Requirements for Professional and Para-professional Certification

Professional Certification and Para-professional Certification in The United Methodist Church is offered in the following areas:

·         Christian Education

·         Youth

·         Evangelism

·         Spiritual Formation

·         Music

·         Camping/Retreat Ministries

·         Older Adults

Below are the basic requirements for Professional Certification in the United Methodist Church:

1.       Professional and Para-professional Certification are designed for persons who are called to professional ministry in the church in an area of specialization. Professional ministry means that you desire to serve as a staff person in a church. “Staff person” is defined by job description, supervision, and accountability. Usually a salary is involved, but that is not required. If you are more interested in volunteer lay ministry, Wesley Seminary offers a “Lay Ministry Certificate” Program that may interest you. Contact Susan Willhauck at Wesley Seminary, Washington, D.C. (202-885-6482).

2.      At least one year of membership in the United Methodist Church is required to enroll for certification.

3.    For Professional Certification, an undergraduate degree is required. Para-professional Certification is for persons without an undergraduate degree. Then, the following basic courses are required:

·         Five certification studies include courses in United Methodist Studies, Bible, Theology, and two additional courses in the area of specialization.

·         For Professional Certification, a graduate degree in the areas of specialization can substitute for theses courses.

4.      For persons who qualify for enrollment, a subsidy of $150 per semester hour is available from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for each certification study. In addition, the Virginia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry offers additional scholarship assistance for those demonstrating financial need. See the applications on the side bar.

5.      In addition to the educational requirements, certification requires effective supervised experience with full responsibility in the area of specialization.

6.      Finally, applicants for certification complete an interview process with the Virginia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry that includes references, writing papers, and an interview.  This process begins in July annually.

For more information, contact Beth Downs at BethDowns@vaumc.org in the Office of Ministerial Services.