...consists of elders and deacons one order with persons
licensed to serve particular functions....permanently granted by
either previously by The Methodist Church, The
Evangelical United Brethren Church, or The United Methodist Church.26
Ordained ministers are persons who have been licensed to ministry as pastors or ministry specialists and who have been ordained in accordance with the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church. They may be elected to membership in full connection with an annual conference.
1. [Delete existing text.] Licensed pastors are persons who have been received by an annual conference and have the authority to conduct divine worship, to preach the Word, to perform the marriage ceremony where the laws of the state or province permit, to bury the dead, and to administer the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
2. [Delete existing text.] Licensed ministry specialists are persons who have been received by an annual conference and have the authority to assist in divine worship, to share the Word through teaching and example, to bury the dead, to assist in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and to lead by precept and example in ministry to the world.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 23001-MN-433-D
1996 United Methodist General Conference