dbmd training part 3 forms, interviews, and responsibilities prepared by education and the ministry

DBMD Training Part 3 DBMD Training Part 3 Forms, Interviews, and Forms, Interviews, and

Responsibilities Responsibilities

Prepared by Education and the MinistryPrepared by Education and the Ministry

The Main Focus of the DBMDThe Main Focus of the DBMD

The district board of ministerial development is the The district board of ministerial development is the district body charged with overseeing the development district body charged with overseeing the development and progress of each candidate up to the point of and progress of each candidate up to the point of ordination or commissioning. It is responsible to test the ordination or commissioning. It is responsible to test the validity of the candidates' calls, identify their strengths validity of the candidates' calls, identify their strengths and weaknesses, counsel them, encourage them, direct and weaknesses, counsel them, encourage them, direct their academic preparation in cooperation with the their academic preparation in cooperation with the Department of Education and the Ministry, guide them in Department of Education and the Ministry, guide them in personal, social, spiritual and leadership development, personal, social, spiritual and leadership development, and make recommendations relative to their readiness and make recommendations relative to their readiness for and advancement in ministry. The DBMD is for and advancement in ministry. The DBMD is responsible to consider and/or examine each candidate responsible to consider and/or examine each candidate through personal interviews, initially and annually.through personal interviews, initially and annually.

FormsForms

DBMD NO. 1.DBMD NO. 1. The The Personal Data Inventory Personal Data Inventory QuestionnaireQuestionnaire provides the information for beginning a provides the information for beginning a candidate's file. Upon receipt of the recommendation candidate's file. Upon receipt of the recommendation from the candidate's local church conference (or Local from the candidate's local church conference (or Local Board if so authorized), this form should be sent to the Board if so authorized), this form should be sent to the person seeking standing with the DBMD. The form person seeking standing with the DBMD. The form should be received back in time for copies to be made should be received back in time for copies to be made and supplied to the members of the DBMD so they can and supplied to the members of the DBMD so they can be familiar with the candidate prior to the initial interview.be familiar with the candidate prior to the initial interview.

FormsForms

DBMD NO. 2.DBMD NO. 2. At least three At least three Initial Reference Initial Reference FormsForms should be supplied to the candidate along with should be supplied to the candidate along with the the Personal Data Inventory QuestionnairePersonal Data Inventory Questionnaire. The . The candidate should be instructed to ask individuals of the candidate should be instructed to ask individuals of the DBMD's choosing to fill out the reference forms. The DBMD's choosing to fill out the reference forms. The DBMD may want to use persons such as: most recent DBMD may want to use persons such as: most recent pastor, vice-chair of the local board of administration, pastor, vice-chair of the local board of administration, theology professor, member of the local church, or theology professor, member of the local church, or persons of the candidate's choosing. The candidate persons of the candidate's choosing. The candidate should be instructed to sign all of the waiver statements should be instructed to sign all of the waiver statements and to provide stamped envelopes addressed to the and to provide stamped envelopes addressed to the chair of the DBMD.chair of the DBMD.

FormsForms

DBMD NO. 3.DBMD NO. 3. The The Subsequent Years Subsequent Years QuestionnaireQuestionnaire should be used annually for the should be used annually for the intervening years between the initial interview and the intervening years between the initial interview and the final interview prior to ordination/commissioning. If it is final interview prior to ordination/commissioning. If it is used for two or more years, the DBMD should look for used for two or more years, the DBMD should look for responses which may differ from the previous year, responses which may differ from the previous year, noting the growth and development of the candidate in noting the growth and development of the candidate in matters of faith, practice and understanding.matters of faith, practice and understanding.

FormsForms

DBMD NO. 4 AND NO. 5.DBMD NO. 4 AND NO. 5. The The Ordination Application Ordination Application QuestionnaireQuestionnaire (#5) should be sent to the candidate along (#5) should be sent to the candidate along with three copies of the with three copies of the Ordination Reference FormOrdination Reference Form (#4) (#4) in advance of the final interview for ordination. It is in advance of the final interview for ordination. It is suggested that the suggested that the Ordination Application QuestionnaireOrdination Application Questionnaire be completed near the middle of the conference year so be completed near the middle of the conference year so that any uncertainties about the candidate's readiness that any uncertainties about the candidate's readiness could be worked out prior to a deadline necessary for could be worked out prior to a deadline necessary for recommending that candidate for ordination. Again, recommending that candidate for ordination. Again, sufficient copies should be made of the returned forms sufficient copies should be made of the returned forms so the DBMD members can be prepared to ask pertinent so the DBMD members can be prepared to ask pertinent questions regarding the candidate's responses.questions regarding the candidate's responses.

