
e. Written recommendation by the pastor and endorsement by majority vote of the pastor- parish relations committee and the charge conference.
f. Interview and approval by the annual conference board of ministry. A public service of commitment recognizing the certification is recommended.
3. Renewal of Certification. Certification for lay ministry may be renewed every three years by the annual conference board of ministry based on the following:
a. An annual report to the charge conference and annual conference board of ministry outlining what ministry had been done during the year and giving evidence of satisfactory performance.
b. Endorsement by majority vote of the charge conference annually.
c. Written recommendation for renewal by the pastor.
d. Completion of an additional national background check every three years
e. Satisfactory completion of at least one additional advanced course in lay ministry, approved by the Commission on Higher Education and Ministry, in the last three years.
4. Conditions of service.
a. A certified lay minister serves as a volunteer, but an honorarium and expenses for pulpit supply or other specialized ministries outside one’s own local church are appropriate. A certified lay minister serving as a lay staff member of a church or other ministry should be equitably compensated for their work.
b. Certification as a lay minister may be transferred to another annual conference if the person relocates. Subsequent renewal in that new annual conference is in accordance with ¶ 402.3.
c. Persons who held active certification in a predecessor denomination shall automatically be received as certified lay ministers in the Global Methodist Church, provided that they have met the requirements of ¶ 402.2b-c through coursework in the predecessor denomination, subscribe to the doctrinal standards and Social Witness of this Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline, and agree to abide by its discipline. Subsequent renewal is in accordance with ¶ 402.3. Those not meeting the requirements of ¶ 402.2b-c are not certified but may work toward certification and are not required to repeat coursework they have already completed.
Clergy are those who have been called out from among God’s people for particular service to His church. A calling from God may take many expressions and come at any age in the life of an individual. Scripture bears witness to both the young (1 Samuel 3) and those who are older (Genesis 12 and Exodus 3) being summoned by God into His work, as well as men and women, and those whose encounters with God were sudden and dramatic and those whose call may have been more gradual, naturally unfolding over a period of many years. In addition to those specifically charged with preaching and teaching (I Peter 5:1-4), the early church also set apart seven disciples who were “full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” to distribute food to the widows among them (Acts 6:1-6). Individuals such as Stephen, Phoebe, and Timothy, served in various ways to benefit the people of God. Whether a deacon or elder, all clergy are required to live lives of integrity and self-control as they hold fast to the mystery of faith (1 Tim. 3:1-13).
Following the historic practice of Methodism, those who serve as clergy within the Global Methodist Church shall be both elected by their peers and ordained by the bishop on behalf of the whole church. Election is the action by which the clergy of an annual conference, after carefully examining the qualifications, abilities, and readiness of a candidate for ministry, incorporate individuals into the membership of the covenant fellowship of those called to serve the church. Election carries with it the right to vote and participate in the business of an annual conference provided the person is under appointment or senior clergy who meet the qualifications of ¶ 418. During the period prior to the convening General Conference, under the provisions of ¶ 419.2a, transitional local pastors who have been approved for ordination as elders or deacons shall be clergy under this paragraph and have the right to vote and participate in the business of an annual conference. During the period prior to the convening General Conference, those persons licensed as transitional local pastors under ¶ 419.2b shall also be clergy under this paragraph and have the right to vote and participate in the business of an annual conference, except as limited by ¶419.2b. Ordination is the action by which the church sets apart those who have been so elected to a particular order of ministry for the good of the whole church. Ordination is conferred by the laying on of hands by a bishop and others among the people of God in conference. There are two orders of clergy:
1. Order of Deacons. Within the people of God, some persons are called to the ministry of deacon, which is a ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. The words deacon, deaconess, and diaconate all spring from a common Greek root—diakonos, or “servant,” and diakonia, or “service.” This ministry exemplifies and leads the Church in the servanthood every Christian is called to live both in the church and in the world. Deacons are to witness to the Word in their words and actions, and to embody and lead the community’s service in the world for the sake of enacting God’s compassion and justice. Within and beyond a local church, deacons may, among other ministries, lead in worship, preach and teach, conduct marriages, bury the dead, care for the sick and needy, and interpret the needs of the world to the church. Deacons may also consecrate or assist with the Sacraments in accordance with ¶ 313. Deacons may serve in a variety of offices within and beyond a local church, including, but not limited to, serving as pastor of a local church. Deacons retain their responsibility to witness and service in the world. Ordination as a deacon is for life, whether a person is subsequently ordained an elder or not; persons may remain as deacons should they desire to do so.
