The organization of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the West Virginia Conference follows. The board instituted this organizational plan at the beginning of the 2004 quadrennium. The membership directory that follows makes reference to each officer’s primary office; please note that each elected officer may also be the chair of a related sub-committee.

Administrative Offices:

Chair (Chair of Executive Committee)

Vice-Chair (Member of Executive Committee; Chair of Interview and Evaluation Committee)

Secretary (Member of Executive Committee; Chair of Scholarship Committee)

Orders and Fellowship:

Chair of the Order of Elders (Chair of the Continuing Formation Committee)

Chair of the Order of Deacons (Member of the Continuing Formation Committee)

Chair of the Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors (Chair of the Course of Study Committee)

Registrars:

Commissioning, Provisional and Full Membership (AM, Deacon, Elder), (Member of Executive Committee; Chair of Committee of Registrars)

Candidacy (Member of Committee of Registrars)

Local Pastors (Member of Committee of Registrars)

Professional Certification and Diaconal Ministry (Member of Committee of Registrars)

Programmatic:

Recruitment Coordinator (Executive Committee; Chair of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee)

Conference Relations (Member of Committee of Registrars)

Extension Ministry (Member of Committee of Registrars)

Psychological Evaluations (Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee)

MEF (Member of Scholarship Committee)

Asbury Loan Fund (Member of Scholarship Committee)

Candidacy Mentor Coordinator (Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee)

Probationary Members Mentor Coordinator (Member of Continuing Formation Committee)

Pastor Ministry Licensing Studies (PMLS) (Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee)

Residency Coordinator (Member of Continuing Formation Committee)

Summer Intern Coordinator (Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee)

Pastor’s School Liaison (Member of Continuing Formation Committee)

Continuing Formation Funds (Member of Continuing Formation Committee)

Representative to Clergy Support (Member of Continuing Formation Committee

Board Committees

Executive Committee:

Chair

Vice-Chair

Secretary

Chair- Order of Elders

Chair - Order of Deacons

Chair - Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors

Registrar for Commissioning, Probationary, and Full Membership (AM, Deacons, Elders)

Recruitment Coordinator

Lay member for balance if needed

Cabinet Representative

Staff (without vote)

Enlistment and Candidacy Committee:

Recruitment Coordinator - chair

Mentor for Candidacy Coordinator

PMLS Coordinator

Psychological Assessment Coordinator

Summer Intern Coordinator

Chairs -District Committees on Ordained Ministry

Members from: CCYM

Higher Education & Campus Ministry

Ministry Team on Laity

At large members from Board

Course of Study Committee:

Chair- Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastor -chair

Registrar for Local Pastors

Members from the Ohio Valley School (WV)

At Large members from the Board

Registrars Committee:

Registrar for Commissioning, Probationary, and Full Membership (AM, Deacon, Elder) - chair

Registrar for Candidacy

Registrar for Local Pastors

Registrar for Professional Certification, Diaconal Ministries

Extension Ministry

Conference Relations

Registrar/Secretary – District Committees on Ordained Ministry

At Large Members from Board

Scholarship Committee:

Secretary of the Board - chair

Asbury Loan Fund Coordinator

MEF Coordinator

UM Foundation

At large members from the Board

Interview and Evaluation Committee:

Vice-Chair of Board – chair

Board Chaplain

At large members of Board

Continuing Formation Committee:

Chair-Order of Elders – chair

Continuing Formation Funds

Mentor for Probationary Membership Coordinator

Residency

Cabinet

Leadership Roundtable

Pastor’s School

Chair - Order of Deacons

Chair - Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors

Clergy Support

At Large Members from Board

Representative to Clergy Support

Notes: Each subcommittee is chaired by an officer elected by the board.

Subcommittee areas follow the flow of person's relationship to/with the board, i.e. Enlistment & Candidacy > Course of Study > Registrars > Scholarship > Interview and Evaluation > and Continuing Formation Committee.

All officers are assigned to a subcommittee that relates to their office.

All subcommittees have a member, usually the chair, who sits on the executive committee for accountability.

Every member of the board is assigned to a subcommittee taking into account their gifts and graces.

Board Members and Responsibilities

Administrative Offices:

Chair

· Chair of Executive Committee

Janet Harman- JMH5024@aol.com

Vice Chair

· Member of Executive Committee

Registrar for Commissioning, Probationary, and Full Members

Jim Justice - jimjustice@1st.net

Secretary

· Member of Executive Committee

· Chair of Scholarship Committee

Scott Sears - scottsears@charter.net

Orders and Fellowship:

Chair of the Order of Elders

· Chair of the Continuing Formation Committee

J. Monty Brown - sheepdogfortheshepherd@msn.com

Chair of the Order of Deacons

· Member of the Continuing Formation Committee

Susie Echols - SusieEchols2@aol.com

Chair of the Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors

· Chair of the Course of Study Committee

Charles Hicks - chicks@wvadventures.net

Registrars:
Commissioning, Provisional and Full Membership (AM, Deacon, Elder) · Member of Executive Committee · Chair of Committee of Registrars	Jack Lipphardt
Candidacy · Member of Committee of Registrars	Charles Miller
Local Pastors · Member of Committee of Registrars	Michael Atkinson
Professional Certification and Diaconal Ministry · Member of Committee of Registrars	Gayle E. Lesure – cburgparishgayle@yahoo.com

Programmatic:

Recruitment Coordinator

Executive Committee
Chair of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee

Randy Flanagan – rff7@aol.com

Conference Relations

Member of Committee of Registrars

Pat Kerr

Extension Ministry

Member of Committee of Registrars

Roger Smith – smithr0812@aol.com

Psychological Evaluations

Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee

Gary Nelson

Ministerial Education Fund

Member of Scholarship Committee

Martha Hill

Asbury Loan Fund

Member of Scholarship Committee

David Johnson - mta68@hotmail.com

Provisional Mentor Coordinator

Member of Continuing Formation Committee

Dan Hogan

Pastor Ministry Licensing Studies

PMLS
Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee

Martha Ognibene - mlsognibene@yahoo.com

Residency Coordinator

Member of Continuing Formation Committee

Richard Work

Summer Intern Coordinator

Member of Enlistment and Candidacy Committee

Lois K Almond - kalmond@verizon.net

Pastor’s School Liaison

Member of Continuing Formation Committee

Joseph Shreve - shalombear53@aol.com

Continuing Formation Funds

Member of Continuing Formation Committee

Keith Leap - keithhumc@adelphia.net

Representative to Clergy Support

Member of Continuing Formation Committee

Sam Groves – sg82943@aol.com

Transfer Coordinator

Member of Committee of Registrars

Martin Hallett

Executive Committee
Chair	Janet Harman - JMH5024@aol.com
Vice-Chair	Jim Justice
Secretary	Scott Sears - scottsears@charter.net
Chair - Order of Elders	J. Monty Brown - sheepdogfortheshepherd@msn.com
Chair - Order of Deacons	Susie Echols - SusieEchols2@aol.com
Chair - Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors	Charles Hicks - chicks@wvadventures.net
Registrar for Commissioning, Provisional, and Full Membership (AM, Deacons, Elders)	Jack Lipphardt
Recruitment Coordinator	Randy Flanagan - rff7@aol.com
Cabinet Representative	Mark Conner – IMCDS@adelphia.net Ed Grant -
Staff (without vote)	J.F. Lacaia – jayeph@aol.com

