In the United Methodist Church clergy are individuals called to set apart ministry to serve in leadership roles as ministers, deacons, elders, and local pastors under the appointment of a bishop (full- and part-time). Clergy are commissioned, ordained, or licensed.

Elders, Deacons, and Local Pastors have similar charges to embody the gospel, their responsibilities and roles are distinct.

Elders are ordained United Methodist clergy ordained to a ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service. This means elders preach and teach the Word of God, provide pastoral care and counsel, administer the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and order the life of the church for service in mission and ministry.

Click here to learn more about becoming an elder.

Deacons are clergy leaders called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of word, service, compassion, and justice.

In addition to responsibilities within the walls of the church, deacons are the bridge between the church and the community. They are called to share the good news, and to advocate for the poor, neglected, and oppressed.

Click here to learn more about becoming a deacon.

Licensed Local Pastors have the usual responsibilities of preaching, teaching, leading worship, and liturgy as a deacon or elder but are not ordained.

For someone hearing a call to pastoral leadership but does not see attending seminary as a path, becoming a local licensed pastor is a way to live out that call.

Click here to learn more about becoming a licensed local pastor.

If you have any questions about a call to clergy leadership, please contact Rev. Donnetta Peaks or Susan Thomas at the West Ohio Conference, Office of Ministry at 380-223-9239. You can also visit the website of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry at www.gbhem.org.