2. Order of Elders. From among those ordained as deacons, some are called to carry on the historic work of the presbyteros or elder in the life of the Church to the ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order. (Those who were not ordained deacon prior to ordination as elder will be granted deacon’s orders upon beginning their service in the Global Methodist Church. It is recommended that annual conferences recognize this grant through a special service.) Those called to the ministry of elder bear authority and responsibility to proclaim God’s Word fearlessly, to teach God’s people faithfully, to administer the sacraments, and to order the life of the church so that it may be both faithful and fruitful. Elders retain their calling as Laity to witness and service in the world, as well as their call as deacons to word, service, compassion, and justice among the people of God.
From its earliest days, Methodism was unique in its adoption of an itinerant ministry involving “circuit-riding preachers” who carried the Gospel and Wesleyan witness across numerous frontiers around the world. While the nature of itinerancy has changed over the decades according to the needs and circumstances of church and culture, it continues to be reflected in the appointment system of clergy who are willing and ready to serve wherever most needed. Within the Global Methodist Church, there are two types of ordered ministry: located ministry and the ministry of oversight (or apostolic ministry)
1. Located Ministry. Clergy appointed to serve in a particular place, such as the pastor of a local church or director of a social service agency, are part of the located ministry of the Global Methodist Church. They shall have that call affirmed and be appointed by the bishop over the annual conference wherein they serve, who shall also oversee their work. Clergy in located ministry may serve in a full-time, part-time, or bi-vocational capacity, or as a volunteer.
2. The Ministry of Oversight (Apostolic Ministry). Elders who are called and appointed to oversee the work of others are a part of the ministry of oversight or the apostolic ministry of the Global Methodist Church. Upon their election to the office, elders may serve as a bishop of the church to defend the faith and to provide oversight and discipline to the churches and clergy that compose the annual conference. In turn, bishops may call and appoint other elders as presiding elders (district superintendents) to give guidance and direction to those serving as clergy within their district, organize new churches, and assist, discipline, and provide sacramental support to laity, deacons, and elders in located ministry.
Those to be ordained must meet the following qualifications:
1. Have a personal faith in Jesus Christ and be committed to Christ as Savior and Lord.
2. Nurture and cultivate spiritual disciplines and patterns of holiness consistent with the General Rules, including responsible self-control by exhibiting personal habits that are conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, integrity in all relationships, fidelity in a Christian marriage between one man and one woman, chastity in singleness, social responsibility, and the knowledge and love of God.
3. Have a call by God and the people of God to devote themselves to the work of ministry.
4. Be able to effectively communicate the Christian faith.
5. Give evidence of God’s gifts for ordained ministry and promise of future usefulness in the mission of the church.
6. Accept the authority of Scripture; be competent in the disciplines of Scripture, theology, church history and polity; possess the skills essential for the practice of ministry, and lead in making disciples of Jesus Christ.
7. Be accountable to the church, accept its doctrinal standards, discipline, and authority, accept the supervision of those appointed to the ministry of oversight, and live in covenant with its ordained ministers.
1. Persons who hear a call to ordained ministry should meet with their local pastor or presiding elder (district superintendent) to inquire about candidacy.They must have held membership in a local Global Methodist church (or its predecessor) for at least one year and have a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Upon recommendation by two-thirds secret ballot of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee or equivalent, the person is presented to the charge conference for a vote by simple majority on whether to approve them for candidacy.
2. Candidacy Discernment. After local church approval, the candidate shall spend a minimum of six months under the supervision of the annual conference board of ministry in discernment, which must include a supervised internship or employment in a ministry setting. During this time, the candidate shall:
a. Engage in discernment, including but not limited to, completion of a guidebook, mentoring, and participation in a small group with other candidates;
b. Undergo a psychological evaluation, and background and credit check; and
c. Upon completion of the the minimum of six months of discernment, the candidate shall write a formal statement detailing his or her call to ordained ministry and submit it to the annual conference board of ministry.
3. The annual conference board of ministry, or subgroup thereof, shall interview the candidate and the annual conference board of ministry shall then vote on whether to certify the candidate by majority vote.
4. A certified candidate must undergo a period of spiritual formation under the supervision of the annual conference board of ministry until such time as the person is ordained a deacon.
