Clergy from other denominations sometimes wish to make themselves available to serve United Methodist congregations if appointments are available and missionally appropriate. Following at least two years of effective ministry in this guest capacity, clergy may request full transfer into the VAUMC.
There are a number of file items required by VAUMC leadership and the UMC Book of Discipline to complete the application for each of these relationship changes. You can learn more about the criteria and requirements for each of these relationship changes through information available at the links below.
As you consider service in the VAUMC and as you prepare the required file items for the Board of Ordained Ministry Transfer Committee, the following resources may be helpful to you:
♦ By Water and the Spirit, UM Theology of Baptism
♦ This Holy Mystery, UM Theology of Holy Communion
♦ UMC Social Principles, Official statements of UM belief and practice.
♦ This is not an exhaustive list of resources that may be helpful for you; please visit http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/basics-of-our-faith or a UM clergy or lay leader for additional suggestions.
Applying as a Member of Another United Methodist Conference
If you are a clergy member of another UMC Annual Conference, please learn more about that process here.
If you part of the greater Methodist family of denominations – such as AME, Korean Methodist, Wesleyan or Nazarene – and would like to serve in an on-loan appointment, please learn more about that process here.
In order to show your interest in receiving an appointment in the Virginia Conference UMC fill out the Clergy Interest form here: https://form.jotform.com/240044584126047
– Be prepared to submit the following materials in this application:
1. Resume
2. Ordination Certificate
If an appointment becomes available you will receive an invitation to fill out the “Request for Consideration of an Appointment Form” and will need to be prepare to share the following information below:
1. Undergraduate Transcript
2. Graduate Transcript (if applicable)
3. Employment history
4. Educational History
5. Picture of yourself
After you complete this form, Rev. Dr. Steve Summers will get back to you with next steps.
As you are awaiting this invitation be working on completing the following materials to upload to your application in the section: “Materials to Prepare for the Application.”
Applying as a Member of Another Denomination/Other Fellowship
If you would like to be considered for an appointment as a minister of another denomination (-not- in the Methodist family of denominations like AME, Korean Methodist, Wesleyan or Nazarene), you can learn more about the minister of another denomination/another fellowship process here.
To apply, complete the Request for Consideration application. After receipt of your Request for Consideration, you will be contacted by the Office of Clergy Excellence to help walk you through the steps toward your interview with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. Please note, some documents and evaluations may take as long as 60 days to complete. The deadline for all required materials is February 15 annually.
If you have any questions about the Transfer Process contact Rev. Jessie Colwell at [email protected].
Transfer Process in the Virginia Conference UMC
For Those Seeking to Transfer from Another Christian Denomination
Step 1:
If you are currently serving in the Virginia Conference UMC as a lay supply pastor and are seeking to serve in the Other Fellowship Status fill out the application here: https://form.jotform.com/233165354266154
If you have not yet received an appointment in the Virginia Conference UMC complete the Clergy Interest form here: https://form.jotform.com/240044584126047
– Be prepared to submit the following materials in this application:
1. Resume
2. Ordination Certificate
If an appointment becomes available you will receive an invitation to fill out the “Request for Consideration of an Appointment Form” and will need to be prepare to share the following information below:
1. Undergraduate Transcript
2. Graduate Transcript (if applicable)
3. Employment history
4. Educational History
5. Picture of yourself
After you complete this form, Rev. Jessie Colwell, the Director of Clergy Excellence will get back to you with next steps. After you have heard back from Rev. Colwell, complete the Application to Transfer from Another Christian Denomination Track:
As you are awaiting this invitation be working on completing the following materials to upload to your application:
Materials to Prepare for Application
Background Checks
Expanded Background Check. Please use this document to complete your expanded background check.
Forms:
- D.S. Recommendation Form
- Medical Report Form: Download this medical report and have it filled out by your physician. Then have it ready to upload to your application.
- Candidate’s Disclosure Form: Download this form and fill it out and have it notarized, sign the form and have it ready to upload in your application.
- Work Authorization Form: Download this form and sign it and have it ready to upload to your application.
- Pastoral Profile Form: Download this form (attached) fill it out and have it ready to upload to your application.
Letters of Recommendation:
1. From current or previous supervisor
2. From denominational official stating you are in good standing in your denomination
Personal Statements
1. Desire to serve: Write a statement about why you want to serve in The United Methodist Church, Virginia Conference.
2. Statement of UMC Doctrine: Write a statement of your understanding of United Methodist doctrine, including the sacraments, and United Methodist polity.
____________________________________________________________________________
For Those Seeking to Transfer after Serving Two Years in the VAUMC from the Status of On Loan, Other Methodist, or Other Fellowship
Step 1: Complete the application for “Request for Full Transfer from On Loan, Other Methodist, or Other Fellowship.” Find the application here
Be prepared to share the following information on this application:
1. Background Information
2. Ordination/Denominational Affiliation Information
3. Provide a copy of your ordination certificate.
4. VAUMC Appointment History
5. Employment History
6. Educational History
7. Picture of self.
When you complete this application Clergy Excellence will invite you to fill out the Full Membership Transfer Track.
Step 2: Complete all the steps on the transfer track as assigned by Clergy Excellence.
– Be prepared to complete the following forms:
- D.S. Recommendation Form
- Candidate’s Disclosure Form: Download this form and fill it out and have it notarized, sign the form and have it ready to upload in your application.
- Pastoral Profile Form: Download this form fill it out and have it ready to upload to your application.
Letter of Recommendation:
– Be prepared to submit the following letters:
1. Recommendation from S/PPRC Chair.
Personal Statements
– Be prepared to complete the following statements:
1. Desire to serve: Write a statement about why you want to serve in The United Methodist Church, Virginia Conference.
2. Statement of UMC Doctrine: Write a statement of your understanding of United Methodist doctrine, including the sacraments, and United Methodist polity.
For those applying for full members from the status of other Methodist or Other Fellowship, check out the educational requirements (attached).
If you do not meet the educational requirements you can still be recommended for Virginia Conference membership as a licensed local pastor.
After you have submitted all of your materials the Center for Clergy Excellence will set up a interview for you to meet with the Transfer Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Step 3: Have an interview with the Transfer Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Applying for Full Transfer into the VAUMC
If you have already been serving in the VAUMC as a clergy on loan from another UMC Conference or other Methodist denomination or as a minister of another fellowship/denomination, and you would like to transfer permanently to the VAUMC and have your orders recognized, you can learn more about the Transfer process here. To apply, complete the Request for Transfer application and submit it, along with the requested attachments, by email to the Rev. Jessie Colwell ([email protected]).
After receipt of your Request for Consideration, you will receive an invitation to our online candidacy system to help walk you through the steps toward your interview with the Transfer Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Please note, some documents and evaluations may take as long as 60 days to complete. The deadline for all required materials is February 15 annually.
If you have further questions, please contact the Center for Clergy Excellence at 804-521-1140 or [email protected]
As you prayerfully consider this next step in your journey, God’s blessings be with you.