What is the Board of Ordained Ministry?

The Board of Ordained Ministry is in Place to Maintain:

• primary responsibility for the enlistment and recruitment of ordained clergy;

• guidance of candidates through the disciplinary requirements for commissioning, probationary membership, consecration, ordination, and professional certification;

• education and training for local pastors, District Committees on Ministry, mentors, and local church Staff-Parish Relations committees; liaison with retired clergy, and those on leave, honorable location, etc.;

• support for clergy career development and evaluation of ministerial effectiveness;

• support for the Order of Deacon and Order of Elder;

• interpretation of the high ethical standards set forth in the Discipline and study of matters pertaining to character;

• administration of a portion of the Ministerial Education Fund and promotion of a system of financial aid to ministerial students; and cooperation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in interpreting legislation and keeping records.

— The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2008 ¶ 635.