1. In order better to prepare leaders, the Global Methodist Church requires candidates for ordination as deacons and elders to fulfill basic educational requirements as part of the ordination process. These educational requirements include the courses defined in ¶ 407.3.a, and .b below: Ten courses (thirty credit hours) for those pursuing deacons orders, and ten additional courses (thirty credit hours) for those seeking elders orders. Recognizing that educational opportunities vary based on geography and life circumstance, the Global Methodist Church will accept courses, singly or in combination, from any of the following degree programs, so long as the required courses are successfully completed for the level of ordination being pursued: an approved alternative educational pathway, a bachelor’s degree program in ministry (for persons residing other than in the United States and Western Europe), a joint Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Divinity program, a program for a Master of Arts or equivalent degree in the practice of ministry, or a Master of Divinity degree program.
2. Recommended Educational Institutions. A list of schools for ministry education will be maintained by the Transitional Commission on Ministry. Candidates for ordination are strongly encouraged to choose from its list of recommended educational institutions, to complete educational requirements for ordination; however, candidates may complete their educational requirements at any accredited educational institution, including institutions not on the Global Methodist Church's recommended list. The Transitional Commission on Ministry must approve courses to fulfill the educational requirement for Methodist Theology and Denominational History and Polity. The Transitional Committee on Ministry will recommend competencies and courses for ministerial training, as well as establish standards for and supervise approved alternative educational pathways in conjunction with the annual conference boards of ministry.
3. Deacons Educational Requirements. A total of ten courses (30 credit hours) are required for those ordained as deacons.
a. Courses in the following five areas are required for all persons seeking ordination as a deacon:
- Introduction to the Old Testament
- Introduction to the New Testament
- Christian Leadership/ConflictResolution
- Methodist Theology
- Denominational History and Polity
In addition, those pastoring a church, or planning to pursue elder's orders shall be required to complete a course in
- Basics of Preaching
b. Once a deacon has been ordained, a minimum of five further (four for those going on to ordination as an elder) courses will be required. Deacons may choose from courses in the following areas:
- Pastoral Care*
- Worship and Sacraments*
- Apologetics*
- Evangelism and Missions*
- The Gospel Vision for Justice
- Christian Education & Discipleship
- Ministering to Children
- Models of Youth Ministry
- Church Finance and Administration
- Ministry in Intercultural Contexts
- Additional courses in Bible or theology
* required for deacons pastoring a local church/ planning to pursue elder’s orders
These courses will be determined in consultation with the presiding elder (district superintendent) in consideration of the deacon’s ministry setting. Failure to complete these additional courses within seven years will result in the deacon being placed on inactive status until the courses are completed.
4. Elders Educational Requirements. For deacons who wish to pursue elder’s orders, a minimum of ten additional courses (beyond the ten already taken for ordination as deacon) will be required.
a. In addition to all courses required for the office of deacon, courses in the following six courses will be required prior to ordination as an elder.
- History of Christianity through the Reformation
- History of Christianity, Reformation to the present
- Church Finance and Administration (if not already taken)
- Systematic Theology
- One elective course in Old Testament
- One elective course in New Testament
b. Following ordination as an elder, courses in additional four areas will be required to complete the educational requirements. These courses may be chosen from among the following areas:
- A Theology Elective
- Mission and Church Renewal
- Media and Modern Applications
- Advanced Preaching
- Spiritual Formation
- Philosophy of Religion
c. Failure to complete these additional courses within seven years will result in the elder being placed on inactive status until the courses are completed.
5. The Transitional Commission on Higher Education and Ministry will determine whether courses at a given institution meet the requirements listed in this paragraph. Each annual conference board of ministry shall certify that the courses taken by a person correspond sufficiently to these areas.
In addition to whatever other questions may be asked, persons seeking ordination as deacon shall be evaluated during their interview by the annual conference board of ministry or equivalent based upon their answers related to the following historic questions first asked about those desiring to be “traveling preachers”:
“(1) Do they know God as pardoning God? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they desire nothing but God? Are they holy in all manner of conversation?
(2) Have they gifts, as well as evidence of God’s grace, for the work? Have they a clear, sound understanding; a right judgment in the things of God; a just conception of salvation by faith? Do they speak justly, readily, clearly?
(3) Have they fruit? Have any been truly convinced of sin and converted to God, and are believers edified by their service?
As long as these marks occur in them, we believe that they are called of God to serve. These we receive as sufficient proof that they are moved by the Holy Spirit.”
Prior to ordination as elder, candidates shall provide the board of ministry with written answers to the following questions historically asked by bishops since the time of John Wesley:
(1) Have you faith in Christ?