FormsForms

DBMD NO. 6DBMD NO. 6 This form is used with Ordained Ministers This form is used with Ordained Ministers in the Process of Transfer in the final interview before in the Process of Transfer in the final interview before their ordination is to be validated (completing their their ordination is to be validated (completing their transfer into the Wesleyan Church). This form should be transfer into the Wesleyan Church). This form should be used in conjunction with the Transferring Ministers used in conjunction with the Transferring Ministers Application form (filled out by the minister and sent to the Application form (filled out by the minister and sent to the General Superintendent’s office for approval to transfer; General Superintendent’s office for approval to transfer; copies of this form should be kept in the ministers file copies of this form should be kept in the ministers file and distributed to the DBMD) to guide the interview with and distributed to the DBMD) to guide the interview with the minister.the minister.

InterviewsInterviewsINITIAL INTERVIEWINITIAL INTERVIEWPurposePurpose--to become acquainted with the candidate; explore --to become acquainted with the candidate; explore the basis for, and confirm the existence of the candidate’s the basis for, and confirm the existence of the candidate’s call to ministry; advise the candidate regarding appropriate call to ministry; advise the candidate regarding appropriate means of preparing for ministry.means of preparing for ministry.

QuestionsQuestions----1.1. Tell us about your call to ministry. How have you Tell us about your call to ministry. How have you become convinced you are called?become convinced you are called?2.2. Tell us about your spiritual background. What Tell us about your spiritual background. What influences have shaped your spirituality?influences have shaped your spirituality?3.3. Tell us about your family. Are they supportive of your Tell us about your family. Are they supportive of your call to ministry?call to ministry?4.4. Have you made plans to prepare yourself for ministry Have you made plans to prepare yourself for ministry through one of the programs approved by The Wesleyan through one of the programs approved by The Wesleyan Church?Church?

InterviewsInterviews5.5. Who has influenced you the most in your concepts Who has influenced you the most in your concepts about ministry?about ministry?

ANNUAL INTERVIEWANNUAL INTERVIEWPurposePurpose--build relationship with the candidate; affirm the --build relationship with the candidate; affirm the candidate’s call to ministry; monitor the candidate’s candidate’s call to ministry; monitor the candidate’s preparation for ministry; secure additional information for preparation for ministry; secure additional information for the candidate’s file.the candidate’s file.ResourcesResources--DBMD Subsequent Years Questionnaire--DBMD Subsequent Years QuestionnaireQuestionsQuestions----1.1. Tell us what has happened in your spiritual journey Tell us what has happened in your spiritual journey since our last meeting.since our last meeting.2.2. In what ways has your call to ministry been In what ways has your call to ministry been confirmed?confirmed?

InterviewsInterviews

3.3. In what ministries of the church have you been In what ministries of the church have you been involved? What have you enjoyed? What has felt involved? What have you enjoyed? What has felt uncomfortable?uncomfortable?4.4. Are you beginning to sense something of your gifts for Are you beginning to sense something of your gifts for ministry and the type of ministry in which you might desire to ministry and the type of ministry in which you might desire to be involved?be involved?5.5. Are you presently considering solo/senior pastor Are you presently considering solo/senior pastor ministry as your goal? If not, what are your ministerial goals?ministry as your goal? If not, what are your ministerial goals?6.6. What progress have you made in your preparation for What progress have you made in your preparation for ministry?ministry?7.7. What is your relationship with your local church and What is your relationship with your local church and pastor?pastor?8.8. Do you have a spiritual/pastoral mentor?Do you have a spiritual/pastoral mentor?9.9. What are you reading that has influenced your What are you reading that has influenced your philosophy of ministry?philosophy of ministry?


LICENSED MINISTER INTERVIEWLICENSED MINISTER INTERVIEWPurposePurpose--authenticate the call of the candidate and his/her --authenticate the call of the candidate and his/her readiness for appointmentreadiness for appointment

Need the expectation of an appointmentNeed the expectation of an appointmentNeed certification that pre-requisite courses have Need certification that pre-requisite courses have

been completedbeen completedQuestionsQuestions--1.1. As you accept a ministry assignment, what will be As you accept a ministry assignment, what will be the first things you will do?the first things you will do?2.2. In what ways has your call to ministry been In what ways has your call to ministry been authenticated?authenticated?3.3. What ministries have you been involved in? What What ministries have you been involved in? What results can you point to?results can you point to?


4.4. Who do you view as models for your ministry?Who do you view as models for your ministry?5.5. What What havehave you been doing to develop your you been doing to develop your personal spirituality?personal spirituality?6.6. How do you assess your greatest strengths for How do you assess your greatest strengths for ministry?ministry?7.7. You will be assuming spiritual leadership for a You will be assuming spiritual leadership for a group of people. Give us your understanding of the group of people. Give us your understanding of the nature of the church; the role of clergy/laity; salvation; nature of the church; the role of clergy/laity; salvation; sanctification; the sacraments; the authority of the sanctification; the sacraments; the authority of the Scriptures.Scriptures.8.8. I hope you are engaged in meeting the supervised I hope you are engaged in meeting the supervised ministry requirement. What have been the benefits for ministry requirement. What have been the benefits for you in relating with an experienced minister? What have you in relating with an experienced minister? What have you learned about yourself? What have you learned you learned about yourself? What have you learned about ministry?about ministry?


ORDINATION INTERVIEWORDINATION INTERVIEWPurposePurpose--to determine the candidate’s readiness for --to determine the candidate’s readiness for ministry and the Church’s endorsement; explore ministry and the Church’s endorsement; explore competencies; confirm theological positionscompetencies; confirm theological positionsRequirementsRequirements--Need two years of satisfactory service--Need two years of satisfactory serviceNeed certification that all academic requirements have Need certification that all academic requirements have been metbeen metQuestionsQuestions----1.1. Tell us about your ministerial service up to this Tell us about your ministerial service up to this point. Are you still convinced you are called to ministry? point. Are you still convinced you are called to ministry? What have you learned about ministry?What have you learned about ministry?2.2. What would you judge to be your greatest What would you judge to be your greatest strengths of ministry?strengths of ministry?


3.3. Where do you feel least prepared for ministry?Where do you feel least prepared for ministry?4.4. How has your family adjusted to ministerial life?How has your family adjusted to ministerial life?5.5. Have you developed your own philosophy of Have you developed your own philosophy of ministry?ministry?6.6. How would you describe your worship leadership How would you describe your worship leadership style?style?7.7. How would you describe your leadership style?How would you describe your leadership style?8.8. Are you able to teach and preach the doctrine of Are you able to teach and preach the doctrine of holiness?holiness?9.9. Tell us your theological understanding of the Tell us your theological understanding of the sacraments--Lord’s Supper, Baptism (infant baptism)sacraments--Lord’s Supper, Baptism (infant baptism)


10.10. Have you maintained moral purity and ethical Have you maintained moral purity and ethical integrity?integrity?11.11. What is your practice regarding counseling? What is your practice regarding counseling? What is your practice regarding counseling of the What is your practice regarding counseling of the opposite sex?opposite sex?12.12. If someone asked you “Who are the Wesleyans?” If someone asked you “Who are the Wesleyans?” or “What is The Wesleyan Church?” how would you or “What is The Wesleyan Church?” how would you answer them?answer them?13.13. What are the greatest struggles you are What are the greatest struggles you are experiencing in your ministry?experiencing in your ministry?


14.14. Tell us some of the sermons you have preached Tell us some of the sermons you have preached recently. What are your study habits?recently. What are your study habits?15.15. How could you have been better prepared for How could you have been better prepared for ministry?ministry?16.16. Do you have a mentor you rely on for counsel, Do you have a mentor you rely on for counsel, support and accountability?support and accountability?17.17. If you were asked why you believe the Bible to be If you were asked why you believe the Bible to be God’s Word, how would you respond? What is your God’s Word, how would you respond? What is your position regarding the nature and authority of the position regarding the nature and authority of the Scriptures?Scriptures?

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilitiesThe DBMD begins its work with candidates or changes The DBMD begins its work with candidates or changes phases of work with candidates when it receives:phases of work with candidates when it receives:

(1)(1) Recommendations from the local churches of Recommendations from the local churches of candidates for licensing as ministerial students, licensed candidates for licensing as ministerial students, licensed ministers, or licensed special workers, or for reinstatement or ministers, or licensed special workers, or for reinstatement or restoration.restoration.

(2)(2) A report from the district superintendent, along A report from the district superintendent, along with copies of credentials, transcripts, and other supporting with copies of credentials, transcripts, and other supporting documents, concerning non-ordained or non-commissioned documents, concerning non-ordained or non-commissioned persons seeking transfer from other denominations.persons seeking transfer from other denominations.

(3)(3) A report from the district superintendent relative A report from the district superintendent relative to licensed persons transferring from other districts, along to licensed persons transferring from other districts, along with properly attested statements of their standing in the with properly attested statements of their standing in the ministerial study course and of their record of service under ministerial study course and of their record of service under appointment as supplied by their former district appointment as supplied by their former district superintendent and former DBMD.superintendent and former DBMD.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities(4)(4) A report from the district superintendent, A report from the district superintendent,

along with copies of credentials, transcripts, and other along with copies of credentials, transcripts, and other supporting documents, concerning ordained or supporting documents, concerning ordained or commissioned persons seeking transfer from other commissioned persons seeking transfer from other denominations.denominations.

(5)(5) A report from the district superintendent A report from the district superintendent that the DBA has recommended that certain licensed that the DBA has recommended that certain licensed ministers called later in life be considered for ministers called later in life be considered for commissioning as commissioned ministers.commissioning as commissioned ministers.

(6)(6) A report from the General Department of A report from the General Department of World Missions or the General Department of World Missions or the General Department of Evangelism and Church Growth concerning the Evangelism and Church Growth concerning the employment of lay members of churches within the employment of lay members of churches within the district as missionaries.district as missionaries.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

(7)(7) A proposal from one of its own members A proposal from one of its own members that licensed ministers who have exhausted the seven that licensed ministers who have exhausted the seven years allowed under district appointment for the years allowed under district appointment for the completion of academic requirements for ordination be completion of academic requirements for ordination be considered for commissioning as commissioned considered for commissioning as commissioned ministers.ministers.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilitiesThe DBMD is responsible to consider and/or examine The DBMD is responsible to consider and/or examine

candidates through personal interview, initially and also candidates through personal interview, initially and also annually, with special types of examination at specific points annually, with special types of examination at specific points of change in status. The General Board of Administration has of change in status. The General Board of Administration has approved various questionnaires for use in examining approved various questionnaires for use in examining candidates aiming at ordination or commissioning which will candidates aiming at ordination or commissioning which will be helpful to the DBMD in fulfilling this responsibility (see be helpful to the DBMD in fulfilling this responsibility (see Figure 6, "Questionnaires for use in Examining Candidates for Figure 6, "Questionnaires for use in Examining Candidates for the Ministry"). The DBMD is responsible:the Ministry"). The DBMD is responsible:

(1)(1) To examine candidates for license as ministerial To examine candidates for license as ministerial students relative to their qualifications for the ministry students relative to their qualifications for the ministry including their personal religious experience, ministerial call, including their personal religious experience, ministerial call, and evidence thereof. (The forms designated DBMD and evidence thereof. (The forms designated DBMD Numbers 1 and 2 may be used in connection with the initial Numbers 1 and 2 may be used in connection with the initial interview and Number 3 may be used in subsequent years interview and Number 3 may be used in subsequent years depending upon the length of time spent in this category -- depending upon the length of time spent in this category -- see Figure 6.)see Figure 6.)


(2)(2) To examine candidates for the granting of To examine candidates for the granting of license as licensed ministers or licensed special workers license as licensed ministers or licensed special workers (initially, annually, and as they move on to become (initially, annually, and as they move on to become candidates for ordination or commissioning), and for candidates for ordination or commissioning), and for commissioning as lay missionaries. Examinations commissioning as lay missionaries. Examinations should be conducted both through interviews and as should be conducted both through interviews and as otherwise needed. The interviews should deal with their otherwise needed. The interviews should deal with their personal experience of salvation and entire personal experience of salvation and entire sanctification, their full commitment to the Articles of sanctification, their full commitment to the Articles of Religion, Membership Commitments, Elementary Religion, Membership Commitments, Elementary Principles, and polity of The Wesleyan Church and Principles, and polity of The Wesleyan Church and acceptance of its authority, and their evidence of having acceptance of its authority, and their evidence of having the qualifications for the ministry to which they feel called the qualifications for the ministry to which they feel called as set forth in the as set forth in the DisciplineDiscipline..


