Last month I started on the journey towards ordination in the Free Methodist Church. The beginning of this process: becoming a Local Ministerial Candidate. I had been talking with my pastor for a little under a year about what the process would look like and what it would entail.
So in May, I met with the board for my local church. I love my church because we are committed to bringing up new leaders. I am one of four people that are starting the process and becoming Local Ministerial Candidates together. During the board meeting we were able to share how we all have felt God's calling us in our lives and how we have seen that call in each other's lives as well. It was a beautiful time together and discussing what we have been feeling inside for some time.
After the board meeting was over, they took a vote to appoint us all as local ministers and to move forward in the mentor-discipleship relationship with our pastors.
Following that day, we had to fill out some forms for the conference and soon received paperwork confirming everything. What they sent really inspired me. I loved reading about the vision that the church has for its people to carry out the role of ministry. To lay out everything - the hopes and goals of the conference for its ministers - in a way that can be used to build the LMCs up, is so helpful in giving the energy to carry forward. After reading through them once I was ready to read it again.
What is next for me comes on June 30th, where we will have a ceremony during our Sunday gathering to speak about of stories, be anointed and prayed for, and be officially licensed as Local Ministerial Candidates! I'm looking forward to it! I'll send another update as the day gets closer!
If you could pray for God's help through this year of discernment that would be much appreciated!
Clay