Ordination.--Ordination as a deacon to Word and service is the act of the church which acknowledges God's call according to the talents, gifts, and abilities the person has received; the individual's response to that call; the equipping of the person for specialized ministry; the examination by the church to determine if the gifts meet the needs of the community and world; the validation of that call by the faith community through the laying on of hands; the invocation of the Holy Spirit for empowerment of the person's ministry on behalf of and with the church community; the commitment of the person to seek avenues of growth to equip others for ministry; and to be accountable to the covenant community. The service for ordination of deacons and elders may be incorporated into one service symbolizing the total ministry of Jesus Christ. After fulfilling all the candidacy requirements and upon the recommendation of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, the clergy session composed of ordained elders and deacons in full connection, shall vote on the ordination of the candidates. The bishop and secretary of the Annual Conference shall provide credentials to the deacon upon ordination.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21835-MN-318-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference