435. The Order of Elder--An elder is an ordained minister who has met the requirements of 424 and therefore has full authority for the ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order; who has been received as a minister in full connection with an annual conference; and who has been ordained elder.
Ordained ministers of the following classes are eligible for the order of elder:
1. Deacons who have been probationary members of an annual conference, are graduates of theological schools listed by the University Senate, and have been elected to membership in full connection with an annual conference after having met the requirements of 424-425.
2. Deacons who have been probationary members of an annual conference for at least two years since being received from associate membership and who have been elected to membership in full connection with an annual conference after having met the requirements of 424.
3. An elder shall be ordained by a bishop, employing the Order of Service for the Ordination of Elders. The bishops shall be assisted by other elders and may include laity designated by the bishop representing the Church community and representatives of other Christian communions, especially member churches of the Consultation on Church Union in the laying on of hands.
4. The bishop and the secretary of the annual conference shall provide credentials to all members in full connection, certifying their ministerial standing and their ordination as elders.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 435
1996 United Methodist General Conference