Continuance as an Apprentice Minister.--1. Persons credentialed as apprentice ministers shall continue in the course of study for ordained ministry, in college or in seminary as outlined in ¶ 314, until they have completed the educational requirement for certification.
2. Upon completing each year's education or other qualification, an apprentice minister may be recommended for continuance by the district Committee on Ordained Ministry. The clergy members in full connection of the annual conference may approve continuance after reference to and recommendation by its Board of Ordained Ministry.
3. A full-time apprentice minister shall complete the educational requirements within eight years, and a part-time apprentice minister within ten years, unless a family situation or other circumstance precludes the apprentice minister's opportunity to meet said requirements. The apprentice minister may be granted an annual extension beyond the prescribed limit upon a three-fourths vote of the district Committee on Ordained Ministry, recommendation by the conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and the vote of the clergy members in full connection.
4. An apprentice minister may choose to remain in certified relationship with the annual conference upon having completed the requirements for certification.
5. None of these provisions shall be interpreted to change or limit authorization to local pastors ordained prior to January 1, 2001, or enrolled in the second year of the ministerial course of study prior to January 1, 1997.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22979-MN-310-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference