Denominational Links on Call to Ministry

Call to ministry involves many aspects including discernment, response, and vocational investigation. These links provide helpful advice for each of these stages.

They are arranged by denomination, but are useful for persons of all denominations who are considering the call to ministry.

Ecumenical

The Pastoral Leadership Search Effort (PLSE, pronounced “pulse”) “helps denominations and congregations identify and cultivate gifted young people interested in exploring the ministry as a possible vocation.”

The web site has three major sections: Faith Communities, Youth and Young Adults, and PLSE Community. Select your denomination from the “Customize Site” menu to see resources specifically for your church.

African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Ministry of the AME Church - provides information about options in ministry in the AME Church.

American Baptist Church

American Baptist Resolution on Call To The Ministry Of All Believers

American Baptist Policy Statement On Ordained Ministry

Church of God, Anderson, IN

Feeling the Call to Ministry? - information about call to ministry, options, and training.

Episcopal Church

Ministry in the Episcopal Church - information about the ordination process, theological education and resources.

Be sure to check out the “frequently asked questions” section.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Thinking about a Call? - information about call to ministry and the candidacy process in the ELCA.

Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

Ministry and Vocations - discusses call to ministry, preparing for ministry, and vocational options within the PCUSA.

Seventh Day Adventist

Church Manual - contains information about ministerial requirements and expectations.

Southern Baptist Convention

Calling Out The Called - links to Southern Baptist Convention Seminaries and resources about call.

United Church of Christ

Constitution of the UCC - provides information about ordination.

UCC Manual on Ministry - Perspectives and procedures for ecclesiastical authorization of ministry.

United Methodist Church

Is God Calling You? - contains helpful reflection for examining your call to ministry, as well as “technical” information about avenues of ordination within the United Methodist Church.

Young Adult Seminarians Network (YASN) - “a place for students in seminary to network, contemplate, and rejuvenate.”

Navigating the Candidacy Process (PDF) - an overview of moving through the candidacy process from inquiring, to exploring, to declaring, to certified, to continuing, and on toward ordination.

PDF files require the free Adobe Reader (minimum version 5.0).