(2) Are you going on to perfection?
(3) Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life?
(4) Are you earnestly striving after perfection in love?
(5) Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and to God’s work?
(6) Do you know the General Rules of our Church?
(7) Will you keep the General Rules of our Church?
(8) Have you studied the doctrines of the Global Methodist Church?
(9) After full examination do you believe that our doctrines are in harmony with the Holy Scriptures?
(10) Will you preach and maintain them?
(11) Have you studied our form of church discipline and polity?
(12) Do you approve our church government and polity?
(13) Will you support and maintain them?
(14) Will you exercise the ministry of compassion?
(15) Will you diligently instruct the children in every place?
(16) Will you visit from house to house?
(17) Will you recommend fasting or abstinence, both by precept and example?
(18) Are you determined to employ all your time in the work of God?
(19) Are you in debt so as to embarrass you in your work?
(20) Will you observe the following directions?
(a) Be diligent. Never be unemployed. Never be triflingly employed. Never trifle away time; neither spend any more time at any one place than is strictly necessary.
(b) Be punctual. Do everything exactly at the time. And do not mend our rules, but keep them; not for wrath, but for conscience’ sake.
Within the Global Methodist Church, certified candidates must first be ordained as deacons and, after ordination as deacons, may be ordained as elders.
1. Ordination Questions. Upon completion of the educational requirements of ¶ 406.2b and ¶407.3a, and passing a deacon’s level knowledge examination in doctrine, history, discipline, and Bible, a candidate for ordination as deacon shall be interviewed by the annual conference board of ministry or equivalent. During such interview, the candidate shall be asked the following questions:
(a) What is your personal experience of God?
(b) What is your understanding of evil?
(c) What is your understanding of grace?
(d) How do you understand the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and in the Church?
(e) What is your understanding of the Kingdom of God?
(f) What significance do you believe that the resurrection holds?
(g) What is your understanding of the nature and authority of Scripture?
(h) What is your understanding of the nature and mission of the Church?
(i) What gifts and graces do you bring to the work of ministry?
(j) What is the meaning of ordination?
(k) What is the role and significance of the sacraments?
(l) Have you studied our form of church discipline and polity and will you support and maintain it?
(m) For the sake of the church’s witness, are you willing to dedicate yourself to the highest ideals of the Christian life, exercising self-control in your personal habits, integrity in all of your relationships and if married, fidelity in your covenant with your spouse, or if single, chastity in your personal conduct?
In evaluating candidates who attend an educational institution not on the Global Methodist Church's recommended list, the annual conference board of ministry will evaluate whether the candidate's courses and preparation meets the standards of the Global Methodist Church.
The annual conference board of ministry shall evaluate whether the candidate evidences a sufficient foundation in and commitment to the doctrine, ethical principles, and discipline of the Global Methodist Church.
2. The annual conference board of ministry or equivalent will interview the candidate for readiness for ordination as a deacon. After being interviewed and recommended by the annual conference board of ministry by a two-thirds vote and approved by a two-thirds vote of the clergy of the annual conference in executive session and by the bishop, a certified candidate shall become a full member of the annual conference and be ordained as deacon by the bishop through the laying on of hands.
3. Deacons are clergy members in full connection of the annual conference with full voice and vote on all matters except the ordination and conference relation of elders. Deacons not serving under appointment shall be classified as inactive and shall have no voting rights in the annual conference, except as provided for in ¶ 418.
4. Deacons may be appointed to serve as part of a ministry team in a local church (including as a pastor) or another ministry setting by the bishop, or they may secure their own position with the approval and appointment of the bishop. Deacons may continue to serve as a deacon indefinitely under appointment by the bishop and are encouraged to continue their education in regard to whatever ministry specialty they are called to pursue.
5. Deacons shall meet minimum educational requirements at the time of ordination as determined by this Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline (¶ 406.2b, c). Following ordination, deacons must fulfill the additional educational requirements established for deacons in ¶ 407.3b within seven (7) years. Deacons who do not complete all educational requirements within the allotted time shall be classified as inactive until such educational requirements are completed.
6. Deacons considering a call to ordination as an elder, or in whom the gifts and graces for the ministry of elder are recognized by a bishop or presiding elder (district superintendent), may be appointed to the office of pastor in a local church. If such an appointment is more than a temporary assignment, a deacon who accepts such an appointment must declare candidacy for ordination as an elder and begin the process toward such ordination following the completion of all educational requirements as a deacon.
1. Deacons who desire to be ordained as an elder shall declare their candidacy for such ordination to the annual conference board of ministry or equivalent. They shall be eligible for ordination as elder once they:
a. Prove themselves faithful, mature, and effective over a period of a minimum of two years’ service as a deacon;
b. Complete the educational requirements for ordination as an elder specified in ¶ 407.4a.
c. Pass an advanced level examination in doctrine, history, discipline and Bible;
d. Be interviewed and recommended by a two-thirds vote of the annual conference board of ministry or equivalent for ordination as an elder. In evaluating candidates who attend an educational institution not on the Global Methodist Church's recommended list, the annual conference board of ministry will evaluate whether the candidate's courses and preparation meets the standards of the Global Methodist Church. The annual conference board of ministry shall evaluate whether the candidate evidences a sufficient foundation in and commitment to the doctrine, ethical principles, and discipline of the Global Methodist Church; and
e. Be approved by two-thirds vote by the elders of the annual conference in executive session and be approved by the bishop.
2. The additional educational requirements specified in ¶ 407.4b must be completed within seven (7) years of ordination as elder. Persons who do not complete such requirements in a timely manner shall be ineligible thereafter to serve in the office of pastor of a local church but may continue to serve in other capacities as a deacon.
3. Elders are clergy members in full connection of the annual conference with full voice and vote on all matters. An elder not serving under appointment shall be classified as inactive and shall not have voting rights in the annual conference, except as provided for in ¶ 418. Elders may be appointed by the bishop as a presiding elder (district superintendent), to local ministry as pastor in charge, to the staff of a local church, as a chaplain, as an evangelist, or to other ministry settings. Elders are eligible to be elected to the office of bishop.
A fund shall be maintained for ministerial education by the Transitional Leadership Council. Once certified, a candidate may request a loan to assist with educational requirements. A service commitment of five years duration after ordination is required of any clergy who receives such assistance, with twenty percent of the loan amount forgive for each year of ministry within the Global Methodist Church.
Upon recommendation of the board of ministry and affirmation by the clergy session of the annual conference, a bishop may appoint a person to serve as a supply pastor under the immediate supervision of an elder who can provide mentoring to the supply pastor and preside at the sacramental ministry of the congregation. Supply pastors are clergy members of the annual conference with full voice, but not vote, on all matters. Supply pastors not serving under appointment shall be classified as inactive and shall not have voice in the annual conference. A supply pastor must be a candidate for ordained ministry and must be ordained as deacon within three years of being appointed to serve as a supply pastor. Persons serving as pastors in a predecessor denomination who do not yet qualify for ordination as deacon shall have three years from the time of their transfer into the Global Methodist Church to be ordained while continuing to serve as a supply pastor.
The Transitional Leadership Council shall appoint a provisional ecclesiastical endorsing board that shall report to the TLC to fulfill the following ministry objectives and requirements: (1) evaluate applications and recommend persons to specialized ministries that require a denominational endorsement, (2) provide professional and pastoral support and accountability by those appointed to serve in chaplaincy/institutional ministry settings, (3) interpret and advocate for those serving such appointments to bishops, annual conferences and local congregations, (4) work to identify quality continuing education opportunities for those appointed to endorsed ministries, and (5) liaison with other faith groups, chaplaincy organizations, colleges, theological seminaries and conferences to share the vision and opportunities for boundary ministries in institutional and secular settings. In its discretion, the Transitional Leadership Council may select a Director of Endorsing Ministries to oversee ongoing completion of the objectives listed above. The Director shall work with the Transitional Leadership Council to establish necessary funding, implementing policies, and logistical support. The Director shall be ultimately accountable to the Transitional Leadership Council and shall work in close collaboration with the ecclesiastical endorsing board on all matters relevant to the effective discharge of responsibilities.
The Transitional Leadership Council shall appoint a provisional endorsing board to encourage the work of evangelists in the Global Methodist Church that shall report to the TLC to fulfill the following ministry objectives and requirements: (1) evaluate applications and recommend persons to the ministry and office of evangelist, (2) provide professional and pastoral support and accountability by those appointed to serve in evangelistic ministry settings, (3) interpret and advocate for those serving such appointments to bishops, annual conferences, and local congregations, (4) work to identify quality continuing education opportunities for those appointed as evangelists, and (5) liaison with other faith groups, evangelistic organizations, colleges, theological seminaries and conferences to share the vision and opportunities for evangelists.
