Orientation to Ministry Spring 2025

ORIENTATION TO MINISTRY

Register now at this link
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (noon-Pacific Time) 
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Hawaii Time)

Registration Cost: Registration is FREE.  This event is sponsored by the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Registration Deadline: May 1, 2025

Location:  Zoom Online.

The Orientation to Ministry provides a space for those who are discerning a call to leadership within or through the United Methodist Church to learn about the distinctions between ordination, licensing, and certification for ministry, as well as to meet others who are also beginning this journey in our Conference.  This is a requirement for certification and a Local Pastor license as well as Provisional Membership (2020/2024 Book of Discipline, ¶312)

You only need to attend one Orientation to Ministry.

You can expect to share in a time of devotion, meet other candidates for ministry and key members of BOM, learn more about “calling” and how to identify your unique call within a United Methodist framework, as well.

If you’re just getting started, we’ll help you identify what steps to take first in your process.

2020/2024 Book of Discipline ¶312:
Orientation to Ministry—An orientation to ministry is required for all candidates for licensed and ordained ministry. Attendance at the orientation and becoming a certified candidate may be sequential or concurrent. This common ministry preparation experience is for the purpose of building collegiality and understanding among the varieties of set-apart ministry (deacons,
elders, local pastors). 1. The orientation shall be held in each annual conference and is the responsibility of the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. 2. Collegiality in ministry and commonalities and distinctions among the categories of ministry (deacon, elder, local pastor) will be emphasized to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the gifts contributed through team ministry, and the practice of set-apart ministry within the United Methodist connection will be articulated. 3. Guidelines will be made available from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Questions please contact:
Rev. Brian Belting, Board of Ordained Ministry Vocational Discernment Coordinator (vdc@bom.calpacumc.org) or
Cathy Wilson, Associate Director of Lay and Clergy Credentialing and Development (cwilson@calpacumc.org).