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
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.
