405. Continuation of Candidacy--The progress of candidates must be reviewed and candidacy renewed annually. Candidacy may be renewed by the district committee on ordained ministry (756) on recommendation of the charge conference and on evidence that the candidate's gifts, fruits, and evidence of God's grace continue to be satisfactory and that the candidate is making satisfactory progress in the required studies.
1. A candidate preparing to become a probationary member who is enrolled as a student in a school, college, university, or school of theology listed by the University Senate shall present annually to the district committee on ordained ministry an official transcript from the school the person is attending.
The transcript shall be considered by the district committee on ordained ministry along with other evidence that the candidate's gifts, evidence of God's grace, and fruits continue to be satisfactory. An annual personal interview with the candidate is recommended.
2. A candidate who is not a student as defined in 405.1 shall complete the studies for the license for the local pastor after being accepted as a candidate and shall continue preparation through the five-year course of study under the Division of Ordained Ministry. The course must be completed within eight years after the issuance of the license for the local pastor, except as provided in 408.2. An annual conference board of ordained ministry may require one year in candidacy before application for licensing as a local pastor.
3. When candidacy has lapsed, it may be reinstated at the discretion of the district committee on ordained ministry.
4. A person who is a certified candidate or who is in the candidacy process may have his/her status or studies accepted by another district committee in the same or another annual conference.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 405
1996 United Methodist General Conference