BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY
The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) holds the important responsibility of guiding individuals pursuing ordained pastoral leadership within the United Methodist Church in the Upper New York Conference. They recruit, encourage, mentor, and support candidates, while carefully evaluating their qualifications, preparedness, and effectiveness for this role
Recruitment & Enlistment
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Coordinate with cabinet for seminary visitation
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Keep in contact with seminary students
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Promote Upper New York clergy careers
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Encourage theological education
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Manage scholarships, grants and loans
Standards
& Qualifications
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Oversee application and interview process and will follow-up with those seeking commissioning or ordination
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Requirements for status (checklist)
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Registrars of Deacons and Elders
Provisional
Membership
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Develop and oversee Provisional Mentors
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Continued theological education
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Manage residency program(s)
Clergy
Status
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Handling concerns regarding Conference Relations
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Retirement; leaves
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Exits and readmissions
Clergy
Effectiveness
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Will develop standards for clergy effectiveness
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Work with the three orders: Deacons, Elders and Fellowship of Local Pastors, & Associate Members on matters pertaining to the Clergy Covenant: ethical standards
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Encourage continuing education and formation and career development
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Manage clergy care
District Committee On Ministry Coordination
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All matters of candidacy
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Licensing school
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Course of Study program
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Trains candidacy mentors and clergy mentors
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Mentor for CLM/local hires, etc
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Includes Registrars of Local Pastors and Candidates
DISCERNING A CALL INTO MINISTRY?
If you are discerning a call into ministry, talk to your pastor, spiritual advisor, or clergy mentor. Share what you are experiencing. Your call is worth exploring. The Upper New York Conference has clergy who will support you every step of the way. Listen and follow where God is leading you.
Not all pastors serve local churches. Some serve as endorsed chaplains in healthcare, the military, as life coaches, and more.
LOCAL PASTOR
LICENSING SCHOOL
The Local Pastor Licensing School equips candidates with the foundational skills for ministry through learning, collaboration, and practical experience. Participants should have or be in the process of becoming a certified candidate prior to attending Local Pastor Licensing School. Completion fulfills part of the licensing requirements. The candidate becomes licensed once appointed to serve in a local congregation by the appointed bishop. While not ordained, local pastors can preach, lead worship, administer the sacraments, and oversee the life of the congregation and serve the surrounding community.
BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY LIBRARY WEBSITE
Organized by area, the library includes tools for candidacy, licensing, ordination and conference relations, as well as videos and downloadable flyers to assist with spiritual formation and vocational discernment for clergy, congregations and individuals exploring ministry.