Enlistment and Candidacy Committee
Recruitment Coordinator - chair	Randy Flanagan - rff7@aol.com
Mentor for Candidacy Coordinator	Charles Miller - cdmiller@frontiernet.net
PMLS Coordinator	Martha Ognibene - mlsognibene@yahoo.com
Psychological Assessment Coordinator	Gary Nelson
Summer Intern Coordinator	Lois K Almond - kalmond@verizon.net
Chairs -District Committees on Ordained Ministry	GR – LK – MS – MV – NO – PH – SO – WL – WT –
Members from: CCYM	*
Higher Education & Campus Ministry	*
Ministry Team on Laity	*
At large members from Board	*

Course of Study Committee
Chair- Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastor -chair	Charles Hicks - chicks@wvadventures.net
Registrar for Local Pastors	Michael Atkinson
Members from the Ohio Valley School (WV)
At Large members from the Board

Registrars Committee
Registrar for Commissioning, Provisional, and Full Membership (AM, Deacon, Elder) - chair	Jack Lipphardt
Registrar for Candidacy	Charles Miller
Registrar for Local Pastors	Michael Atkinson
Registrar for Professional Certification, Diaconal Ministries	Gayle E. Lesure – cburgparishgayle@yahoo.com
Extension Ministry	Roger Smith
Conference Relations	Pat Kerr
Registrar/Secretary – District Committees on Ordained Ministry	GR – LK – MS – MV – NO – PH – SO – WL – WT –
At Large Members from Board

Scholarship Committee
Secretary of the Board - chair	Scott Sears
Asbury Loan Fund Coordinator	David Johnson - mta68@hotmail.com
Ministerial Ed Fund Coordinator	Martha Hill
UM Foundation	Jeff Taylor - jefftaylor@umfwv.org
At large members from the Board

Interview and Evaluation Committee
Vice Chair of Board – chair	Jim Justice
Board Chaplain
At large members of Board

Continuing Formation Committee
Chair Order of Elders – chair	J. Monty Brown - sheepdogfortheshepherd@msn.com
Continuing Formation Funds	Keith Leap - keithhumc@adelphia.net
Mentor for Provisional Membership Coordinator	Dan Hogan
Residency	Richard Work
Cabinet
Leadership Roundtable	Don Keller - umcamp@wirefire.com
Pastor’s School	Joseph Shreve - shalombear53@aol.com
Chair - Order of Deacons	Susie Echols
Chair - Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors	Charles Hicks - chicks@wvadventures.net
At Large Members from Board
Representative to Clergy Support	Sam Groves – sg82943@aol.com

Calendar of Dates

Steps Into Ordained Ministry

The current brochure, Steps Into Ordained Ministry, is available online through the following link:

http://www.gbhem.org/ResourceLibrary/stepord.pdf

[Please use the “previous page” or “go back” button to return to this page.]

In addition, the document, Navigating the Candidacy Process, is available through the following link:

http://www.gbhem.org/ResourceLibrary/navigating_without_scans.pdf

[Please use the “previous page” or “go back” button to return to this page.]

Navigating the Candidacy Process outlines the specific steps that one needs to take in order to come before their District Committee on Ordained Ministry and be approved as a ministerial candidate.

Is God Calling You?

Are you wondering if God is calling you into ministry? An interactive website will help you consider some of the questions involved in exploring a call into ministry.

Use the following link to explore Is God Calling You?

http://www.isgodcallingyou.org/

[Please use the “previous page” or “go back” button to return to this page.]

Exploration

The General Board of Higher Education is currently planning the next Exploration event to be held in November of 2006. Use the following link to visit the website for Exploration 2006:

http://www.gbhem.org/exploration/

Checklist for Commissioning Elder in Full Connection

(Commissioning for Elder Track)

q Application - Form 105

q Medical Form – Form 103

q Physician Appointment Set

q Recent Photograph

q Disclosure Form – Form 114

q Request for evaluation from faculty advisor or professor – Form 109

q Statement from Seminary regarding status of seminary education as of June 1

q Biographical Information – Form 102

q Autobiographical Statement

q Official Transcripts Requested

q District Superintendent Recommendation Requested

q Essays on Disciplinary Questions from ¶315.9 (1996)

q Sermon Text

q Bulletin or Order of Worship Service

q Video Tape Original

q Video Tape Copy

q Detailed Bible Study or Lesson Plan for Church Membership Class

q Statement on the meaning of Ordination in the UMC

Guidelines for Yearly Interviews of Probationary Members

Divide each interview team into two teams of approximately 3 persons each. This should reduce the anxiety level, and minimize the time required for the interviews.

Schedule all probationary members for a I hour interview each year.

The purpose of interviewing is to be more intentional in giving ongoing encouragement, support, and caring to probationary members as they continue their journeys; not to evaluate or gain information for future evaluation. This purpose, and that no vote will be taken, will be clearly communicated to the probationary members in writing (sent with the questions) before their arrival and at the start of each interview. This would mean that interview records (if any) would include nothing which might give future interview teams a negative bias.

Ask those being interviewed to send in a written response to a few basic questions, such as:

· What significant events have occurred in your life and ministry over the past year (please place special emphasis on growth experiences), and how have these events impacted your life and ministry?

· How have you worked on recommendations (if any) made as a result of previous interviews with the CBOM?

· What groups or persons do you have as a support network, and what you are doing regarding self-care?

· Are there other issues you would like to discuss during your interview?

This may also be a good time to make sure those members are well-informed as to the process involved as they move through probationary membership. Perhaps a sheet with relevant information could be sent with the initial mailing.

Guidelines for Elders in Full Membership

Steps to Full Connection and Elder’s Orders

1. You must have been a Probationary Member for a minimum of two (2) years and previously ordained a Deacon.

2. You must be a graduate of an approved school of theology with at least two (2) semester hours or their equivalent in each of the fields of United Methodist history, doctrine, and policy.

3. You must have completed at least two years of service under full-time Episcopal appointment following graduation from seminary.

4. You must have begun the Residency Program if you are applying during your probationary period.

5. You must have applied to the Seminary Registrar of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

6. You must submit the following work to the Seminary Registrar for the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry no later than December 31. Make THREE copies of each item, unless otherwise noted. Carefully organize your materials and keep in mind that you are to be doing your work in a manner complimentary to a student of higher education. Also, you should keep in mind that one standard by which the Board of Ordained Ministry will evaluate candidates is by the candidate’s use of non-sexist language in both the written materials and during the oral interview. It is suggested that candidates review Words that Hurt and Words that Heal: Language About God and People.

· Form 103 completed by your physician and mailed to the Registrar by the physician. Due no later than December 31.

· A three-page typewritten biographical statement which includes your journey of your call to ministry

· Official transcripts mailed by your seminary directly to the Registrar, the conference will make copies of the transcripts. Due no later than December 31.

· Your district superintendent’s written evaluation. To be sent directly to the Registrar no later than December 31.