(3)(3) To examine candidates for the granting of To examine candidates for the granting of license as licensed ministers in keeping with (3) above license as licensed ministers in keeping with (3) above and relative to their personal religious experience, and relative to their personal religious experience, ministerial call and evidence thereof, matters of ministerial call and evidence thereof, matters of education, doctrine and practice, and circumstances of education, doctrine and practice, and circumstances of personal, family, and business life which bear upon the personal, family, and business life which bear upon the ministry. (The forms designated DBMD Numbers 1 and ministry. (The forms designated DBMD Numbers 1 and 2 should be used in connection with the initial interview, 2 should be used in connection with the initial interview, and Numbers 3, 4, and 5 should also be used in keeping and Numbers 3, 4, and 5 should also be used in keeping with their intended purpose -- see Figure 6.)with their intended purpose -- see Figure 6.)


(4)(4) To examine candidates for licensing or To examine candidates for licensing or commissioning as special workers in keeping with (3) commissioning as special workers in keeping with (3) above and relative to their Christian experience, gifts, above and relative to their Christian experience, gifts, calling, and experience in their particular field of service.calling, and experience in their particular field of service.


(5)(5) To examine candidates for election to the To examine candidates for election to the ordained ministry or for commissioning as commissioned ordained ministry or for commissioning as commissioned ministers in keeping with (3) above and relative to their ministers in keeping with (3) above and relative to their personal religious experience, ministerial call and personal religious experience, ministerial call and evidence thereof, matters of education, doctrine, and evidence thereof, matters of education, doctrine, and practice (particularly their personal commitment without practice (particularly their personal commitment without reservation to each of the Articles of Religion and the reservation to each of the Articles of Religion and the Membership Commitments and their loyalty to The Membership Commitments and their loyalty to The Wesleyan Church), and circumstances of personal, family, Wesleyan Church), and circumstances of personal, family, and business life which bear upon the ministry. (The and business life which bear upon the ministry. (The forms designated DBMD Numbers 4 and 5 should be used forms designated DBMD Numbers 4 and 5 should be used at this point -- see Figure 6.)at this point -- see Figure 6.)

(6)(6) To examine candidates for transfer from To examine candidates for transfer from other denominations under ordination or commission or other denominations under ordination or commission or license in keeping with (4), (5), or (6) above, whichever license in keeping with (4), (5), or (6) above, whichever applies.applies.


(7)(7) To consider and examine any person To consider and examine any person applying for reinstatement or restoration of ministerial applying for reinstatement or restoration of ministerial credentials as directed by the restoration plan developed credentials as directed by the restoration plan developed by the district under the direction of the area General by the district under the direction of the area General Superintendent (cf. Superintendent (cf. DiscDisc. 3120-3148; 3490, last . 3120-3148; 3490, last sentence).sentence).

The DBMD is responsible for helping candidates The DBMD is responsible for helping candidates progress toward their goals as follows:progress toward their goals as follows:

(1)(1) To encourage all who are completing To encourage all who are completing academic requirements to enroll in one of the colleges or academic requirements to enroll in one of the colleges or universities of The Wesleyan Church or in an approved universities of The Wesleyan Church or in an approved seminary.seminary.


(2)(2) To grant approval for students to substitute To grant approval for students to substitute correspondence courses for attendance at a Wesleyan correspondence courses for attendance at a Wesleyan institution only if the student's age or other extenuating institution only if the student's age or other extenuating circumstances make such attendance extremely difficult. circumstances make such attendance extremely difficult. Candidates who receive such permission are to be encouraged Candidates who receive such permission are to be encouraged by the DBMD to secure training in such general education by the DBMD to secure training in such general education courses as grammar, literature, and history in a college near courses as grammar, literature, and history in a college near their residence, especially in any subject in which their their residence, especially in any subject in which their deficiency is apparent.deficiency is apparent.

(3)(3) To supervise and counsel all who are completing To supervise and counsel all who are completing academic requirements, keeping a record of their ministerial academic requirements, keeping a record of their ministerial studies, and cooperating with the Ministerial Study Course studies, and cooperating with the Ministerial Study Course Agency in all such matters.Agency in all such matters.

(4)(4) To supervise the required year of supervised To supervise the required year of supervised ministry for those pursuing the correspondence program ministry for those pursuing the correspondence program through a selected pastor-director (see C51-53 under Figure 3).through a selected pastor-director (see C51-53 under Figure 3).


(5)(5) To consider providing extension classes for To consider providing extension classes for those pursuing the correspondence program, within the those pursuing the correspondence program, within the guidelines established by the General Board of guidelines established by the General Board of Administration and subject to the counsel and approval Administration and subject to the counsel and approval of the General Director of Education and the Ministry.of the General Director of Education and the Ministry.

(6)(6) To refer all questions about the evaluation To refer all questions about the evaluation of transcripts and other records of academic work to the of transcripts and other records of academic work to the Ministerial Study Course Agency for its decision as to Ministerial Study Course Agency for its decision as to further requirements.further requirements.

(7)(7) To define "full-time service" as it relates to To define "full-time service" as it relates to the earning of service requirements toward ordination or the earning of service requirements toward ordination or commissioning.commissioning.


(8)(8) To evaluate the service of each candidate To evaluate the service of each candidate in terms of its meeting requirements for ordination or in terms of its meeting requirements for ordination or commissioning and as to the amount of credit earned commissioning and as to the amount of credit earned through full-time or part-time service.through full-time or part-time service.

(9)(9) To issue through its secretary (and in To issue through its secretary (and in cooperation with the district superintendent) properly cooperation with the district superintendent) properly attested statements of standing in the ministerial study attested statements of standing in the ministerial study course, and of record of service under the appointment course, and of record of service under the appointment of the district conference for all licensed persons of the district conference for all licensed persons transferring to other districts.transferring to other districts.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilitiesThe DBMD is responsible to recommend to the district The DBMD is responsible to recommend to the district conference only those candidates for ordination, license, conference only those candidates for ordination, license, commission, ministerial study, reinstatement, restoration, or commission, ministerial study, reinstatement, restoration, or transfer from other denominations which it believes to be fully transfer from other denominations which it believes to be fully qualified for the recognition it is recommending. It may qualified for the recognition it is recommending. It may recommend to the district conference that candidates be recommend to the district conference that candidates be granted a lower level of recognition than that recommended by granted a lower level of recognition than that recommended by their local church conference . Advancement is never to be their local church conference . Advancement is never to be thought of as automatic just because so many academic thought of as automatic just because so many academic courses have been completed or so much service credit has courses have been completed or so much service credit has been earned; the DBMD must also be ready to recommend been earned; the DBMD must also be ready to recommend candidates as completely qualified in every way. candidates as completely qualified in every way. Recommendation for commissioning as a commissioned Recommendation for commissioning as a commissioned minister is not to be given automatically. It is to be given only in minister is not to be given automatically. It is to be given only in those cases in which the DBMD after consultation with the DBA those cases in which the DBMD after consultation with the DBA believes that this is the proper course for persons to follow in believes that this is the proper course for persons to follow in the light of their gifts and circumstances.the light of their gifts and circumstances.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilitiesThe district board of ministerial development is to receive on The district board of ministerial development is to receive on behalf of the district conference a written annual service behalf of the district conference a written annual service report from each ordained minister, commissioned minister, report from each ordained minister, commissioned minister, licensed minister, ministerial student, and commissioned licensed minister, ministerial student, and commissioned and licensed special worker. The reports are to be made and licensed special worker. The reports are to be made on forms authorized by the General Board of Administration on forms authorized by the General Board of Administration and made available by the General Secretary. Those and made available by the General Secretary. Those serving as pastors or senior pastors use the "Pastor's serving as pastors or senior pastors use the "Pastor's Annual Service Report;" associate and assistant pastors Annual Service Report;" associate and assistant pastors use the "Associate/Assistant Pastor's Annual Service use the "Associate/Assistant Pastor's Annual Service Report;" ministerial students use the "Ministerial Student's Report;" ministerial students use the "Ministerial Student's Annual Service Report;" retired ministers use the "Retired Annual Service Report;" retired ministers use the "Retired Minister's Annual Service Report; other ordained, Minister's Annual Service Report; other ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers use the "Minister's commissioned, or licensed ministers use the "Minister's Annual Service Report;" and special workers use the "Lay Annual Service Report;" and special workers use the "Lay Worker's Annual Service Report."Worker's Annual Service Report."


The DBMD should set a deadline for the The DBMD should set a deadline for the submission of these reports early enough to allow it to submission of these reports early enough to allow it to complete its work and make the proper reports to the complete its work and make the proper reports to the district board of administration and the district district board of administration and the district conference. The manner of transmitting the report forms conference. The manner of transmitting the report forms to the persons responsible to submit them (and any to the persons responsible to submit them (and any other matters not clearly the prerogative of the DBMD) other matters not clearly the prerogative of the DBMD) shall be determined by the district board of shall be determined by the district board of administration or the district superintendent.administration or the district superintendent.