Clergy applying to transfer to the Global Methodist Church from another Christian denomination (except for those specified in ¶ 419) must provide the following: (1) A formal resume with references; (2) Proof of ordination from a denomination with a formalized vetting process. Ordinations by congregations, networks, or associations do not meet this requirement; (3) Official transcripts of all post high school education; and (4) a copy of all personnel files maintained by his or her former denomination to be sent to the board of ministry at the written request of the clergy person. The applicant must also: (1) Submit to a background and credit check, and psychological examination, (2) Interview with a presiding elder (district superintendent), (3) pass denominational exams on doctrine, history, polity, and Bible for their level of ordination, and (4) Interview with the annual conference board of ministry or equivalent. Upon the completion of these requirements, transfers must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the annual conference board of ministry, a two-thirds vote of the clergy session of the annual conference to which the applicant is seeking admittance, and by, the receiving bishop.
1. Upon recommendation of the board of ministry and affirmation by the clergy session of the annual conference, a bishop may appoint clergy in good standing in other Christian denominations to serve appointments or ecumenical ministries while retaining their denominational affiliation. Their appointment shall be as a Valid Deacon or Valid Elder. Clergypersons retaining their affiliation with other denominations while receiving appointment in the Global Methodist Church shall meet the following criteria:
a. Complete an application prepared by the Board of Ordained Ministry, including the following:
i) Testimony to their Christian faith and call to ministry.
ii) Permission and Release of any required psychological tests, a criminal background and credit check, reports of sexual misconduct or child abuse.
iii) Either a notarized statement certifying that the candidate has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or accused in writing of sexual misconduct or child abuse, OR a notarized statement detailing any convictions for felony or misdemeanor or written accusations of sexual misconduct or child abuse.
b. A statement agreeing to teach, support and maintain Global Methodist Church doctrine.
c. Give evidence through an interview with the board of ministry that they have read the Transitional Book of Doctrine and Discipline and will support and maintain Global Methodist Church discipline and polity.
d. Present suitable credentials as an ordained clergyperson from another Christian denomination,
e. Present evidence of completion of education equivalent to that required for deacons in the Global Methodist Church. Clergypersons holding ordination from another denomination or congregation, but not meeting the required educational standards of the Global Methodist Church may be appointed provisionally, with full educational requirements for deacon to be completed within three years of the start of the appointment. Progress toward completion of educational requirements shall be shown annually.
2. Clergy affirmed as Valid Deacons or Valid Elders may be accorded the right to vote in the annual conference on all matters except the following: a) constitutional amendments; b) election of delegates to General, regional, or annual conferences; and c) all matters of ordination character, and conference relations of ministers. Valid Deacons and Valid Elders may serve on any board, commission or committee of the annual conference, except the board of ministry and the board of trustees. Valid Deacons and Valid Elders may not be elected as delegates to General, regional or annual conferences.
3. Between conference sessions, the board of ministry may approve such persons for appointment pending their approval at the next regular clergy session of the annual conference. The bishop may make ad interim appointments of such persons once approved by the board of ministry. In every case, prior examination and on-going review shall be made of such person’s understanding, acceptance, and willingness to support and maintain the doctrine, discipline, and polity of the Global Methodist Church.
A change in conference status may be affected by the following:
1. Voluntary Leave Process. Clergy may request in writing a voluntary temporary leave of absence of up to one year from their ministerial duties due to medical needs, family circumstances, or other personal issues. Transitional leaves may similarly be granted for clergy in good standing who are temporarily between appointments. Such a change in conference status may be granted or terminated by majority vote of the clergy members of the annual conference upon recommendation by two-thirds of the annual conference board of ministry. Between sessions of annual conference, a voluntary leave of absence may be granted or terminated by a two-thirds vote of the board of ministry, with the recommendation of the bishop and a two-thirds majority of the presiding elders (district superintendents). Renewal of voluntary leave may be made annually by the majority vote of the clergy session, for a period of up to five years. After that time, the clergy person must choose either honorable location status (¶ 417.7) or senior status (¶ 418), with the approval of a majority of the clergy session. Either status discontinues the person’s eligibility for appointment and does not require annual renewal of status.
2. Voluntary Leave Conditions. Clergypersons on voluntary leave shall have no claim on conference funds but may be eligible to continue in conference health programs through their own contributions. They may serve on annual conference commissions, committees, or boards, as well as vote for clergy delegates to General or Regional Conferences. Persons on voluntary leave of six months or longer are considered inactive and, except for election of clergy delegates, do not have vote at the annual conference. However, they do remain members of the annual conference with voice. They may continue to engage in part-time, unpaid ministry as a volunteer. Those on voluntary leave shall continue to be amenable to the annual conference for their conduct and the performance of ministry.
