1. Virginia Conference

2.  Grounded in baptism  Fullness of God’s call – the inner call to the individual and the outer call confirmed by the Church  In the UMC, authorization for licensed and ordained ministry is lodged in the local church and the annual conference

3.  Two parts of the process: Discernment (of call) and Preparation (“vetting”)  Distinguish the “Period of Discernment” from the “Preparation for Authorization  Opportunity for group mentoring  Streamlines the process and allow candidates to move at their own pace  Gives candidates more ownership of the “preparation for authorization” and focus the mentor on the “period of discernment”

4.  Allows for group reflection, learning, and feedback  Insights and support gained from more than one person  Allows for a better selection process for mentors (fewer specially selected mentors)  Goal for period of discernment is ability to articulate call so that dcom will be able to affirm that call through certification  Use VocationCARE practice along with the “Fulfillinging God’s Call” resource

5.  Candidate will demonstrate effective leadership skills and understanding of UMC.  Candidate will demonstrate they have met the requirements in a way that the authorizing bodies can understand, confirm and approve and have a vision for the ways in which their ministries will produce fruit and transform the world.

6. PERIOD OF DISCERNMENTPREPARATION FOR AUTHORIZATION  Review interest in ministry with a clergyperson  Following admission (see #2), receive an assignment to a mentoring group  Work through the discernment and candidacy material with a mentoring group 1. Meet admission requirements and write letter requesting admission 2. Interview with dcom for admission 3. If admitted, submit to dcom the documents required 4. Interview with dcom for certification

7.  Each district will have four or five group candidacy mentors for District Groups  Each campus minister/chaplain will serve as a group mentor  A mentor will be assigned to each of the seminaries (one or more as needed)

8.  The mentoring group meets at a regular time and place each month.  Candidates will be assigned based on affinity, geography, etc.  Candidates will join an ongoing group, stay as long as needed for discernment, could schedule one on one meeting with the mentor as needed, and together determine when ready for certification interview.