· Brief essays written in answer to the disciplinary questions found in the Book of Discipline on (a) theology, (b) vocation, (c) the practice of ministry. Your written statements should reflect the integration of your seminary education in and through the growth of your practice of pastoral ministry. These brief essays will aid the Board of Ordained Ministry in its interviewing process with you. Your written statement should reflect graduate level work and your seminary education to date. Answers to each of the disciplinary questions should not be longer than two pages. You are to provide three (3) copies of all written material and your material should be well organized.

· (Submit in writing the meaning and significance of each of the….) A written paper on the meaning and significance of each of the “Historical Questions” also found in your Book of Discipline. You are to provide (3) copies of this paper.

· The written text of a sermon. You may choose any lectionary text between October 6 and December 15. Also, present a video tape (and a copy) of the entire worship service in which the sermon was preached. Provide a copy of the service order or bulletin used in the service where the sermon was preached. Again, you are to provide three copies of the sermon and service order and an extra copy of the videotape.

· Prepare a detailed Bible Study (offering the lesson plan to be used) on one of Paul’s Letters or design your own lesson plan for a Church Membership Class.

· Provide letters of reference from the following persons, asking them to comment on your character, attitude, life-style, “fitness for ministry”, style of ministry, and any recommendation or concerns to be offer: (a) representative of the church, field education (if possible), seminary mentor or clergy supervisor, (b) two clergy in full connection, deacon or elder, (c) additional evaluation will be offered by the mentor (when possible) and the Residency Program.

· A pastoral prayer that might be given in a morning service of worship. You may use the prayer from the video taped service of worship you submit.

· A funeral meditation with an outline of the service for one of the following situations: the death of a young adult by suicide, the death of a child killed by an auto accident, the death of an active church member, the death of an aged person who openly rejected the Christian faith.

· A brief statement about your ministry, how it has changed during the years since your graduation, and how this now leads you to Elder’s Orders in Full Membership.

7. You must meet with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry sometime during the second week of March. Your interview will be scheduled by the Board’s Seminary Registrar. Candidates will meet for 90 minutes discussing the submitted materials with particular emphasis on: theological development, ordination, sacraments, worship, preaching, and pastoral aspects of ministry. After the 90-minute interview, the board and the candidates will hear a summary of the findings prepared by the small-group interview teams. The candidate has an opportunity to respond and be questioned further by the full board. The candidate will be informed of the board’s decision within twenty-four (24) hours by telephone. Should you need housing for the interview, you will need to contact the Chairperson of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

8. You must be present for election at the Executive Session of the West Virginia Annual Conference. Also, you must be present on Ministry Night for presentation and answering of the Historical Questions before the Annual Conference.

Checklist for Full Membership/Elders Orders

q Application - Form 105

q Medical - Form 103

q Biographical Statement - Form 102

q Official Transcripts

q District Superintendent Evaluation

q Essays on Disciplinary Questions

q Historical Questions paper

q Sermon Text

q Bulletin or Order of Worship Service

q Video Tape Original

q Video Tape Copy

q Reference Letters

o Church member

o Seminary Mentor

o Clergy Supervisor

o Clergy in Full-Connection (1)

o Clergy in Full-Connection (2)

o Residency Program

q Bulletin or Order of Worship Service

q Detailed Bible Study or Lesson Plan for Church Membership Class

q Pastoral Prayer

q Funeral Meditation

q Ministry Statement

Guidelines for Deacons in Full Membership

Steps to Probationary Membership and Ordained Deacon

(¶413-418, 1992 Book of Discipline)

1. You must have been a certified candidate for ministry at least one full year by June 1.

2. You must have completed a college degree and one-half of your seminary work by June.

3. You must secure the written recommendation of Probationary Membership and Deacon’s Orders from your District Committee on Ordained Ministry. (Candidate is to meet with the District Committee prior to the Interview with the Board of Ordained Ministry.

4. You must apply for Probationary Membership and Deacon’s Orders on the official form (Form 105) by October 1.

5. You must submit the following work to the Seminary Registrar for the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry no later than January 1. Make THREE copies of each item, unless otherwise noted. Carefully organize your materials and keep in mind that you are to be doing your work in a manner complimentary to a student of higher education. Also, you should keep in mind that one standard by which the Board of Ordained Ministry will evaluate candidates is by the candidate’s use of non-sexist language in both the written materials and during the oral interview. It is suggested that candidates review Words that Hurt and Words that Heal: Language About God and People.

· The completion of the Medical Health Form (Form 103) (your physician is to send the form directly to the registrar, NOT to you.)

· A recent photograph

· Disclosure Form – Form 114

· A written evaluation by a faculty advisor or professor, which will also be sent directly to the Seminary Registrar for the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. The evaluation should include an indication of what are considered your strengths and weaknesses.

· An autobiographical statement concerning family, Christian experiences, your call to ministry, educational record, formative Christian experiences, and plans for service in the church. (Three pages)

· Official transcripts mailed by your college and seminary to the Dale Miller, Seminary Registrar of the Conference Board. A statement from your Seminary Registrar is also required stating that as of June, you will have completed one-half of your seminary work. The registrar will make copies of transcripts.

· Your district superintendent’s written evaluation (sent directly to the Seminary Registrar of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

· Brief essays written in answer to the questions in ¶414.8 of the 1992 Book of Discipline. These brief essays will aid the Board of Ordained Ministry in its interviewing process with you. Your written statement should reflect graduate level work and your seminary education to date. Answers to each of the disciplinary questions should not be longer than two pages. There shall be three (3) copies of all written material and your material should be well organized.

· Prepare a detailed Bible Study (offering the lesson plan to be used) on one of Paul’s Letters or design your own lesson plan for a Church Membership Class.

· A written statement on the meaning of Ordination of Deacon in the United Methodist Church.

6. You must meet with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry sometime during the second week February. Your interview time will be scheduled by the Seminary Registrar of the Board. Candidates will meet for 90 minutes discussing the submitted materials with particular emphasis on: theological development, ordination, sacraments, worship, preaching, and pastoral aspects of ministry. After the 90-minute interview, the board and the candidates will hear a summary of the findings prepared by the small-group interview teams. The candidate has an opportunity to respond and be questioned further by the full board and will be informed of the board’s decision within twenty-four (24) hours by telephone. Should you need housing for the interview, you will need to contact the Chairperson of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

7. You must be present for election at the Executive Session of the West Virginia Annual Conference. Also, you must be present on Ministry Night for presentation and answering of the Historical Questions before the Annual Conference.

8. Probationary members are limited to eight (8) years for the completion of all requirements, including two (2) years of service under full-time Episcopal appointment following graduation from an approved School of Theology (¶417, 1992 Book of Discipline).

9. Completion of residency. Residency is a three-year program designed to accompany the three years of probationary membership for persons following the 1996 Discipline and corresponding track. Completion of a three-year residency program is not a requirement for those following an earlier discipline; however, our conference rules require that a minimum of one year is completed prior to ordination and encourages the candidate to complete three years. Your time of ordination cannot be postponed because of the three-year residency program. The next residency program begins in June continuing through spring of the next year. Unfortunately, for some, this will result in having to wait until fall to reapply for Elder’s Orders. Those who take part in the residency program need to contact the residency coordinator. Candidates currently in the program will be evaluated by residency coordinator prior to coming for the interview with the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Candidates who have further questions about participation in the residency program as it relates to your ordination as an elder should contact the residency coordinator.