3. Sabbatical Leave. Clergy who have been serving in a full-time appointment for six consecutive years may be granted sabbatical leave for a program of study, travel, or renewal. Sabbatical leaves of three months or less may be granted by the pastor-parish relations committee, with the approval of the presiding elder (district superintendent). A longer sabbatical leave of up to one year must be approved by the conference board of ministry. Compensation for the clergy during a sabbatical of three months or less shall be continued by the local church. Longer sabbaticals shall be the responsibility of the individuals involved, though the support of congregations and others is encouraged.
4. Involuntary Leave Process. Involuntary leaves may be requested by the bishop, two-thirds of the presiding elders (district superintendents), and a two-thirds vote of the annual conference board of ministry., The board shall also determine what if any disciplinary action or other conditions are required (e.g., therapy, remedial education, etc.). Placing a person on involuntary leave shall require a two-thirds vote of the clergy members meeting in executive session. The fair process for administrative hearings shall be followed in any involuntary leave procedure (¶ 814). When an end to the involuntary leave of absence is initiated by the bishop and a two-thirds majority of the presiding elders (district superintendents), the annual conference board of ministry shall review the circumstances surrounding the granting of the status to determine if the conditions of the leave have been met. If the board determines that such is not the case, it may continue involuntary leave of absence. Involuntary leave may continue for up to five years from when it was first granted, at which time the board must pursue administrative location (¶ 417.7). Termination of involuntary leave shall require a two-thirds vote of the board of ministry and a two-thirds vote of the clergy members meeting in executive session.
5. Involuntary Leave Conditions. Clergypersons on involuntary leave shall have no claim on annual conference funds and the conference shall assume no responsibility for salary, pension, or other benefits during the leave of absence, but the clergyperson may be eligible to continue in conference health programs through their own contributions. Clergy on involuntary leave shall not participate in the commissions, committees, or boards of the district or annual conference. They shall be in the inactive status, with no voice or vote at annual conference, may not be delegates to General Conference, and may not vote for clergy delegates. Those on involuntary leave shall continue to be amenable to the annual conference for their conduct and shall not participate in any official acts of ministry during the leave.
6. Maternity and Paternity Leave. Any clergy member (including both spouses in a clergy couple) may request maternity or paternity leave for up to three months or for such time as mandated by the law of the jurisdiction where the church is located, whichever is greater, at the birth or arrival of a child into the home for purposes of adoption or fostering. Such leave shall be granted by the pastor-parish relations committee in consultation with the presiding elder (district superintendent). During the leave, the clergyperson's annual conference status will remain unchanged, and the health and benefit plans will remain in force. Compensation, which may include sick leave, vacation, or other time off, shall be provided by the salary-paying unit for an amount of time determined by the church or in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction where the church served is located, whichever is greater.
7. Honorable or Administrative Location. Persons who have been placed on honorable location (with consent) or administrative location (without consent, JPP 2.2c and 3) are no longer members of the annual conference. They shall not have voice or vote at the annual conference unless specifically granted voice by the annual conference. Their membership shall be held in a local church of their choice, with the written consent of the pastor in charge and, in the case of administrative location, the pastor-parish relations committee. Any ministerial service is limited to the church/charge where they hold membership and must be only with the written consent of the pastor in charge.
Following the scriptural pattern, there is no retirement for clergy or laity from the work of God’s Kingdom. However, clergy persons serving in appointments may choose senior status within the annual conference, with the approval of a majority of the board of ministry and a majority of the clergy session. There is no mandatory age for such status. Senior status releases clergy members from any obligation to accept an appointment to ministry from the bishop, though clergy in senior status may voluntarily accept an appointment from the bishop to any ministry setting for which they qualify. Senior clergy, including bishop emeriti, retain their active status and right to both voice and vote at annual conference if they fulfill either of the following conditions: a) they are within seven years of the effective date of their aligning with the Global Methodist Church or the end of their last appointment, whichever is later, provided that they notify the conference secretary at least ninety days prior to the annual conference session of their intention to participate as a voting member, or b) they are under appointment by the bishop for at least one-quarter time (no notification necessary). Senior clergy not qualifying under the preceding sentence retain voice, but not vote, at annual conference. Those in senior status, whether active or inactive, may be elected as a delegate to General or Regional Conference and serve on district or annual conference commissions, committees, or boards.
1. Clergy who are current or former ordained members of The United Methodist Church may apply to the Transitional Leadership Council (¶ 703.2h) or a body that it designates to be received as clergy members of the Global Methodist Church and to have their ordained status recognized. The application shall be accompanied by a copy of the applicant’s ordination certificate(s) and shall include an explicit affirmation of the doctrines and Social Witness set forth in this Transitional Book of Doctrines and Discipline and an agreement to abide by its discipline. The applicant shall consent to a background check. The Transitional Leadership Council or the body it designates, shall review the application and vote on each application received. An affirmative vote on each application shall result in the applicant being admitted to clergy membership in the Global Methodist Church and recognition of the applicant’s ordained status in the Global Methodist Church.
2. Current or Former Associate Members and Licensed Local Pastors in The United Methodist Church.
a. Persons who are current or former associate members or licensed local pastors in The United Methodist Church may apply for clergy membership in the Global Methodist Church and to be ordained as a deacon or elder. Each application shall be evaluated by the Transitional Leadership Council or body(ies) designated for that purpose. The application must include a copy of the certificate or license from the person’s service in The United Methodist Church, a transcript of courses completed to meet the requirements of ¶ 407, and a declaration that the applicant affirms the doctrines and Social Witness set forth in this Transitional Book of Doctrines and Disciplineand agrees to abide by its discipline. Those meeting the qualifications for ordination as deacons or elders set forth in this chapter shall, with the approval of the Transitional Leadership Council or the body(ies) designated by it be ordained at a service convened for that purpose. If a current or former associate member or a licensed local pastor in The United Methodist Church meets the educational requirements to be ordained as an elder and has served in The United Methodist Church for at least two years, the two-year period of minimum service as a deacon in ¶ 410.1.a shall not be applicable and the person shall immediately be ordained as a deacon and then as an elder at the same annual conference session following approval by its clergy session.
b. Those current or former licensed local pastors in The United Methodist Church not meeting the qualifications for ordination as a deacon or elder in the Global Methodist Church may be granted a license by action of the Transitional Leadership Council as a local pastor for a one-year term, renewable for two additional years by the board of ministry of the annual conference in which they are appointed, while they work toward meeting the qualifications for ordination as a deacon in the Global Methodist Church, provided that they are appointed to pastor a local church. After the second renewal of the license, if the person has not met the qualifications for ordination as a deacon, their authority to pastor a local church shall cease. The license shall terminate if the person ceases to be appointed as pastor of a local church. The clergy status as a local pastor under this paragraph is limited to the circumstances described here, is transitional in nature, and shall cease to exist following the convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. A pastor operating under a license granted under this provision shall be a clergy member of the Global Methodist Church while licensed, shall have sacramental authority in their appointment, and shall have full voice and vote on all matters except the ordination and conference relations of deacons and elders. Such a person shall be under the supervision of the board of ministry of the annual conference in which they are appointed, and a supervising elder appointed by a president elder, a president pro tem, or a bishop.
3. Clergy will be placed in the annual conference in which their appointment is located or may transfer to a different annual conference in the connection. The clergy person will be subject to the bishop of that annual conference for appointment. Prior to the convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church, it is expected that the appointments of clergy serving congregations in which both transition into the Global Methodist Church will be retained, unless a change is needed because of illness, family situation, death, the election of senior status, clergy misconduct, or the financial exigencies of the congregation.
4. Persons in the candidacy process in The United Methodist Church who desire to affiliate with the Global Methodist Church prior to its convening conference shall be received by the annual conference board of ministry or the Transitional Leadership Council designated body handling candidates. The candidate shall comply with the provisions of ¶ 406 and their membership in a congregation of The United Methodist Church for at least one year shall satisfy the membership requirement of ¶ 406. The candidate shall request that a copy of all candidacy files held by their former district or annual conference be forwarded to the body credentialing candidates. Candidates shall continue at the point in the process where they are in The United Methodist Church. Candidates will not need to repeat steps or requirements they have already completed. Candidates will continue in their candidacy process according to the requirements listed in this chapter. Candidates eligible to be ordained under the qualifications of this chapter may move toward ordination at the next annual conference session under the processes laid out in this chapter.
5. The Transitional Leadership Council or its designee may in its sole discretion grant exceptions to the requirements upon petition of a person seeking certification as a candidate or conference membership and ordination during the period preceding the convening General Conference of the Global Methodist Church.