God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
NRS 1 Corinthians 1:9
We believe that, through baptism, all people are called by God to be in service or ministry to the world. So we are all ministers. Only some of us are ordained.
Ordained clergy serve in leadership roles within our congregations by preaching, teaching, and administering the sacraments of baptism and communion. Yet, ordination is not the only way to serve–or to lead–in the United Methodist Church. Throughout our history, we have always recognized the power and strength of the laity, the people who make of the body of each congregation.
Every church is at its strongest when clergy and laity work together, using our unique gifts to make disciples and transform the world. You may use your gifts to minister in any number of ways, both “volunteer” or “professional.”
If you think that God may be calling you to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church, you are encouraged to begin a process of discernment, a period of intentional listening for God’s still, small voice in your life. This begins with prayer and conversation. For more information about the process of becoming a candidate for ordained ministry in the Capital District, please contact Jill Barre at at the District office.
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