Checklist for Deacons in Full Connection

q Application Form 105/2000

q Medical Form 103/2000

q Physician Appointment Set

q Recent Photograph

q Disclosure Form 114/2000

q Request for evaluation from faculty advisor or professor

q Autobiographical Statement

q Official Transcripts Requested

q District Superintendent Recommendation Requested

q Essays on Disciplinary Questions from ¶414.8

q Sermon Text

q Bulletin or Order of Worship Service

q Video Tape Original

q Video Tape Copy

q Detailed Bible Study or Lesson Plan for Church Membership Class

q Statement on the meaning of Ordination in the UMC

q Ministry Statement

Guidelines for Local Pastors

Course of Study Information

West Virginia Annual Conference

Scott Sears, Local Pastor Registrar

3329 Broad Street

Parkersburg, WV 26104

Office – (304) 428-1179 Home – (304) 428-1584

E-mail: sears.scott@gmail.com

As registrar for local pastors, I work with local pastors and superintendents to do the following:

I process applications and maintain grade records for the 5-year course of study. The course of study is 20 set classes that are normally taken over a 5-year period. They need not be taken in sequence, with the exception of years one and five, which serve as an introduction and conclusion to the entire study program. Classes may be taken at any COS school or schools and all records are kept on a master file at GBHEM. All applications must be signed by me to insure that conference scholarship funds are released.

2. I also sit on the advisory boards for Course of Study schools at Duke, Wesley, and Course of Study School of Ohio. (Also, Spring Heights Advisory Board, which is part of COSSO).

3. When a candidate for ministry completes School for License for Pastoral Ministry, I send their names to Duke, Wesley, Ohio Valley, and Appalachian COS Schools to be included on their mailing lists. However, local pastors may want to contact them individually.

I receive information from District Committees on Ministry, District Superintendents and GBHEM to do the Local Pastor’s report at Executive Session of Annual Conference in June.

Information about local pastors, part-time, full-time, course of study requirements, and continuance is found in ¶¶315-319 of the 2004 Book of Discipline (¶¶340-346 of the 2000 Book of Discipline.)

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is provided for the Course of Study. However, the Annual Conference does not pay for a grade of "F" or a class withdrawal. In those cases, the student must pay for the next completed and passed course before being eligible for financial aid once again.

Time Frame for Completing Course of Study Work

¶319.3 – 2004 Book of Discipline requires that full-time Local Pastors complete the Course of Study within eight (8) years and part-time Local Pastors complete the Course of Study within twelve (12) years, unless a family situation or other circumstance limits the Local Pastor's ability to meet the above requirements. Extensions to this time require a ¾ vote of the DCOM, recommendation by the conference BOOM, and the vote of clergy members in full connection.

Annual Progress

Local Pastors must make progress in the Course of Study every year. According to ¶318.1 – 2004 Book of Discipline, full-time Local Pastors "shall complete four courses per year in the Course of Study." Part-time Local Pastors "shall complete two courses per year" according to ¶318.2.

Local Pastor to Associate Member

As a result of the 2004 General Conference, a local pastor may remain local pastor when they have completed the Course of Study, or a local pastor can seek to become an associate or full member. Local pastors who began the Course of Study prior to January 1, 1997 and complete all educational requirements prior to December 31, 2008 continue to be eligible for associate membership under the transitional provisions as set forth in ¶369 – 2004 Book of Discipline.

Local Pastor to Probationary Membership and Commissioning

Local Pastors may fulfill the requirements for probationary membership and commissioning under ¶324.6 – 2004 Book of Discipline.

Course of Study Schools

Below is information about the Course of Study schools most used by WV Conference Local Pastors. All are under the guidance of the Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville. Each school has its own flavor. Local Pastors can explore which school suits them best.

Course of Study School of Ohio

www.mtso.edu/cos/courses.pdf

MTSO

P.O. Box 8004

Delaware, OH 43015

Robin Wallace
Ohio Valley COS School
MTSO

3081 Columbus Pike

Delaware, OH 43015
740/362-3431
Fax: 740-362-3129
Email: rwallace@mtso.edu
Coordinator Jessica Spillman
740/362-3120
Email: jspillman@mtso.edu

Dr. Mike Linger

Director, Spring Heights Campus

147 N. 21^st Street

Wheeling, WV 26003

304-277-1418 (home)

lngerfl@sunlitsurf.com

Description: The Course of Study School of Ohio is directed by United Theological Seminary and The Methodist Theological School in Ohio and is located on the campus of the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio, just north of Columbus. Courses for full-time and part-time local pastors are offered. Full-time local pastors may attend a two-week intensive during the summer and complete 2 courses. The other two courses may be completed during a 3-weekend session (Friday-Saturday) in the fall and spring. Cost will be $240 per course and does include meals. Housing is optional and paid separately.

Courses are specifically designed for part-time local pastors using a two-weekend format (Friday evening-Saturday afternoon) in the spring and fall. All courses at Spring Heights are for Part-Time Local Pastors only. There is a month between the first and second weekends. Courses are offered on the MTSO campus, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, and Spring Heights. The format at Spring Heights allows students to take two courses at the same time. Courses at Spring Heights meet Friday-Sunday on two weekends. Cost for all courses in $240 per course and does include meals. Housing is optional and paid separately at all locations except for Spring Heights where the cost of housing is included in the per course cost.

The WV Conference Scholarship is $180 per course at Spring Heights. Rolling registration. All applications are to be signed by the student and the district superintendent then sent to the Conference Local Pastor Registrar. Students may send the application fee along with the application or they may send it directly to COSSO.

Wesley Theological Seminary

Course of Study School

www.wesleysem.edu/programs/courseofstudy/default

4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington, D. C. 20016

Dr. Ellis Larsen
Wesley Theological Seminary
4500 Mass Ave NW

Washington, DC 20016
202/885-8667
Fax: 202/885-8605
Email: elarsen@wesleysem.edu
or: eleif@aol.com

Admin. Asst. Sara Sheppard
202/885-8688
Email: ssheppard@wesleysem.edu

Description: Two 2-week sessions each summer. Many PTLPs go here because they can complete 2 courses in 2 weeks. FTLP usually go four weeks for 4 courses. Registration material comes out in January and the deadline is May 1. Dates are the last week in June and the first 3 weeks of July. The Ministerial Education Fund (from your apportionment) pays tuition. Student costs are room, board, extra fees, and books. Wesley has room and board packages. Cost excluding books begins at $1300 for 4 weeks, $650 for 2 weeks. A $25 registration fee is to accompany the application. Some written papers are due before classes begin. Wesley gives academic credit (seminary credits) for COS classes. One hour of credit for each course completed. Some of this could be transferred toward a student's undergraduate degree. Check with your college.

WV Conference Scholarship is $900 for 4 weeks and $450 for 2 weeks.

2007 Schedule

Term 1: June 25 – July 6

Term 2: July 09 – July 20

Each two-week session provides for two courses, thus allowing a student to take up to four courses in any given summer (the proscribed limit).