The DBMD shall review all service reports and The DBMD shall review all service reports and pass on each one as follows:pass on each one as follows:

(1)(1) A report which shows that the person's A report which shows that the person's assigned work has been done in keeping with the assigned work has been done in keeping with the Discipline,Discipline, and that any required statistical report has and that any required statistical report has been properly submitted shall be marked as approved been properly submitted shall be marked as approved and returned to the person submitting it.and returned to the person submitting it.

(2)(2) A report in which there are unsatisfactory A report in which there are unsatisfactory answers, or which shows that the work has not been answers, or which shows that the work has not been done in keeping with the done in keeping with the DisciplineDiscipline, or that a required , or that a required statistical report has not been properly submitted, shall statistical report has not been properly submitted, shall be reviewed with the person submitting the report. If be reviewed with the person submitting the report. If after such interview the answers are still unsatisfactory, after such interview the answers are still unsatisfactory, the report shall be so marked and returned to the person the report shall be so marked and returned to the person submitting it.submitting it.


(3)(3) In case of the failure to submit an annual In case of the failure to submit an annual service report on the part of any person responsible to do so, service report on the part of any person responsible to do so, the DBMD shall investigate the reason for such failure. In the the DBMD shall investigate the reason for such failure. In the case of licensed persons failing to make the annual service case of licensed persons failing to make the annual service report (unless such failure is due to illness, injury, or a similar report (unless such failure is due to illness, injury, or a similar emergency) the DBMD shall not recommend the renewal of emergency) the DBMD shall not recommend the renewal of their licenses. In the case of ordained or commissioned their licenses. In the case of ordained or commissioned persons failing to make the annual service report (other than persons failing to make the annual service report (other than as the result of such extenuating circumstances) this fact as the result of such extenuating circumstances) this fact shall be reported by the DBMD to the district conference. If shall be reported by the DBMD to the district conference. If such failure is persisted in for two years, the DBMD shall such failure is persisted in for two years, the DBMD shall notify the involved persons and request them to report the notify the involved persons and request them to report the following year. If they still fail to report, they shall be declared following year. If they still fail to report, they shall be declared withdrawn from the district and their names shall be so withdrawn from the district and their names shall be so entered upon the minutes of the district conference.entered upon the minutes of the district conference.

ResponsibilitiesResponsibilitiesThe DBMD is to cooperate with the district The DBMD is to cooperate with the district superintendent and the district board of administration in superintendent and the district board of administration in providing opportunities for the personal and professional providing opportunities for the personal and professional growth of ministers within the district. The activities of growth of ministers within the district. The activities of the district board of ministerial development may include the district board of ministerial development may include individual or group interviews, assessments, growth individual or group interviews, assessments, growth contracts, seminars, or other means of assisting contracts, seminars, or other means of assisting ministers to achieve their full potential for ministry (ministers to achieve their full potential for ministry (DiscDisc. . 1390:11).1390:11). DBMD Reports DBMD Reports Besides such interim reports to the district board of Besides such interim reports to the district board of administration as circumstances may call for, the district administration as circumstances may call for, the district board of ministerial development is responsible for four board of ministerial development is responsible for four reports as a result of its annual work. reports as a result of its annual work.


(1)(1) It is to report to the district board of It is to report to the district board of administration, sufficiently in advance of the district administration, sufficiently in advance of the district conference session for the DBA to complete the conference session for the DBA to complete the preparation of its comprehensive report on pastoral preparation of its comprehensive report on pastoral appointments and ministerial relations, information appointments and ministerial relations, information gleaned from the annual service reports and from its own gleaned from the annual service reports and from its own decisions as to recommendations to the district decisions as to recommendations to the district conference as follows: (a) the results of the examination of conference as follows: (a) the results of the examination of the annual service reports; (b) the availability for the annual service reports; (b) the availability for appointment, and any desired changes in appointment or appointment, and any desired changes in appointment or district conference relations, as recorded on the annual district conference relations, as recorded on the annual service reports; (c) those persons qualified for a district service reports; (c) those persons qualified for a district ministerial license the granting of which shall become ministerial license the granting of which shall become effective upon their appointment; (d) those other persons effective upon their appointment; (d) those other persons qualified for a license or commission, for reception from qualified for a license or commission, for reception from another district or denomination, or for restoration.another district or denomination, or for restoration.


(2)(2) It is to report to the district conference, early It is to report to the district conference, early in the session, all persons recommended for ordination, in the session, all persons recommended for ordination, commission, reinstatement, or restoration of ministerial commission, reinstatement, or restoration of ministerial credentialscredentials,, so that the district conference may approve so that the district conference may approve such as it will and thus facilitate the planning of the such as it will and thus facilitate the planning of the services of ordination and commissioning.services of ordination and commissioning.


