Path to Ordained Ministry
Providing resources to candidates, pastors, and churches walking through the ordination process
Candidate Process Timeline Overview
No two candidates will take the same path to be ordained but we are here to walk with you and encourage you along your journey. The West Plains Conference and the Board of Ministry are here to make sure you answer your calling to ministry and to be a resource throughout the process.
Inquiring Phase
The Inquiring Phase:
This is the initial path to candidacy. Here is where candidates meet with a local pastor or Presiding Elder, meet with their Personnel Committee to be interviewed, and get voted on at their local Church/Charge Conference.
Discernment Phase
The Discernment Phase:
This is where things start to become more serious. Here is when candidates fill out applications, attend School of Ministry, undergo a psych eval, complete an internship, meet with a mentor, review the Candidacy Guidebook, complete training modules, interview with the Board of Ministry, and become a Certified Candidate for ministry.
Deacon Ministry & Spiritual Formation
Deacon Ministry & Spiritual Formation:
This is where things can start to slow down and gives candidates the opportunity to focus on their studies. Here Certified Candidates will be assigned to a Wesleyan Class Cohort, complete their educational requirements, interview with the Board of Ministry, get approved at Clergy Session, and be ordained Deacon.
Elder Ministry & Spiritual Formation
Elder Ministry & Spiritual Formation:
This may be the longest phase candidates go through. Here is where ordained Deacons serve for a minimum of two years, continue to meet with their Class Cohort, finish their educational requirements, interview with the Board of Ministry, get approved at Clergy Session, and be ordained an Elder at Annual Conference.