Ministerial Preparation: A call to Ministry 

 

The call to ministry is an exciting journey, yet there will be challenges along the way.

For those just beginning this journey there is an online enrollment form available to help you begin this process. The Guide to Exploring the Call will make the path to ministry more understandable.  Students can use the academic requirements chart found within its pages as a quick reference guide to the courses required for credentialing in The Wesleyan Church.  For a more detailed description of the credentialing process, as well as the responsibilities of both the student and The Wesleyan Church, download the Manual of Ministerial Preparation, linked below.

 

Ministerial students will find that they have several options to completing requirements for credentials including attending one of our Wesleyan Colleges/Universities, approved seminaries, non-accredited ordination programs, or district extensions. If you are beginning ministerial studies, specialized lay ministry training, or transferring ordination to the Wesleyan Church, then be sure to Enroll Online HERE for Ministerial Preparation.  *Courses must receive a grade of C- or better to be granted credit on your ministerial student transcript.

Districts play a critical role in the development of ministers through the leadership of the district superintendent and the counsel of the District Board of Ministerial Development. The DBMD is entrusted with the nurture and development of ministers in training and those in service to the church. Feel free to browse the organizational and ministry functions of the DBMD which are contained in the Manual of Ministerial Preparation and the basic instruction for ministerial students in the Guide to Exploring your Call. The DBMD interviews, evaluates, and advises ministerial students by using sets of report forms. Education and Clergy Development offers training presentations as a resource to DBMD’s to enhance their ministry. It is vital that channels of communication be kept open between pastors, district superintendents, District Boards of Ministerial Development, and our colleges regarding the progress and promise of ministers in training.

Below you will find resources for your journey into ministry.

DBMD Forms

The District Board of Ministerial Development (DBMD) guides a student through the on-going process of discernment, development, and formation. You can download forms below:

Manual of Ministerial Preparation

To download the Manual of Ministerial Preparation click HERE.

Ordination Chart

A visual Chart that shows the steps to Ordination in the Wesleyan Church.  Download the Chart to Ordination HERE

Required Courses for Credentialing

Here you will find a list of Required Courses for each Credential in the Wesleyan Church.  

Transferring Ministers

We welcome those who have an interest in finding a place of ministry within The Wesleyan Church, who agree with us in doctrine and spirit, and who believe God is leading them to join hands with us in fulfilling our mission in the world.

The process of transferring into The Wesleyan Church includes (but is not limited to) an initial conversation with the District Superintendent and submission of a Transfer Application (then approved by the General Superintendent), evaluation and completion of education requirements, a year under appointment as a minister in process of denominational transfer, an interview by the District Board of Ministerial Development and validation by the District Conference.

For a complete list of the steps required for transfer into The Wesleyan Church, please reference Chapter 4 in the Manual of Ministerial Preparation (MMP-413).

The education requirements for credentialed ministers transferring into The Wesleyan Church will be evaluated as to their equivalency to the education requirements prescribed for credentials in The Wesleyan Church. Education and Clergy Development will make every effort to recognize the level of service they held in the denomination or organization from which ministers are transferring. Those seeking transfer may submit their transcripts to Education and Clergy Development.

After evaluation of transcripts, coursework, and experience, transferring ministers may expect to complete additional education requirements (most transferring candidates must complete the doctrine of holiness and Wesleyan History and Discipline). Transferring ministers may address gaps in their education requirements through Wesleyan Universities, Approved Seminaries or Ministry Training Programs such as Cross Training, Kingswood Extended, or classes offered by your district.

To begin the process, please contact the appropriate district to speak with the District Superintendent and begin the application process.

Early Ministry Initiative- Residencies

The Early Ministry Initiative exists to create a network of churches, thought leaders, and lead practitioners who will provide effective apprenticeship, internship and mentoring programs for new ministers in order to develop healthy, fit and effective ministers from the beginning of their ministry. For more information:

Questions?

Submitting your Transcripts

To have your college/seminary official transcripts submitted to Education & Clergy Development for evaluation, you may have them mailed from the school to:

Education & Clergy Development
13300 Olio Rd, Suite 100
Fishers, IN 46037

Or E-mailed from the school to:
Education@wesleyan.org

To submit a transcript from one of the six Wesleyan schools, visit the student portal for specific instructions on requesting a transcript.