Course of Study School at Duke Divinity School

http://www.divinity.duke.edu/learningforlife/programs/cos

Rev. Nathan Kirkpatrick
Center for Continuing Education
Duke Divinity School

Box 90966
Durham, NC 27708-0966
919/660-3448
Fax: 919/660-3528
Email: div-conted@duke.edu
Deanna Johnson, customer service
Email: div-conted@duke.edu
919/660-3448
Toll free: 888/845-4216

Description: The Course of Study School at Duke Divinity School offers one 4-week session each summer, through which both the basic 5-year curriculum and advanced studies are available. Students complete one year of study, with a course load of 4 classes for basic studies, or 3 classes for advanced studies. The 2004 summer session will be July 4-30. Registration forms will be available in January, with an enrollment deadline of April 1. A $50 registration fee must accompany your application ($75 after April 1). The Ministerial Education Fund (from your apportionment) pays tuition. Student costs are room, board, and books. On-campus housing, arranged upon request by the school, is available in residence halls and apartments. Some students choose to live off-campus in area apartments, or sub-lease houses. Students are required to complete reading assignments and some class work before the school begins. Course of Study classes do not earn graduate or undergraduate credit at Duke University. WV Conference Scholarship is $900.

2007 Summer Course: Sunday, July 1 – Friday, July 27

Duke COS 2007-08 Weekend Course:

Weekend Sessions are designed for part-time local pastors who cannot attend the month-long summer program. Classes meet for three consecutive weekends (Friday 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - noon) at the Divinity School. Students complete one course in each weekend session and complete one year of study by completing all four weekend sessions. Conference scholarship is $225 per course.

Emory Course of Study School

http://www.candler.emory.edu/ACADEMIC/OCME/COS

Michelle Levan
1703 Clifton Road suite F 2
Candler School of Theology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30329
U.S.A.
Telephone: 404.727.4587
Fax: 404.727.6582
cos@emory.edu

Description: The Ministerial Education Fund (from your church's apportionment) pays for tuition. Student costs are room, board, and books. West Virginia Conference pays $900 scholarship. Registration is due March 31. A registration fee must accompany your application. Some written work is due by June 1.

2005 Course of Study: July 09 through August 03

A Saturday School is available at several different campus sites in the South for PTLP.

Please see their website for further details.

Appalachian Local Pastors School at Red Bird Missionary Conference

http://www.redbirdconference.org/ALPS/alps.htm

Kitty Allen, director

301 East Mount Vernon

Somerset, KY 42501

606-451-2220

Fax: 606-451-2271

Email: alpsky@charter.net

Description: ALPS is an extension of the COS at Emory (Candler). Congregational Development is the special emphasis during the first two years. The courses of the first two years may be taken in two different formats: a two-week session that meets in May; or weekend classes that convene on Fridays and Saturdays for two weekends. Part-time local pastors, after completion of the first two years of ALPS, may enroll in the regular COS courses. Only part-time local pastors may attend ALPS after completion of the Congregational Development courses.

Expenses for the May 2 week session: Registration $50 (Non-refundable), Tuition $500 (four courses for each of the first two years), housing in college dorms, single $150, double $114, Cafeteria Food Service $155.

Weekend Courses meet two weekends (Friday evening & Saturdays): Registration $30 (Non-refundable) per course. Tuition: $200 per course.

WV Conference Scholarship is $225 per course.

Correspondence

Correspondence courses are offered by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, TN. Correspondence courses are discouraged but allowed in special situations, and must be approved by the superintendent and the district board. Each course costs $40 and is very demanding with much written work. There is no WV Conference Scholarship money.

Internet

At present the Board of Ordained Ministry is only offering scholarships for the Internet Courses approved by GBHEM and provided through Cokesbury Academy. The conference scholarship will pay $100.00 towards the tuition of these courses. Please contact the Conference Local Pastor Registrar for further information.

Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Websites are:

www.gbhem.org/ministry

www.gbhem.org/cos

To Local Pastors:

Please keep an up to date copy of this information sheet in your COS file or in your Book of Discipline. Contact me with any questions. The WV Conference Board of Ministry is thankful for your ministry and the ministry we can do together for Jesus Christ.

Process for Specialized Ministries

Steps for Certification

Professional certification is available in the following areas:

Certification is available to clergy or lay persons. The first step in pursuing certification is to contact the Registrar from the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Marybeth Chien - mbchapelhill@3wlogic.net. In addition, a letter of inquiry is to be sent to the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The form for Application for Certification is available from either of these sources, as well as information regarding the requirements for Certification. [see resource library above for all form and Guidelines brochures.]

Steps to achieve certification include meeting requirements in several areas: personal church academic, and professional. Personal requirements cover such areas as Christian character, working with people, and leadership ability. Church requirements are membership in the United Methodist church for at least one year; knowledge of the United Methodist church's structure, doctrine, and polity and; a psychological assessment and criminal background check. Academic requirements vary according to the specific area of certification and can be found in the literature published by GBHEM and available through them or through the conference registrar. The final area of professional requirements is met through four years of leadership ability in the area of specialization concurrent with or two years experience following the certification studies.

Checklist for Specialized Ministries

Having met all these requirements, the person seeking certification applies for certification. The application process includes:

q Completion of application using Certification Application Form

q Securing references from persons acquainted with your ministry using Certification Reference Form.

q Submitting written work as required by the Board of Ordained Ministry

q Interviewing with the Board

Following approval by the Board, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is notified. Upon their review, the certificate is issued and presented at Annual Conference.

Certification is renewed every two years, subject to approval by the Board of Ordained Ministry. A bi-annual report is filed with the registrar, and then reviewed by a subcommittee of the Board.

Form HE4004

Changes in Conference Relationship

Leave of Absence

The Conference Board of ordained Ministry has a primary role in processing requests regarding Leave of Absence (LOA) for probationary, associate, and members in full connection.

The policies and procedures outlined in ¶352 of the 2000 Discipline will be followed in processing requests. In order to faithfully discharge the duties of the Board alluded to in said paragraph and in order to be as fair as possible to all parties involved, the Board follows this general pattern.

1. A person requesting voluntary LOA shall be interviewed by a representative team from the Board and its Conference Relations Committee. The purpose of this interview shall be to:

a) Establish and document the circumstances surrounding the request

b) Establish a forum where dialogue can occur between the clergy member and the Board

c) Establish specific requirements for the clergy member to pursue while on LOA in order to address any issues raised during the interview

d) Advise the clergy member of the procedures for continuing LOA and coming off LOA

2. A contact person/member will be assigned by the Board for the person on LOA. The clergy member on LOA shall initiate contact with his/her assigned mentor. Together they will establish the nature of their continuing relationship.

3. Requests to come off LOA shall follow the disciplinary procedures of ¶352. A representative team from the Board shall interview the person making the request in order to discern that the circumstances surrounding the initial LOA have been satisfactorily resolved. Only then shall a request to come off LOA be granted.

4. Again, it is to be emphasized that the policies and procedures regarding LOA in the Discipline should be reviewed and understood by those involved. Special circumstances that may deviate from this general pattern will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Suggested Procedure for Candidate Seeking To Transfer-In to the WV Conference From Another Conference and/or Denomination

1. All requests coming to the attention of the Board of Ordained Ministry and/or the Cabinet are sent to Office of Ministry Support.

