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 Manual of Ministerial Preparation is one guide which will make the path to ministry more understandable. Students can use the academic requirements chart as a quick reference guide to the courses required for credentialing in the Wesleyan Church.

 

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.

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 Ministerial Preparation Packet. 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.

Transferring Ministers

We welcome those who have interest in finding a place of ministry within The Wesleyan Church, who agree with us in doctrine and spirit, and believe God is leading them to join hands with us in fulfilling our mission in the world. The academic preparation of transferring ministers will be evaluated as to its equivalency to the course of study prescribed for ministry in The Wesleyan Church, with every effort to recognize the level of service they held in the denomination from which they transferred. Study of denominational history and polity (C35 Wesleyan Church History/Discipline) and theology (C42 Doctrine of holiness) is required of all transferring ministers who seek ministry in The Wesleyan Church.  These courses may also be taken through Crosstraining, Kingswood Extended or at a Ministerial Training Program class offered by your district.

The process begins with a Transfer Application and supporting documents submitted to the General Superintendent’s Office. This application is to be submitted with the recommendation of a Wesleyan District Superintendent.  Please contact your district to apply.

Supervised Ministry Education Requirement

The education requirement of Supervised Ministry (the course) for those not completing it through a Wesleyan University or Approved Seminary or some other approved means are is no longer offered through ECD (Education and Clergy Development). The Supervised Ministry Course is now offered through Kingswood Extended with updated curriculum. Candidate’s may register with KX for credit via assessment of prior experience or as a year-long course.  Questions about the course can be sent to: extended@kingswood.edu.  Registration can be found HERE.

Those who have registered for the Supervised Ministry course with ECD can finish with ECD. All Supervised Ministry Coursework must be completed by December 31st, 2023, for those who have already registered. Note: the course is different than the Application for SM credit (see below).

ECD will continue to accept Applications for Supervised Ministry Credit through February 28th 2023, to accommodate those who may have been working on completing this. That can be found Here.  No Applications for Supervised Ministry Credit will be accepted after February 28th, 2023. After February 28th, 2023, candidates can register with KX.

Hay una aplicación para solicitar crédito de Ministerio Supervisado para aquellos que han pasado tiempo significativo en el ministerio bajo la supervisión y tutoría de un pastor experimentado. Esta aplicación se puede encontrar en los formularios del portal de estudiantes o puede descargarla AQUÍ. La solicitud tendrá que ser revisada por el DBMD, y devuelta a ECD con una forma y recomendación.

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:

Ministerial Development Community

Easily access your educational files from your computer or mobile device. Once you have enrolled with Education and Clergy Development you will have opportunity to see your current information and status. You will also have the opportunity to view, print or download your individual transcript. This means you will have 24/7 access to the current information on your file.

Candidates log in to the Ministerial Development Community through this link

 

Ordination Chart

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

Manual of Ministerial Preparation

To download the Manual of Ministerial Preparation click HERE.

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