Candidates in the District Committee

Bookmark and Share

Process for Recognition of Orders From Other Denominations

Clergy of other denominations who wish to have their orders recognized as clergy in the United Methodist Church for membership in the California-Nevada Conference shall be in relationship with their local District Committee on Ordained Ministry until all the requirements set forth in paragraph 347.3 and 335 have been met; including completion of the United Methodist history, doctrine and polity courses prior to recommendation for probationary membership to the full Board of Ordained Ministry.

Prior to acceptance as a candidate for recognition of orders with the District Committee, the Board of Ordained ministry is required to investigate the request for recognition of orders under the criteria described in 347.4 and 5 if applicable and this shall be ascertained by the District Committee. (See procedure below)
 
In keeping with the policy of the Board for all candidates for probationary membership, all documentation of requirements shall be submitted to the District Committee prior to the decision making vote of the committee. 
 
In keeping with the policy of the Board for all candidates for probationary membership, Recognition of Orders candidates shall be presented to the Board of Ordained Ministry for recommendation for Recognition of Orders, Probationary Membership at the Board’s annual Spring meeting.
 
Recognition of Orders candidates shall serve as probationary members under the care of the Board of Probationary Membership for “at least” two years as required by 347.b and shall be recommended for full connection as provided in 326.
 
Process:
 
If it is determined that the conditions of 347.4 and 5 are required to be fulfilled, a written verification with a summary of the satisfactory conclusions of such investigation shall be included in the candidate’s permanent file and provided to the candidate. The District shall consult with the candidate’s District Superintendent and full Board of Ordained Ministry regarding any questions arising out of a previously severed conference relationship with another annual conference before proceeding to admit the candidate into relationship. Unsatisfactory conclusions shall conclude the candidate’s request for recognition of orders.
 
Candidates for Recognition of Orders shall be interviewed, licensed as necessary if serving under appointment, (¶¶315, 326) and supervised by the District Superintendent.
 
The District Committee shall provide information on options for fulfilling the UM history, doctrine and polity requirements.*
 
Upon approval by the full board for probationary membership, the District Committee shall pass forward the candidate’s file according to the file requirements for all commissioned candidates. The candidate’s file shall be deposited with the Board of Ordained Ministry’s Administrative Assistant who shall forward the original documents to the appropriate Order Registrar with copies for the candidate’s liaison’s working file. 
 
Upon receiving approval by the Board for Recognition of Orders and Probationary Membership, the candidate shall be included in the Ordination service and welcomed as a “Recognition of Orders” Candidate in Probationary Relationship moving toward Full Connection.
 
For probationary member requirements for Recognition of Orders, candidates consult the Journey Process Manual for Probationary Members, Recognition of Orders.
 
Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements for probationary membership for Recognition of Orders candidates, recommendation by the Board and approval by the Clergy Session for Full Connection the candidate shall:
a.      Participate in the Ordination service and be welcomed into Full Connection.
b.      Have their credentials inscribed and be provided with a certificate of recognition of orders as outlined in 348.
 
Although the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry provides a correspondence course with readers, it is strongly recommended candidates be firmly advised against this option due to the voluminous and exacting work required, the time commitment required and the unpredictability as to outcome . The curriculum may be acquired from the GBHEM and then used selectively in an independent study relationship through a U. M. approved seminary such as Pacific school of Religion or Claremont School of Theology or a completely separate independent study option with an approved seminary be pursued or taking the courses at a UM approved seminary are all options.
Approved 10/18/06