2. Office of Ministry Support corresponds with person seeking transfer and provides:

a. Letter of greetings and acknowledgement.

b. Outline of procedure that includes an agreed upon timeline.

c. List of required documents appropriate to request and status.

d. Contact information for BOOM Cabinet representative and BOOM Conference Relations officer.

e. Copy of applicable Disciplinary paragraphs.

3. Letter of greeting and acknowledgement is copied to Cabinet representative and Conference Relations officer

4. Office of Ministry Support creates a file for the person seeking transfer

5. Documentation gathering

a. Office of Ministry Support begins to accumulate necessary documents for Board of Ordained Ministry to make an informed decision regarding status.

b. Assistant to the Bishop begins to accumulate documents necessary for the Cabinet to make an informed decision regarding appointment.

1. Conference Relations officer and Cabinet representative begin consultation about the appointment and membership options for the person seeking the transfer.

2. Interviewing

a. Conference Relations officer schedules an interview with the persons seeking transfer to make decision membership.

b. Cabinet interviews the person seeking transfer to make decision regarding appointment.

3. Conference Relations officer and Cabinet representative inform the person seeking transfer of their decision(s).

Sample of Letter to Person Requesting a Transfer Into WV Annual Conference

Vision Logo UM-LOGO6

West Virginia Annual Conference

The United Methodist Church

J. F. Lacaria

Director of Leadership Formation and Ministry Support

September 29, 2004

Dear Rev. <LastName>:

Sample We have received your request for a pastoral appointment within the West Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. As the Director of Ministry Support, I want you to know that members of the Cabinet, the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Conference Staff will be surrounding your request in prayer. It is my understanding that you are an ordained minister in the «DenominationConference».

The Cabinet and Board of Ordained Ministry, in consultation with Bishop Ernest Lyght, have established a process for persons seeking to serve in this conference. The Discipline of our church and rules of the West Virginia Annual Conference govern this process. For United Methodists, this process cannot begin without engaging all the bishops involved in the transfer.

Your first step is to provide the Office of Ministry Support the following materials:

· Completed biographical form (enclosed)

· A statement giving evidence that the bishop(s) and district superintendent(s) under whose care you now serve have been made aware of this request.

· Psychological assessment (please contact Rev. Michael Atkinson for direction at 304-455-1422)

· Criminal and sex offenders background check (contact Michael Atkinson)

· Consumer credit check (contact Michael Atkinson)

· Medical Report (enclosed)

· Copy of your ordination credentials

· Official transcripts from your undergraduate and graduate degrees

· Recommendation from your denominational official stating that you are in good standing with the denomination at this time

· Statement of why you want to serve in the West Virginia Conference

· Statement of your understanding of United Methodist doctrine, including the sacraments, and United Methodist polity, including your willingness to support and maintain them

· Statement stating whether or not you have ever had a ministerial relationship with The United Methodist Church or its predecessors in another conference, and if so, what were the circumstances under which that relationship was severed

Enclosed are the paragraphs from the The Book Of Discipline Of The United Methodist Church, 2004 about transfer rules for “Clergy from Other Annual Conference, Other Methodist and Christian Denominations” If you decide to pursue this with our conference please complete the enclosed biographical form and return it to me with any of the other materials listed above. You do not need to assemble all of the materials listed in one package, send items as they become available. Upon receipt of the biographical from this office will begin to make plans for your interview and for your inclusion in the Cabinet’s discernment regarding an appointment. I am sure that you understand that this is not a rapid process, your appointment will depend on there being a church available, and your ministry status will be paced on the Board of Ordained Ministry’s reception of your materials and the completion of an interview.

You may send all materials and direct your questions to

J. F. Lacaria

PO Box 2313

Charleston, WV 25328

800-788-3746-x27

jayeph@aol.com

Two other persons who will be working with this Office of Ministry Support are:

Sincerely,

J. F. Lacaria

Copies: Bishop Ernest Lyght

Dr. Bill Wilson, Assistant to the Bishop

Rev. Ken Ramsey, Conference Relations

Rev. Mark Conner, Western District Superintendent

Disciplinary Rules Governing Transfer-In

The following paragraphs of the Book of Discipline provide rules and procedural instruction for persons seeking an appointment in the West Virginia Conference from another conference or another Christian denomination.

¶ 347. Transfers—

1. From Other Annual Conferences—Ordained clergy or probationary members from other annual conferences of The United Methodist Church may be received by transfer into probationary or full membership with the consent of the bishops involved. Consultation with the chairperson or executive committee of the board of ordained ministry shall be held prior to the transfer.

2. From Other Methodist Denominations—

a) Ordained elders or ordained clergy from other Methodist churches shall be received by transfer into probationary or full conference membership, with the consent of the bishops or other authorities involved, without going through the process required for ministers from other denominations. Prior consultation with the chairperson or executive committee of the board of ordained ministry shall be held in order to determine that the minister meets the standards for conference membership established by the Discipline and the annual conference. A psychological report, criminal background and credit check, and reports of sexual misconduct and/or child abuse shall be required. They shall submit, on a form provided by the conference board of ordained ministry:

(1) a notarized statement detailing any convictions for felony or misdemeanor, or written accusations of sexual misconduct or child abuse; or

(2) a notarized statement certifying that the candidate has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or accused in writing of sexual misconduct or child abuse.

b) Ordained elders or ordained clergy being transferred from other Methodist churches shall meet the educational requirements of The United Methodist Church, or the equivalent approved by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

c) The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry shall certify the satisfaction of educational requirements for conference membership and, in cases where additional education is required, shall develop an educational program in consultation with the board of ordained ministry.

3. From Other Denominations—

a) On recommendation of the board of ordained ministry, the clergy members in full connection may recognize the orders of elders or ordained clergy from other denominations and receive them as probationary members or local pastors. They shall present their credentials for examination by the bishop and board of ordained ministry and give assurance of their Christian faith and experience. They shall give evidence of their agreement with and willingness to support and maintain United Methodist doctrine, discipline, and polity and present a satisfactory certificate of good health on the prescribed form from a physician approved by the board of ordained ministry. The board of ordained ministry, in consultation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, shall determine whether they meet the educational requirements for conference membership. Prior to admission as probationary members, they shall provide evidence of completion of courses in United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity as defined in ¶ 335. A psychological report, criminal background and credit check, and reports of sexual misconduct and/or child abuse shall be required. They shall submit, on a form provided by the conference board of ordained ministry:

(1) a notarized statement detailing any convictions for felony or misdemeanor, or written accusations of sexual misconduct or child abuse; or

(2) a notarized statement certifying that the candidate has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, or accused in writing of sexual misconduct or child abuse.

b) Ordained elders or ordained clergy from other Christian denominations shall serve as probationary members for at least two years and complete all the requirements of ¶ 335, including courses in United Methodist history, doctrine, and polity, before being admitted into full conference membership.

c) Following the probationary member’s election to full conference membership as provided in ¶ 335, the bishop and secretary of the conference shall provide a certificate of full membership in the annual conference.

4. The board of ordained ministry of an annual conference is required to ascertain from an ordained elder or ordained clergyperson seeking admission into its membership on credentials from another denomination whether or not membership in the effective relation was previously held in an annual conference of The United Methodist Church or one of its legal predecessors, and if so, when and under what circumstances the ordained minister’s connection with such annual conference was severed.