(3)(3) It is to report to the district conference It is to report to the district conference subsequently all other recommendations concerning the subsequently all other recommendations concerning the licensing, recognition of ministers, and special workers, licensing, recognition of ministers, and special workers, and the licensing of ministerial students. If persons and the licensing of ministerial students. If persons recommended for license as licensed ministers do not recommended for license as licensed ministers do not receive an appointment from the district conference, the receive an appointment from the district conference, the DBMD report shall be edited to list them as ministerial DBMD report shall be edited to list them as ministerial students or in other appropriate categories.students or in other appropriate categories.


(4)(4) It is to report to the district conference the It is to report to the district conference the results of the examination of the annual service reports, results of the examination of the annual service reports, listing the names of all those who submitted satisfactory listing the names of all those who submitted satisfactory reports (including those initially satisfactory and those reports (including those initially satisfactory and those rendered satisfactory after interview), the names of those rendered satisfactory after interview), the names of those whose reports remained unsatisfactory after interview, whose reports remained unsatisfactory after interview, and the names of those who did not report (listing and the names of those who did not report (listing separately those whose failure to submit is excusable separately those whose failure to submit is excusable because of extenuating circumstances, those whose because of extenuating circumstances, those whose licenses are not being renewed, those ordained or licenses are not being renewed, those ordained or commissioned persons whose reports have not been commissioned persons whose reports have not been submitted and the number of years involved, and those submitted and the number of years involved, and those ordained and commissioned persons who should be ordained and commissioned persons who should be declared withdrawn).declared withdrawn).

Ordination ServiceOrdination Service

Council of OrdinationCouncil of Ordination Each district shall provide for a council of ordination to Each district shall provide for a council of ordination to assist the general superintendent and district assist the general superintendent and district superintendent in carrying out the will of the district superintendent in carrying out the will of the district conference in the ordination of those elected to the conference in the ordination of those elected to the ordained ministry, and the commissioning of those ordained ministry, and the commissioning of those elected thereto as commissioned ministers, special elected thereto as commissioned ministers, special workers, and lay missionaries. The council of ordination workers, and lay missionaries. The council of ordination may consist of the desired number of ordained ministers may consist of the desired number of ordained ministers appointed by the district board of administration, or the appointed by the district board of administration, or the district conference may designate the ordained ministers district conference may designate the ordained ministers of the district board of ministerial development as the of the district board of ministerial development as the council of ordination.council of ordination.

Ordination ServiceOrdination Service

The public service of ordination shall be presided over by The public service of ordination shall be presided over by the general superintendent or a representative appointed the general superintendent or a representative appointed by the general superintendent. The council of ordination by the general superintendent. The council of ordination should work with the general superintendent and district should work with the general superintendent and district superintendent in planning the service of ordination and superintendent in planning the service of ordination and commissioning as a very significant time of worship, commissioning as a very significant time of worship, inspiration, and challenge. The service shall be planned inspiration, and challenge. The service shall be planned by the district superintendent and the council of by the district superintendent and the council of ordination; the time and place shall be subject to the ordination; the time and place shall be subject to the approval of the general superintendent. The general approval of the general superintendent. The general superintendent shall deliver the ordination sermon superintendent shall deliver the ordination sermon except when delegating that responsibility to another. except when delegating that responsibility to another.


A special ritual of ordination (pars. 5750-5772) and A special ritual of ordination (pars. 5750-5772) and another for the commissioning of ministers (pars. 5800-another for the commissioning of ministers (pars. 5800-5845) are provided in the 5845) are provided in the DisciplineDiscipline. Those portions . Those portions entitled, "Examination of Candidates" (pars. 5772 and entitled, "Examination of Candidates" (pars. 5772 and 5825), have the authority of statutory law and must be 5825), have the authority of statutory law and must be followed as prescribed. For the rest a measure of followed as prescribed. For the rest a measure of flexibility is permitted as long as nothing contradicts the flexibility is permitted as long as nothing contradicts the Articles of Religion or any other part of the Constitution.Articles of Religion or any other part of the Constitution.

dbmd training part 3 forms, interviews, and responsibilities prepared by education and the ministry

Documents

ordination reference

dbmd members

dbmd training

initial interview

final interview

candidates responses

candidates readiness

point of ordination