Section III. Entrance into Diaconal Ministry
303. The diaconal ministry is recognized by The United Methodist Church as a called-out and set-apart ministry. Therefore, it is appropriate that those persons who present themselves as candidates for diaconal ministry be examined regarding the authenticity of their call by God to this office. Accordingly, let those who consider recommending such persons for candidacy as diaconal ministers in The United Methodist Church prayerfully and earnestly ask themselves these historic questions, as applied to the nature of diaconal ministry:
1. Do they know God as a pardoning God? 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 of diaconal ministry? Have they the love of God abiding in them? Do they show forth that love in service to others? Have they an abiding sense of the urgency for justice in the world?
3. Have they fruit? Are others edified by their service?
As long as these signs are visible in them, we believe they are called of God to serve. These we receive as sufficient proof that they are moved by the Holy Spirit.1
1These questions were first asked by John Wesley at the third conference of Methodist preachers in 1746. They have been retained ever since, in substantially the same words, as the standards by which prospective Methodist ordained ministers have been judged. Here they have been edited for the office of diaconal minister.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 303
1996 United Methodist General Conference