5. Ordained elders or ordained clergy seeking admission into an annual conference on credentials from another denomination who have previously withdrawn from membership in the effective relation in an annual conference of The United Methodist Church or one of its legal predecessors shall not be admitted or readmitted without the consent of the annual conference from which they withdrew or its legal successor, or the annual conference of which the major portion of their former conference is a part, such consent to be granted upon recommendation of its board of ordained ministry.

¶ 348. Recognition of Orders of Clergy from Other Denominations—

1. Clergy from other denominations may have their orders recognized by the clergy members in full connection of the annual conference after examination of their credentials by the bishop and board of ordained ministry. Prior to admission to membership in the annual conference, such recognition of orders may be given upon recommendation of the bishop and board of ordained ministry.

2. When the orders of an ordained minister of another church shall have been duly recognized, the certificates of ordination by said church shall be returned to the minister with the following inscription written plainly on the back:

These orders are recognized by the ____________________________ Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, this ___________________ day of ___________________, ______ [year] .

____________________ , President

____________________ , Secretary

The ordained minister also will be furnished with a certificate of recognition of orders signed by the bishop.

West Virginia Conference Rules Governing Transfer-In

The following rules concern persons who are seeking an appointment and membership in the West Virginia Annual Conference from another conference or another Christian denomination.

V. RULES RELATING TO LICENSED AND ORDAINED MINISTRY

Local Pastors: Pastoral charges shall allow Local Pastors who are under new appointments to attend the Course of Study School in the first and subsequent years of appointment so they can comply with requirements of the 2000 Book of Discipline (¶343.1 and ¶343.2.) Full-time Local Pastors who have completed the Course of Study shall follow the appropriate guidelines for Continuing Education. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a college or university approved by the University Senate shall be completed before conference scholarship funds are available for graduate theological study or Advanced Course of Study.

Ordained Elders In Full Connection: Pre-requisites for Elders in full connection with the West Virginia Annual Conference shall include a Master of Divinity or equivalent first professional degree, from a school of theology approved by the University Senate. Associate Members may request to be approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry, in consultation with the Cabinet, to enter the Advanced Course of Study in preparation for the process leading to Probationary Membership and the possibility of being admitted to Membership in Full Connection without a Master of Divinity degree. Associate Members seeking Full Membership and who are moving toward ordination as Elder, shall follow ¶366.2 of the 2000 Book of Discipline with the addition of a Bachelor’s Degree from an approved college or university. Associate members or local pastors who are moving toward ordination as Elder provided by ¶¶315.6 or 366, 2000 Book of Discipline shall have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a college or university recognized by the University Senate before beginning their graduate theological studies or its equivalent.

Residency Program: All probationers shall be a part of the Residency Program as developed and implemented by the Board of Ordained Ministry. The Residency Program will count as Continuing Education.

Recognition of Orders From Other Denominations: Persons transferring from other Christian denominations and holding credentials or ordination, may have them recognized and approved by the Members in Full Connection, as Deacons or Elders, on recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Orders determined to be equivalent to Deacon’s or Elders Orders in the United Methodist Church, regardless of the nomenclature and privileges granted by other denominations in question, shall be limited to the rights and privileges granted to the order for which they are approved under the authority of our Book of Discipline.

Sabbatical Leave

Clergy should in writing request an interview with the Conference Relations chair.

Retirement Checklist

What you need to do: How long before Retirement:

q Request projection of pension benefits 2 years prior

q Request updated projection of pension 6 months prior (only for

benefits and request application forms Discipline ¶452b)

q Apply to Social Security for Benefits 3-6 months prior

q Request retirement status in writing to: At least 90 days prior

Bishop Date Sent_____

District Superintendent Date Sent_____

Board of Ordained Ministry Date Sent_____

Conference Board of Pensions Date Sent_____

q Return all retirement forms to the General

Board of Pension and Health Benefits At least 30 days prior

MPP Church Account Date Sent_____

Clergy Account Date Sent_____

Direct Deposit Form Date Sent_____

Tax Withholding Form Date Sent_____

Other_____ Date Sent_____

q File an updated Designation

Of Beneficiary form with the Board Date Sent_____

q Return Depository Agreement form Date Sent_____

Notify offices of retirement address Date Sent_____

General Board of Pensions Date Sent_____

Clergypersons are eligible to apply for and receive benefits from their Clergy Account at age 60. The Clergy Account includes any personal, salary reduction, rollover and QVEC contributions you may have on deposit with the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

Renewal Time

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church recognizes the need for clergy to take a respite from the normal exercise of pastoral ministry. However, it is well attested from experience that clergy serving local churches need times of refreshment that often goes beyond the disciplinary requirements for Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth.

Renewal Time is not "empty" or unstructured time. It fits the guidelines of the early church as reflected in the Gospel of Mark where after returning from their missionary journey, Jesus invited the disciples to "come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while. " We know only too well that the intended rest was short-lived. However, we believe that the respite or renewal time was not intended to be task oriented.

Renewal Time is desired for clergy who need time for rest and reflection making for growth in ways other than those defined by The Book of Discipline (¶351).

Renewal Time is to allow clergy the necessary space away from normal duties in order to regain a lost or fading perspective on ministry. Renewal Time is to facilitate clergy renewal for persons who may be in particularly stressful situations that threaten to ruin an otherwise fruitful and effective ministry.

The stresses of ordained ministry have always been present, and those stresses will continue to change and grow. The Board of Ordained Ministry and the Commission on Equitable Compensation are only two of several conference agencies that believe such Renewal Time will be an invaluable means to enhance and strengthen all ministry within the Church.

Approval of Renewal Time

Applications for Renewal Time shall be addressed to Office of Ministry Support of the Board of Ordained Ministry. An application must be received 120 days prior to the date requested for the Time of Renewal. Notification of approval of application will be made as soon as the request is reviewed and approved. Pastoral supply covering the period of time granted will be funded through the budget of the Commission on Equitable Salaries. Depending upon the amount of money available in the budget, funds shall be made on an equitable basis among the approved applicants. Each application shall be considered carefully and prayerfully by representatives of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Commission on Equitable Compensation, and their decision will be reported to both bodies and to the District Superintendent of the pastoral charge.

Criteria for Approval

§ Applicants must be full members, associate members, or full-time local pastors who have completed Course of Study. Applicants must have served a minimum of five (5) consecutive years under appointment prior to their application. Applicants may request up to 90 days of renewal time.

§ Applicants who have been granted Renewal Time previously may apply additional times. Renewal Time may be granted one time every eight years of ministry. However, first-time applicants shall be given priority.

The following shall be carefully considered:

§ The particular circumstances of each applicant.

§ The recommendations of the District Superintendent, the Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee, and the Administrative Board/Church Council.

§ The availability of sufficient funds to underwrite the request.

Steps for Approval

Prior to making application, the applicant must do the following:

1. Meet jointly with the District Superintendent and the Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee of the local church/charge being served at the time of the request.

2. Secure the approval of the Administrative Council(s)/Church Council(s) and the Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee of the church/charge being served at the time of the request.

3. Secure the written approval of their District Superintendent at the time of the request.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to complete the application, secure all required signatures, and forward the application to the Office of Ministry Support 120 days prior to the date requested for the Time of Renewal.

Funding

1. Adequate funding shall be made by the local church/charge to pay the pastor's salary during the period of time she or he is on Renewal Time.

