1. Ministry in the Christian Church is derived from the ministry of Christ, who calls all persons to receive God's gift of salvation and follow in the way of love and service. The whole Church receives and accepts this call, and all Christians participate in this continuing ministry. (¶ 201)
2. Within the Church community, there are persons whose gifts, evidence of God's grace, and promise of future usefulness are affirmed by the community, and who respond to God's call by offering themselves in leadership as ordained ministers (¶ 302).
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21815-MN-301-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference