Journey Phase 3 · Declared Candidate
Reflecting on Call, Faith, and Readiness for Ministry
A 2–3 page personal statement for the District Committee, covering the six areas of ¶310.2a.
As you continue discerning your call to ministry, the Church invites you to reflect on your experiences, faith, relationships, and expectations for ministry. The questions below are based on the requirements of ¶310.2a of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2020/2024).
- (i) the most formative experience of their Christian life;
- (ii) God’s call to licensed or ordained ministry and role of the church in their call;
- (iii) their beliefs as a Christian;
- (iv) their gifts for ministry;
- (v) their present understanding of their call to ministry as elder, deacon, or licensed ministry; and
- (vi) their support system;
Prayerful Reflection
Your responses should be personal, honest, and reflective. You do not need to have everything figured out. The purpose of this reflection is to help you articulate what has shaped you, how you understand God’s call, and what you are learning as you prepare for ministry.
You may use the questions below as prompts for journaling before writing your final response. Your completed reflection should address each of the areas identified in ¶310.2a.
Your Christian Life
What experiences have most shaped your Christian life?
Consider:
- What people, communities, experiences, or seasons have shaped your faith?
- When have you experienced God’s grace in a significant way?
- How has your understanding of God changed or deepened over time?
- What practices help you nurture your relationship with God?
Your Call to Ministry
How do you understand God’s call to licensed or ordained ministry?
Consider:
- When and how did you begin to recognize a call to ministry?
- To what particular ministry are you sensing God’s call: Licensed Local Pastor, Elder, Deacon, or another form of ministry?
- What experiences have confirmed or challenged that call?
- How has your understanding of your call developed over time?
- Why do you believe ministry is the vocation to which God is calling you?
- What questions or areas of discernment remain for you?
Your Understanding of God
Who do you believe God is, and how have you come to know God?
Consider:
- How do you understand the nature and character of God?
- How have Scripture, prayer, worship, community, and your experiences shaped your understanding of God?
- How do you understand God’s grace and presence in your life?
- How has your understanding of God changed or deepened over time?
Your Gifts, Graces, and Areas for Growth
What gifts and graces do you believe God has given you for ministry?
Consider:
- Why do you believe your particular ministry path (Licensed Local Pastor, Elder, Deacon, or another form of ministry) fits the gifts, graces, experiences, and sense of vocation God has given you?
- What strengths do others recognize in you?
- Where have you experienced fruitfulness in ministry or service?
- What skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring to ministry?
- What areas of your life or leadership need continued growth?
- How are you seeking to grow in wisdom, maturity, and effectiveness?
Your Understanding of Ministry
What do you understand ministry to be, and what do you expect ministry will require of you?
Consider:
- What does it mean to serve Christ and the Church?
- What do you believe are the responsibilities of a clergy person?
- What does set apart ministry mean to you?
- What do you expect will be most life-giving about ministry?
- What do you anticipate will be challenging?
- How do you understand the relationship between leadership, service, and discipleship?
Your Relationships and Accountability
How will you cultivate healthy relationships and accountability in ministry?
Consider:
- Who are the people who know you well enough to speak honestly into your life?
- How do you receive feedback, correction, and encouragement?
- What practices help you maintain healthy boundaries?
- How will you nurture relationships with colleagues, congregants, family, and friends?
- What kind of support will you need from the Church as you continue in ministry?
Written Reflection on Call, Faith, and Readiness for Ministry ¶310.2a
After reflecting on the questions above, write a 2–3 page personal statement that brings together your understanding of your Christian life, call, gifts, ministry, and areas for growth.
Your statement should answer:
Who am I, how has God called me, and how am I preparing to live faithfully into that call?
As you write, remember that your call will continue to develop throughout your ministry. You are not expected to have a complete picture of the future. Instead, describe what you understand at this point in your journey and how you are seeking to remain open to the Holy Spirit’s continued leading.
Before submitting, ask yourself: