DVD, new books provide help with ordained ministry
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“Ordained
Ministry in The United Methodist Church,” is a new resource from the
United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. A UMNS photo
courtesy of Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
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A UMNS Report
By Vicki Brown*
April 21, 2009
A new DVD provides moving accounts by elders, deacons, chaplains,
and pastoral counselors about what it means to be called to ordained
ministry in The United Methodist Church.
“Ordained Ministry in The United Methodist Church,” a DVD and
accompanying brochure, is one of several new and revised resources
available from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. New
and revised books are: “The Christian as Minister,” updated for the
2009-2012 quadrennium; “Understanding God’s Call: A Ministry Inquiry
Process;” and “Fulfilling God’s Call: Guidelines for Candidacy.” A
booklet, “Preparing for God’s Call: United Methodist Schools of
Theology,” provides descriptions of the 13 United Methodist schools of theology and their programs.
“This new DVD and these resources highlight what it means to be
called and the different ways to serve in ordained ministry in The
United Methodist Church,” says the Rev. Sharon Rubey, director of
Candidacy and Conference Relations, Division of Ordained Ministry,
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
The DVD shows deacons and elders in a variety of settings that include prisons, hospitals, and the military.
“Anyone exploring their call to ordained ministry will see
living examples of the variety of ways to serve God,” said the Rev. Tom
Carter, director of Endorsement, GBHEM’s United Methodist Endorsing
Agency,.
The resources also can be used to promote understanding with
staff-parish relations committees, district committees on ordained
ministry and cabinets, Rubey added.
The series of books provide information that will be useful to those
considering ordained ministry. “The Christian as Minister: An
Exploration Into the Meaning of God’s Call (2009-12),” offers an
introduction into the meaning of God’s call to ministry, the vision of
that ministry, and the opportunities for servant leadership in the UMC.
The book, which sells for $6.95, is a useful tool for candidates or
anyone exploring lay, ordained, or commissioned ministry.
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The Rev. Sharon Rubey
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“Understanding God’s Call: A Ministry Inquiry Process” is
designed to help any Christian explore how faith and vocation are
related. The book, designed to be used with a guide, allows you to
explore how God calls you through your interests and skills, the
world’s needs, and your life experiences with a particular significance
to those who are exploring a call to ordained or licensed ministry.
“Fulfilling God’s Call: Guidelines for Candidacy,” is available
only through GBHEM’s Online Candidacy Web site,
www.gbhem.org/beginningcandidacy. The book provides information and
material to guide a candidate for ordained or licensed ministry through
the process.
The brochure and DVD can be ordered from Cokesbury at
1-800-672-1789. For orders smaller than 250, only the cost of shipping
is charged. For orders over 250, there is a charge of $1 per package,
plus shipping. “The Christian As Minister” and “Understanding God’s
Call” are also available from Cokesbury. To request copies of
“Preparing for God’s Call,” contact 615-340-7395 or e-mail dom@gbhem.org.
To learn more about these resources, visit www.gbhem.org.
*Brown is 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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