2024 - Candidacy Summit Retreat

East Ohio and West Ohio Candidacy Summit 

What is the Summit Retreat? 

The Candidacy Summit process is a discernment journey of exploring God’s call on your life.  It is an intensive time of being present to the movement of the Holy Spirit through preparation, participation and prayer. 

Exploring your call may seem overwhelming.  To help navigate the journey, each Conference has created a Step-by-Step Guide. In reviewing the Guide relative to your Conference, you will notice that the candidacy summit process is framed around a Candidacy Summit Retreat. The West Ohio Annual Conference offers the Candidacy Summit Retreat as a collaborative ministry.  No matter where you are in Ohio, the Summit Retreat is a first step on your discernment journey. The goal is not finishing. The goal is faithfulness; one step at a time.   

Who can attend? 

In order to attend, candidates must be recommended by their District Superintendent AND complete the necessary preparatory work.  

West Ohio  - Please see the Candidacy Process Step-by-Step Guide found below or talk with your District Leadership for more information.

Candidacy Summit Retreats are bi-annual events where West Ohio candidates worship, fellowship, meet with their mentoring group, learn, and reflect with others who are also exploring God’s call on their lives. The East Ohio Conference will re-join us in January for the Winter Candidacy Summit Retreat. 

When is the next Summit Retreat? 

The next Candidacy Summit Retreat is January 13-14, 2024.

Where is the Summit Retreat held? 

Virtual: Zoom link will be provided closer to the event.

How does one register? 

Click here to download the required forms and documents. If you would like more information about this event, please contact your District leadership or the Office of Ministry.

The final deadline to receive all registration materials:

Winter Retreat: December 15th, 2023

Summer Retreat: June 24th

Click here for more information about Exploring Your Call.

Click here for more videos on What's Your Call? 

Blessings and encouragement for your journey!         


Rev. Donnetta PeaksWest Ohio Conference, Director, Office of Ministry 


Rev. Cindy Patterson East Ohio Conference, Board of Ordained Ministry, Administrative Coordinator