Requirements for Admission of Deacon in Full Connection.--Deacons who are applying for admission into full connection and who have been probationary members for at least three years may be admitted into membership in full connection in an annual conference by vote of the clergy members in full connection of the annual conference upon recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry after they have qualified as follows:
1. Served under episcopal appointment in a ministry of service the entire probationary period (¶ 313). Upon recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry, the annual conference may equate non-salaried service as meeting this qualification. Such equivalence is to be determined in light of the years of service involved, the quality of that service, the maturity of the applicant, and other relevant factors determined by the board. Supervision is to be (a) personally assumed or delegated by the district superintendent, and (b) also provided by a mentor assigned by the Board of Ordained Ministry. The applicant's service must be evaluated by the Board of Ordained Ministry as effective according to written guidelines developed by the board and adopted by the clergy members in full connection. Lay persons directly involved in the applicant's servant ministry shall be involved by the board in the annual evaluation.
2. Been previously elected as a probationary member and ordained deacon.
3. Met the educational requirements as defined in ¶ 311.
4. Responded to a written or oral doctrinal examination administered by the Board of Ordained Ministry. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form. The candidate's reflections and the board's response shall be informed by the insights and guidelines of Part II of The Book of Discipline. The examination shall also focus upon the covenantal relationship of the applicant to God, to the church, and to the Order of Deacon, as well as the understanding of diaconia, servant leadership, and the interrelatedness of the church and the world. The applicant shall be able to articulate the call of God to the order of deacon as contained in ¶ 310 and to relate that call to leadership within the ministry of all Christians, through the setting of their service, the local church, and the annual conference.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21840-MN-322-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference