Ordained Ministry.--The oOrdained ministers are
called to by God to a lifetime of servant leadership in
specialized ministries among the People of God. Deacons are called to
interpret to the church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world; and
through ministries of love, justice, and service to connect the altar and the
marketplace (¶414). Elders are called to ministries of Word,
Sacrament, and order (¶ 318) as well as to the office and
responsibilities of a Deacon. Through these distinctive functions ordained
ministers devote themselves wholly to the work of the Church and to the
upbuilding of the general ministry of all Christians.
They do this through careful study of the Scripture and its faithful
interpretation, through effective proclamation of the gospel and responsible
administration of the Sacraments, through diligent pastoral leadership of their
congregations for fruitful discipleship, and by following the guidance of the
Holy Spirit in witnessing beyond the congregation in the local community and to
the ends of the earth. The ordained ministry is defined by its
intentionally representative character faithful commitment
to servant leadership following the example of Jesus Christ, by its passion
for the hallowing of life, and by its concern to link all local ministries with
the widest boundaries of the Christian community.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21752-MN-110-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference