411. Counseling Elders--Counseling elders are clergy members in full connection in an annual conference recommended by the Cabinet, approved, trained, and assigned by the board of ordained ministry to provide supervision and counsel for certified candidates for ordained ministry, local pastors, probationers, and associate members seeking probationary membership under 417.3. Such assignments should be done after consultation with the candidates involved. The counseling elder shall:1. Work specifically in the development of vocational goals which shall be reviewed annually and reported to the district committee and/or board of ordained ministry.
2. Develop a covenant of supportive accountability for growth and decision making in the pursuit of effective ministry.
3. Work specifically in supervision and counsel regarding preaching and teaching the Scriptures, celebration of the Sacraments and other services of worship, ordering the life of the congregation for nurture and care, and all other aspects of the practice of ministry.
4. Work under the direction of the board of ordained ministry in consultation with the district superintendent, making an annual report of their activities to the board. The board of ordained ministry may consider assigning one counseling elder to supervise several local pastors or other ministerial candidates preparing for full conference membership.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 411
1996 United Methodist General Conference