1. ...not fewer than six ordained elders and deacons in full connection, providing for representation of each order. During the quadrennium beginning in 1996, the members of the board shall include diaconal ministers. The Board of Ordained Ministry, in consultation with the episcopal office, shall develop a plan of proportional representation to become effective in each Annual Conference by the year 2000. Where possible, the plan shall include a minimum of three elders and three deacons in full connection. Each Annual Conference...
c) ...provide for a Division of Deacons and a Division of Elders. The entire board shall have responsibility for examining and recommending probationary members for ordination as deacons and elders. The Division of Deacons shall also have ongoing care for, and oversight of, those diaconal ministers who choose not to become ordained as deacons. The bishop shall ensure that diaconal ministers are represented in the membership of the Division of Deacons whenever possible.
2. vw) To promote...
ux) To work in cooperation with
the Board of Diaconal Ministry as long as such board is organized in the
conference, and then to continue the responsibilities of that board in
relation to continuing diaconal ministers and certified persons in order to
enhance the total ministry of the Church. In particular, the Board of
Ordained Ministry will maintain responsibility for guiding those who are
currently in the candidacy process for diaconal ministry, maintain an ongoing
relationship with those who choose to continue as diaconal ministers, and
ensure that the following responsibilities for certification are continued: (1)
to assist the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in the study,
interpretation, promotion, and support for certified professional ministry
careers and the maintenance of standards and processes for certification; (2)
to determine whether applicants meet the standards of the General Board of
Higher Education and Ministry for professional certification in education,
evangelism, music, and other areas that may be assigned; (3) to recommend to
the annual conference for vote persons who have met the standards and have been
mutually approved by the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry for professional certification in
education, evangelism, music, and other areas that may be assigned and to
report the action of the annual conference to the General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry; (4) to keep a current record of all persons in the
annual conference who have been certified in professional church careers,
including places of service address; (5) to renew or discontinue professional
certification based on an annual review and evaluation of all persons who have
been certified in education, evangelism, music, or other areas that may be
assigned; (6) to report annually to the annual conference for publication in
the conference journal a roster of all persons certified in professional
careers and the careers in which they are certified; and (7) to work with the
annual conference, congregations, and employing agencies to assure responsible
conditions of employment for certified persons, to provide a supportive
atmosphere that will empower their service, and to see that entrance into
employment and departure from employment are open and fair to all persons
involved.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22944-MN-733-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference