433. Classification of Ordination--The ordained ministry of The United Methodist Church consists of elders and deacons. No designations are to be applied so as to deprive any person of any right or privilege permanently granted by either The Methodist Church or The Evangelical United Brethren Church.26
1. Elders are ordained ministers who have completed their formal preparation for the ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order; have been elected itinerant members in full connection with an annual conference; and have been ordained elders in accordance with the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
2. Deacons are ordained ministers who have progressed sufficiently in their preparation for the ministry to be received by an annual conference as either probationary members or associate members and who have been ordained deacons in accordance with the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
26See Judicial Council Decision 337.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 433
1996 United Methodist General Conference