Ministry candidates shifting to online applications
By Vicki Brown*
Oct. 22, 2007 | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)
More
than 800 ministry candidates have completed their application online
since Jan. 2, doubling the 400 applications received and processed using
the old paper system during the same period.
The online process was launched last January by the United Methodist
Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the agency overseeing the
church’s licensed and ordained leadership.
Staff with the agency expects that, by January 2008, all candidates with Internet access will complete the enrollment online.
"The online candidacy application system is a major step in
streamlining a complex and time-sensitive process," said the Rev. Sharon
Rubey, director of candidacy and conference relations.
"It should dramatically decrease the almost 25 percent of candidacy
applications that are returned, delayed or not completed because of lack
of accessibility to required information or people," said Rubey, who is
responsible for the candidacy program for ordination and licensing.
"The online candidacy application system is a major step in streamlining a complex and time-sensitive process."
-The Rev. Sharon Rubey
While the total number of applications this year is comparable to
previous years, the online process gives candidates the possibility of
completing their enrollment and receiving their candidacy guidebook
within half the time, according to Rubey.
Each annual conference candidacy registrar has the ability to enter,
maintain and update their candidacy mentor file online, "which should
improve the response time to the candidates," said Rubey.
"… The new system puts the successful completion of entering the
candidacy process into the hands of those who are closest to making a
difference in the life and decision-making of the candidate: the
candidacy registrar, the candidacy mentor and the district
superintendent."
The Rev. Sharon Rubey
|
Rubey said the online system is another way to foster development of
new clergy leaders for The United Methodist Church. The change helps to
address one of the denomination's top priorities for the beginning of
the new century amidst an acknowledged "leadership crisis" of ordained
clergy in the United States. A 2006 report revealed that less than 5
percent of United Methodist elders are under age 35.
"One of the crucial pieces in addressing the graying of both the
clergy and the church is invitation to and development of young clergy,"
Rubey said. "We belong to a connectional church through our people and
programs, and we live in a connectional world through Internet and
online capability. And young clergy candidates expect to be able to
complete applications and paperwork online.
"Each one of those applicants is potentially an elder for your local
church or a deacon serving to connect the response of the church to the
needs of the world," she said.
For more information, contact 615-340-7374, or e-mail candidacycoordinator@gbhem.org.
*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of
Interpretation, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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Resources
United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry
Candidacy Process
Steps into Ordained Ministry
Ministry Study |