ministries
Board of Ordained Ministry
The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) has many responsibilities, as outlined in paragraph 635 of the 2012 Book of Discipline.
BOM is the credentialing body for clergy seeking commissioning and ordination in the Upper New York Annual Conference. This board of nearly 50 members (lay and clergy, appointed by the Bishop) works in six broad areas: Standards and Qualifications (of ordination candidates); Clergy Status; Clergy Effectiveness; District Committee (dCOM) support and direction; Recruitment/Enlistment; and oversight of the Provisional Members program.
Course of Study Satellite School information can be found by clicking here or click this link to access the latest registration form.
Click here for forms to be filled out.
Click here for information for those considering ordination, licensing, associate membership, or transfer.
DeShon Study KSAP Resource
Behavorial Health Guidelines of GBHEM
Key Contacts: Executive Team
Chairperson: Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper, BOMchair@unyumc.org
Vice Chair: Rev. Steven Smith, BOMvicechair@unyumc.org
Logistics/Meeting Arrangements: Rev. Missy McCarthy, mmkmccarthy@gmail.com
Continuing Education Grants: Rev. Jefferson Niles, nilesjc@icloud.com
Board Secretary: Rev. Leanne Zeck, zeckle3@yahoo.com
Registrar: Rev. Caroline Simmons, BOMregistrar@unyumc.org
Psychological Testing Coordinator: Rev. Nancy Adams, adamsnj@aol.com
PassageUMC Administrator (replaces UMCares): Rev. Derek Hansen, dhollishansen@gmail.com
Registrar of Candidates & Applications for Course of Study and Background Checks: Ms. Cindy Muder, candidacy@unyumc.org
Standards & Qualifications: Rev. Pat Dupont, pdupont@asburyfirst.org
DCOM Coordination: Rev. Pat Hubman, pastorpathubman@gmail.com
Status Division Chair: Rev. Kristen Allen, pastorpyumc@gmail.com
Provisional Membership: Rev. Heather Stierheim, hstierheim@gmail.com
Clergy Effectiveness: Rev. Nancy Adams, adamsnj@aol.com
Recruitment & Enlistment: Rev. JD (Jongdeok) Park, pastorjdpark@gmail.com
Vocational Discernment Coordinator: Rev. Mary Kelly, kellchamp@yahoo.com
Cabinet Representative: Rev. Dr. Aaron Bouwens, aaronbouwens@unyumc.org
Order of Elders Chair: Rev. Anna Blinn-Cole, pastor.anna.cole@gmail.com
Order of Deacons Chair: Rev. Rebecca Naber rev.rnaber@gmail.com
Fellowship of Local Pastors & Associate Members: Pastor Donna Fitchette, missuaprilsue@hotmail.com
Upper New York Board of Ordained Ministry has organized to do its work in 6 Divisions with duties as follows:
Clergy Status
- handling concerns regarding Conference Relations
- retirement; leaves
- exits & readmissions
Standards & Qualifications
- oversee application and interview process and will follow-up with those seeking commissioning or ordination
- requirements for status (checklist)
- Registrars of Deacons & Elders
Recruitment & Enlistment
- coordinate with cabinet for seminary visitation
- keep in contact with seminary students
- promote Upper New York clergy careers
- encourage theological education
- manage scholarships, grants and loans
DCOM Coordination
- all matters of candidacy
- licensing school
- Course of Study program
- trains candidacy mentors and clergy mentors
- mentor for CLM/local hires, etc
- includes Registrars of Local Pastors & Candidates
Provisional Membership
- develop & oversee Provisional Mentors
- continued theological education
- manage residency program(s)
Clergy Effectiveness
In 2014, the Board of Ordained Ministry adopted a statement of Our Clergy Covenant, addressing questions of effectiveness, ethics, and collegiality in our covenant-life as United Methodist clergy. Download the document here.
- will develop standards for clergy effectiveness
- work with the three orders--Deacons, Elders and Fellowship of Local Pastors & Associate Members on matters pertaining to the Clergy Covenant: ethical standards
- encourage continuing education and formation & career development
- manage clergy care