306. Completion of Candidacy--A person shall be eligible for consecration as a diaconal minister in the annual conference by vote of the annual conference on recommendation of its board of diaconal ministry after meeting the following qualifications:
1. Each candidate must have been in candidacy for diaconal ministry for at least one year and no more than eight years.
2. Each candidate must have been employed for a minimum of one year immediately preceding consecration and be currently employed in a position approved by the board in the conference where he/she is employed; such position should be consistent with 310.1.
3. Each candidate must have met the following educational requirements:
a) Must have received a bachelor's degree, or demonstrate competency equivalence, through an external degree program from a college or university listed by the University Senate or approved by a regional or state accrediting agency. Exceptions to the undergraduate degree requirement may be made in consultation with the Division of Diaconal Ministry in rare instances for persons who (1) have been prevented from pursuit of the normal course of baccalaureate education, or who (2) are members of groups whose cultural practices and training enhance insight and skills for effective ministry not available through conventional formal education.
b) Must have: (1) received a graduate theological degree from a school approved by the University Senate; or (2) received a master's degree from a graduate school listed by the University Senate or approved by a regional or state accrediting agency; or (3) completed the academic requirements for professional certification; or (4) been commissioned by the General Board of Global Ministries for service either in the United States or in other countries.
c) Must have completed the basic studies of the Christian faith: Bible--Old Testament, New Testament, theology, church history (including United Methodist history), mission of the church in the world, United Methodist doctrine and polity--either through a graduate degree program or through the Foundational Course of Study for Diaconal Ministers under the supervision and verification of the Division of Diaconal Ministry of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Each course must be taken for no less than two semester or equivalent quarter hours of graduate academic credit.
The board of diaconal ministry shall require an official transcript of credits from each applicant before recognizing any of the applicant's educational claims. In case of doubt, the board may submit a transcript to the Division of Diaconal Ministry for evaluation.
4. Each candidate must present a satisfactory certificate of good health by a physician on the prescribed form. Handicapping conditions are not to be construed as unfavorable health factors when such a person is capable of meeting the professional standards and is physically able to render effective service in the office of diaconal minister.
5. Each candidate must have responded to a written and/or oral doctrinal examination administered by the conference Board of Diaconal Ministry. The examination must cover the following:
a) Describe your personal experience of God and the understanding of God you derive from biblical, theological, and historical sources.
b) What is the Christian understanding of humanity, and the human need for divine grace?
c) How do you interpret the statement "Jesus Christ is Lord"?
d) What is your conception of the activity of the Holy Spirit in personal faith, in the community of believers, and in responsible living in the world?
e) The United Methodist Church holds that Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason are sources and norms for belief and practice, but that the Bible is primary among them. What is your understanding of this theological position of the Church?
f) What are the marks of the Christian life? What is your understanding of the Christian life as set forth in the Articles of Religion, the statement of Our Theological Task, and the Social Principles in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church?
g) Describe the nature and mission of the church. What are its primary tasks today?
h) What is your understanding of (1) the kingdom of God, (2) the Resurrection, (3) eternal life?
i) How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, your motives, your role, and your commitment as a diaconal minister?
j) What is the meaning and significance of diakonia?
k) What is the meaning of consecration and ordination, especially in the context of the general ministry of the church?
l) What is your understanding of the organization, structure, and function of The United Methodist Church?
m) What is your understanding of the relationship of the diaconal minister to the annual conference and The United Methodist Church?
n) Describe your understanding of and appreciation for persons of different racial/ethnic heritages.
o) Are you willing to relate to and serve all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, or social status?
6. Each candidate must have a personal interview with the conference Board of Diaconal Ministry to complete his/her candidacy.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 306
1996 United Methodist General Conference