Release #050 {2914} April 25, 1996
DENVER (UMNS) -- After 30 years' discussion, the United Methodist General Conference agreed April 24 to reorder the church's ministry.
Underlying the proposals adopted by the 1996 General Conference here was an affirmation of the ministry of all baptized Christians.
The adopted plan calls for two separate offices of ordained ministry: deacon, one who pledges to serve God and the church through "word and service" to the community; and elder, who serves through "service, word, sacrament and orders."
Most local churches in the denomination still will be led by ordained elders. As with current practice, only elders would be eligible for the offices of district superintendent and bishop.
The bulk of the ministry proposal came from a four-year study and subsequent proposals submitted by the 130-member international Council of Bishops, which called for the two orders of ordination.
The bishop's proposal would have retained the tradition of first ordaining elders as deacons. However, the legislative committee on ordained and diaconal ministry modified the bishop's proposal by recommending a one-step process for elders and a separate process for deacons. That modification was accepted by voters.
The delegates rejected the bishop's proposal for a new category of "lay ministry steward," those individuals who feel called to special service. Members of the legislative committee argued successfully that the lay steward category would create an unnecessary hierarchy among laity.
The General Conference vote marks the end of 30 years of discussion on the definitions and duties of people who are ordained in the United Methodist Church.
Elders are "members in full connection" of annual (regional) conferences, are appointed annually by their bishops and itinerate (move from place to place). They bear the title, "the Rev., are the only people authorized to administer the sacraments. However, deacons may assist.
As with the present diaconal ministers, the new deacon will not itinerate but will be considered clergy. The new deacons will seek to connect the local church in ministry to the world in a variety of ways.
Diaconal ministers may continue in that category or may become ordained as deacons. No new diaconal ministry candidates may be accepted after Jan. 1, 1997.
--Garlinda Burton
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