414. Qualifications for Election to Probationary Membership--Candidates may be elected to probationary membership by vote of the clergy members in full connection on recommendation of the board of ordained ministry after meeting the following conditions:
1. Each candidate must have been certified as a candidate for ministry for at least one year.
2. Each must have met the educational requirements (415, 416).
3. Each candidate must have been recommended in writing on the basis of a three-fourths majority vote of the district committee on ordained ministry.
4. Each must present a satisfactory certificate of good health on the prescribed form from a physician approved by the board. 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 ordained minister. The conference may require psychological and/or psychiatric tests and evaluations to provide additional information on the candidate's fitness for the ministry.
5. Each must file with the board, in duplicate on the prescribed form, a satisfactory written, concise autobiographical statement concerning age, health, family, Christian experience, call to the ministry, educational record, formative Christian experiences, and plans for service in the Church.
6. Each must prepare and preach at least one written sermon on a biblical passage specified by the board of ordained ministry.7. Each must present a plan and outline for teaching a book or books of the Bible.
8. Each must have been examined in written form covering the areas indicated and approved by the board of ordained ministry with respect to the following questions:
a) Describe your personal experience of God and the understanding of God you derive from biblical, theological, and historical sources.
b) What is your 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) How do you understand the theological tasks of an ordained United Methodist minister, with special reference to Part II of The Book of Discipline?
f) What is your understanding of the expectations and obligations of the itinerant system?
g) For the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world and the most effective witness to the Christian gospel, and in consideration of your influence as an ordained minister, are you willing to make a complete dedication of yourself to the highest ideals of the Christian life; and to this end will you agree to exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to physical health, intentional intellectual development, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness,12 social responsibility, and growth in grace and the knowledge and love of God?
h) What is your understanding of the teaching office of the ordained ministry, particularly the teaching of the Bible?
i) What is the meaning of ordination, especially in the context of the general ministry of the church?
j) What is the role and significance of the Sacraments in your ministry?
k) Do you believe in and will you practice infant Baptism?
l) Describe the nature and purpose of your ministry as an expression of the mission of the church.m) Describe your understanding of an inclusive church and ministry.
n) Are you presently convinced that the ordained ministry is the best way to fulfill your response to God? Explain.
o) Indicate in some detail how your close personal relationships affect your ministry.
p) Describe your understanding of and appreciation for persons of different racial/ethnic heritages.
q) Mismanagement of personal finances may detract from your effectiveness as a minister. Are you presently in debt so as to interfere with your work, or have you obligations to others which will make it difficult for you to live on the compensation you may receive?
12See Judicial Council Decision 542.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 414
1996 United Methodist General Conference