305. Continuation of Candidacy--The progress of candidates must be reviewed and candidacy renewed annually. On recommendation of the charge conference, continuing evidence of the candidate's gifts, evidence of God's grace, and fruits, and satisfactory progress in the required studies, candidacy shall be renewed by the conference board of diaconal ministry.
1. A candidate who is preparing to become a diaconal minister and is enrolled in a school, college, university, or school of theology listed by the University Senate or approved by a regional or state accrediting agency shall present annually to the conference board of diaconal ministry a statement of academic progress from the school the person is attending. This statement shall take the place of any formal examination, providing academic progress and character are satisfactory.
2. A candidate who is already certified in a professional career shall complete the foundational studies for diaconal ministers.
3. When a candidate for diaconal ministry desires to transfer to another annual conference, the candidate shall notify the receiving conference board to request the files from the sending conference board. The receiving conference board shall acknowledge the candidacy, interview the candidate, and inform the candidate of the board's procedures and expectations, which include local Church membership in that annual conference.
4. When candidacy has lapsed, it may be reinstated by action of the conference board of diaconal ministry only when the candidate has completed satisfactorily the current candidacy requirements.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 305
1996 United Methodist General Conference