2. The Commission on Equitable Compensation shall provide an amount equal to that of a full member, associate member, or full time local pastor as listed in the report of the Commission to the annual conference (see Conference Journal) to an interim pastor for the agreed upon period in which the pastor under appointment is on Renewal Time.

3. Authorization of salary payments to the interim pastor shall be made to the Commission on Equitable Compensation through the District Superintendent. A completed voucher shall be sent to the Conference Treasurer's office which shall, in turn, remit payments according to the arrangement made between the District Superintendent and the interim pastor.

Enabling Arrangements

1. 1. The District Superintendent shall name the interim pastor in consultation with the Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee of the local church/charge involved.

2. Detailed arrangements of housing, dates, etc., shall be made by the District Superintendent, the pastor who is on Renewal Time, the local church/charge, and in consultation with the interim pastor.

APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL TIME

The West Virginia Annual Conference

PART I (to be completed by the applicant):

Name: _________________________________________ Date of Application:_________________

Address: __________________________________________ Telephone(s): ____________________

__________________________________________ ____________________

Membership Status: ________________________________ Date Admitted: ____________________

Current Appointment: _____________________________________ District: ____________________

Address: _________________________________________ Telephone(s): _____________________

_________________________________________ _____________________

Have you ever received a previous grant for Renewal Time? [ ] Yes [ ] No

If yes, please give date(s): ____________________________________________

Reasons for request at this time: (use extra sheet if necessary)

Have you conferred with your District Superintendent? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Have you conferred with your Pastor-Parish Relations Committee? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Have your conferred with your Administrative Board/Church Council? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Period for which Renewal Time is being requested: From ________________ Until _______________

Part II (to be completed by the chairs of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the Administrative Board /Church Council):

Pastor-Parish Relations Chair		Administrative Board/Council Chair
Name:		Name:
Address:		Address:
Date of Meeting:		Date of Meeting:
Decision:	Strongly approved	Decision	Strongly approved
	Approved with reservations		Approved with reservations
Comments / Recommend-ations:		Comments / Recommend-ations:
Signature:		Signature:

PART III Signature of District Superintendent

Recommendation: [ ]approved [ ]denied by the West Virginia Annual Conference District Superintendent.

Date: ___________________________

D.S. _______________________________________

PART IV (to be completed by the BOOM/CEC/):

Date - application is received: _____________________________________

Application recommended: [ ]Yes [ ]No Date: ________________________________

Reasons for action taken:

Recommendation: [ ]approved [ ]denied by the West Virginia Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Date: ___________________________

Chair: _________________________________________

Recommendation: [ ]approved [ ]denied by the West Virginia Annual Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation.

Date: ___________________________

Chair: _________________________________________

Recommendation: [ ]approved [ ]denied by the West Virginia Annual Conference Cabinet.

Date: ___________________________

Cabinet: ___________________________________

Return application to:

Office of Ministry Support

PO Box 2313

Charleston, WV 25328

Applications must be received 120 days prior to the date requested for the Time of Renewal.

Extension Ministries

Relation to the Annual Conference

Elders under appointment in extension ministries shall submit annually to the bishop, the district superintendent, and the board of ordained ministry a written report on the official form developed for the Church by the General Counsel on Finance and Administration and used by the annual conference. This report shall serve as the basis for the evaluation of these clergy in light of the missional needs of the Church and fulfillment of their ordination to be minister of Service, Word, Sacrament, and Order. Elders formally evaluated by the institutions in which they serve will provide, instead of an evaluation, a narrative report reflecting their ministry. Elders serving in appointments outside the conference in which they hold membership shall furnish a copy of their report also to the bishop of the area in which they serve. Annual conferences shall review the qualifications of persons in extension ministry status and integrate them into the ongoing work of the annual conference.

Responsibility of the Annual Conference

The bishop, representatives of the cabinet, and an endorsed representative from extension ministries within the board of ordained ministry shall provide an opportunity to meet annually with ordained clergy in extension ministries who perform their ministry within the bounds of annual conference, both of that annual conference and those who hold membership elsewhere.

Relation to the Local Church

Elders in extension ministry shall establish membership in a charge conference in their home annual conference in consultation with the pastor in charge and with approval of the district superintendent and the bishop. They shall submit to their home charge conference an annual report of pastoral duties and the fulfillment of their ordination through their special appointment, including ministerial activities in the charge where they have an affiliate membership relation and in other units of the Church at large, as well as continuing formation experiences completed and anticipated. This report may be the one submitted to the bishop, district superintendent, and board of ordained ministry.

Residency

DEFINITION:

Probationary members of the Annual Conference are under the supervision of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry until they are received into Associate or Full Membership. The Residency program attempts to accomplish four important tasks. The program provides group mentoring, continuing theological education, covenant groups, and assists the District Superintendents and the Conference Board to fulfill their disciplinary responsibilities to the Probationary Members. The program is also in place to assist the probationary members in their entrance into and their continuation in full-time ministry as they move toward permanent Deacon, Elder or Associate Membership. This is a three- year program designed for the three years of Probationary Membership.

One year of Residency is required for those who are still under the 1992 Discipline.

RATIONALE:

1. Covenant Disciple Groups

The post seminary experience often lacks an intentional community of care and accountability. The carefully structured settings and covenant groups of the residency program will hopefully put in place a lifetime pattern of peer support and accountability.

2. Continuing Theological Education.

Most seminary graduates have limited pastoral experience. The residency program attempts to add and to develop the skills learned in seminary, and help develop practical application of that learning. Again encouraging a lifetime pattern of continuing theological education is the intention of the program.

3. Supervision

Supervision and structural guidance from practicing colleagues has been proven to aid the intern in secular settings. Such guidance and practical expertise developed from years of pastoral experience can be extremely beneficial to the probationary members in their first years of appointment following seminary. Supervision from the District Superintendents and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry is also vital to the probationary members continued growth.

4. Mentoring

Mentoring will hopefully be a process where confidence and trust in their journey is created. This trust and confidence will happen when there is open authenticity, articulation of shared experiences, confidentiality and clarity of outcomes and expectations.

THE CONCEPT:

According to the United Methodist Discipline ¶326 the probationary members will serve a minimum of three years involved in continuing theological education, covenant groups, mentoring and supervision. Our West Virginia Residency program consists of bi-monthly full group sessions that include continuing education, covenant group meetings along with fellowship and worship. The WV Pastor's School serves as one of the required meetings at which time the covenant groups will meet. The design and scheduling of various content presentations is the responsibility of the Directors. Residency is designed to provide an atmosphere, modeled by Jesus, where the heart, mind, soul and strength are nourished.

FUNDING:

The Annual Conference Ministerial Education Fund provides primary funding for the Residency Program. Each resident is responsible for a one time $50 enrollment fee. The Annual Conference covers housing and meals for the large group sessions.

FUTURE OF THE RESIDENCY PROGRAM:

The Residency Program is an on going process. Continuing evaluation by the directors, residents and the presenters will be taken into consideration. Covenant group leaders will assist in evaluating the entire program, but will not evaluate the individual covenant group members. Again the intention of the Residency Program is to promote a lifelong pattern of continuing theological education, collegial encouragement and support, mentoring