The Ordination Process

The Ordination Process
This three-fold approach is applied to two separate paths:
Conference Deacon
Ordination as an Elder

Becoming a Local Ministerial Candidate
An individual, sensing the call of God and the church to pastoral ministry, is first licensed as a local ministerial candidate (LMC). The call is affirmed by service in the local church where initial training begins.
(This form is to be completed by the mentor pastor who is sponsoring the applicant.)

Becoming a Conference Ministerial Candidate
The inividual is accepted by the annual conference as a conference ministerial candidate (CMC) or conference deacon candidate. The candidate also prepares for the third step through course work and service.

Becoming Ordained as Elder or Consecrated as Conference Deacon
Upon meeting the respective core competencies and approval by the conference Ministerial Education and Guidance (MEG) Board, a candidate is recommended for consecration as a conference deacon or for ordination as an elder and as elder becomes a full member of the annual conference upon approval.
Roles and Requirements |
Conference Deacon |
Ordained Elder |
Setting Apart |
Consecrated by Annual Conference for service in the local church | Ordained by Bishop at Annual Conference |
Itinerate? |
No, remains at local church | Yes, appointed to a church by Annual Conference |
Transfer? |
Yes, Can transfer to a new church if approved by receiving church. | Can transfer to a new conference upon approval of releasing and receiving conferences |
Concept |
Specialized service and support | Word, Sacrament, Order |
Credentialing |
Annual Conference | General Conference |
Membership |
Local Free Methodist Church | Annual Conference |
Approving |
Local Church BOA and Conference MEG | MEG and Annual Conference |