East Ohio Joining Hands - Answering the Call

What is the “CALL” to ministry as an LOCAL PASTOR?

A licensed local pastor is one who has answered the call to serve the mission of Jesus Christ through the work of a local congregation in The United Methodist Church. Local pastors are clergy members of the annual conference in which they are appointed.

What do licensed local pastors do?

A licensed local pastor is not ordained in The United Methodist Church but is licensed for pastoral ministry. A local pastor performs all the duties of a pastor, including proclamation of the Word of God, leading in worship and liturgy, performing the sacraments of baptism and holy communion, the services of marriage (where states allow), burial, confirmation, and membership reception. A local pastor has the authority of a pastor only within the setting and during the time of the appointment.

What is the “call” to ministry as a licensed local pastor?

“Call” is God’s invitation to use God-given gifts and talents to minister in the local church. For some, the call comes early; for others, it comes later in life. Answering the call and living the vocation of a local pastor mirrors the call to Christian discipleship in the world. Help in determining God’s call is available at www.IsGodCallingYou.org. Specific information for youth and young adults is available at www.ExploreCalling.org.

The local pastor’s call is to order the life of a congregation. The local pastor oversees the total ministry of the congregation—its nurturing ministries and its mission of witness and service in the world. The local pastor gives pastoral support, guidance, and training to the lay leadership and helps them fulfill the ministry to which they are called. The local pastor has both administrative and supervisory oversight of the program and outreach of the congregation to which the local pastor is appointed.

What is the process for becoming a United Methodist licensed local pastor?

The first step is consulting with a pastor and studying materials to discern and define the call further. That is followed by further consultation with the congregation’s staff/parish relations committee and district superintendent, the help of a mentor, and recommendation by the district committee on ordained ministry. After completion of the studies for the local pastor at a license school, the candidate must be approved by the conference board of ordained ministry in order to be licensed and receive an appointment from the bishop.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a licensed local pastor?

Licensed local pastors must have graduated from an accredited high school or have received a certificate of equivalency before becoming a certified candidate. The local pastor must pursue theological education through an approved seminary or in the Course of Study.

What is an approved seminary?

An approved seminary is one that has been approved to train United Methodist clergy by The United Methodist Church’s University Senate. This list includes both United Methodist and non-United Methodist seminaries.

What are the license schools and the Course of Study?

The Course of Study is a basic theological education program prescribed by The Book of Discipline and offered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. It includes license school, the five-year basic Course of Study, and the advanced Course of Study. Annual conference boards of ordained ministry offer license schools. The Course of Study is offered during the summer on the campuses of eight United Methodist seminaries.

Steps Into Ministry as a Licensed Local Pastor

If you believe God is calling you to the ministry of licensed local pastor:

• Spend time in prayer and discernment, listening for God’s call in your life;
• Talk with your pastor;
• Read more about the subject, starting with The Christian as Minister
• Meet with your church’s staff/parish relations committee and talk with your district superintendent;
• Complete the candidacy process to become certified as a candidate for ministry;
• Meet with your district committee on ordained ministry to obtain their recommendation for further studies;
• Complete the studies for the licensed local pastor, including the annual conference’s license school and the Course of Study offered through various seminaries;
• Be approved by the annual conference board of ordained ministry;
• Provide the annual conference with a satisfactory certificate of good health and other evaluations as required by the annual conference;
• Be approved by the clergy session of annual conference;
• Be licensed and receive an appointment from the bishop.

From www.gbhem.org, the official web site of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, Nashville, Tenn., copyright © 2008. Used by permission.