Qualifications for Ordination as Deacon. A person shall be eligible for ordination to the order of deacon in the Annual Conference by vote of the Annual Conference on recommendation of its Board of Ordained Ministry after meeting the following qualifications (¶ 638.9, .10, .21).
1. Candidacy Requirement: Each candidate shall have been a certified candidate for ordained ministry at least two (2) years and no more than twelve (12) years (¶ 638.9, .10, .21).
2. Service Requirement: Each candidate shall have had a minimum of two (2) years in a service setting as determined by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry as a condition for ordination. This required service may be concurrent with academic study provided there is adequate mentoring and supervision in the theology and practice of servant leadership. A service setting shall be in a position approved by the bishop and cabinet in the conference where the candidacy relationship is held, even if the service setting is outside the bounds of the annual conference.
3. Undergraduate Requirement: A candidate for ordination as deacon shall have completed a bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized by the University Senate. Exceptions to the undergraduate degree requirements may be made, in consultation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, in rare instances for persons who have a minimum of sixty (60) semester hours of Bachelor of Arts credit and:
a) have been prevented from pursuit of the normal course of baccalaureate education, or
b) are members of a group whose cultural practices and training enhance insight and skills for effective ministry not available through conventional formal education.
4. In addition, a candidate shall have:
a) received a Master of Divinity or its equivalent from a school approved by the University Senate (¶ 334), or
b) received a master's degree from a graduate theological school recognized by the University Senate, or
c) received a master's degree in the area of the specialized ministry in which the candidate will serve. and completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate theological studies in the Christian faith, including the areas of: Old Testament; New Testament; Theology; Church History; Mission of the Church in the World; Worship/Liturgy; and United Methodist Doctrine, Polity and History.
5. In some instances a candidate who is pursuing ordination to serve as deacon in full connection may fulfill the academic requirements through the following alternate route:
a) Shall have reached 35 years of age at the time to become a certified candidate.
b) Completed a bachelor's degree, received professional certification or license in the area of ministry in which the candidate will serve and have completed a minimum of eight semester hours of graduate credit or equivalent quarter hours in the area of specialization and have been recommended by the conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
c) have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of the basic graduate theological studies of the Christian faith including the areas of: Old Testament; New Testament; Theology; Church History; Mission of the Church in the World; Worship/Liturgy; and United Methodist Doctrine, Polity and History.
6. Local Pastors may fulfill the requirements for ordination as a deacon when they have:
a) reached 40 years of age;
b) completed the five year Course of Study for ordained ministry; and
c) 32 semester hours of graduate theological study or its equivalent as determined by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry;
d) have completed, in fulfilling in their graduate theological studies, a minimum of 24 semester hours of the basic graduate theological studies of the Christian faith including the areas of: Old Testament; New Testament; Theology; Church History; Mission of the Church in the World; Worship/Liturgy; and United Methodist Doctrine, Polity and History.
7. The Board of Ordained Ministry shall require an official transcript of credits from each school before recognizing any of the applicant's educational claims. In case of doubt, the board may submit a transcript to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
8. Each candidate shall present a satisfactory certificate of good health by a physician on the prescribed form. Handicapping conditions are not to be construed as unfavorable health factors when such a person is capable of meeting the professional standards and is physically able to render effective service as ordained deacon.
9. Each candidate shall respond to a written and oral doctrinal examination administered by the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. The examination shall cover the following:
a. Describe your personal experience of God and the understanding of God you derive from biblical, theological and historical sources.
b. What is your understanding of humanity, and the human need for divine grace?
c. How do you interpret the statement Jesus Christ is Lord?
d. What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in responsible living in the world?
e. What is your understanding of the Kingdom of God; the Resurrection; eternal life?
f. What are the theological tasks of an ordained deacon with special reference to Part II of The Book of Discipline?
g. The United Methodist Church holds that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. What is your understanding of this theological position of the church?
h. Describe the nature and mission of the church. What are its primary tasks today?
I. Discuss your understanding of the primary characteristics of United Methodist polity.
j. How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, your motives, your role, and your commitment as a deacon in The United Methodist Church?
k. Describe your understanding of diakonia, the servant ministry of the church, and ministry of the deacon.
l. What is the meaning of ordination, in the context of the general ministry of the church?
m. Describe your understanding of an inclusive church and ministry.
n. You have agreed as a candidate for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the most effective witness of the gospel, and in consideration of their influence as ministers, to make a complete dedication of yourself to the highest ideals of the Christian life as set forth in ¶ 304.2, and to this end agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, integrity in all personal relationships, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility and growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God. (¶ 304.2, .3) What is your understanding of this agreement?
10. Each candidate shall have been recommended, in writing, to the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, based on a three-fourths majority vote of the district committee on ordained ministry.
11. Each candidate shall have a personal interview with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry to complete his/her candidacy.
12. Each candidate shall submit on a form provided by the Board of Ordained Ministry a notarized statement, detailing any written accusations or convictions for felony, misdemeanor or incident of sexual misconduct, or certifying that this candidate has neither been accused in writing nor convicted of a felony, misdemeanor or any incident of sexual misconduct.
13. Each candidate shall file with the Board a written, concise, autobiographical statement (in duplicate on a prescribed form) regarding age, health, family status, Christian experience, call to ministry, educational record, formative Christian experiences, and plans for service in the church.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21833-MN-317-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference