The Holy Spirit gives to every baptized Christian a place in the church, the Body of Christ. Some among us are called to be clergy -- professional spiritual leaders of the church, who are trained and set apart with licensing or ordination to serve and evangelize the world through the local church. If you think God may be calling you to be a pastor or other church professional, this page will link you up with the information you need.
The Illinois Great Rivers Board of Ordained Ministry maintains a site that provides a number of resources for those seeking to explore ministry. There are forms, articles, and checklists for those wanting to know more about how to begin the journey.
Candidacy Retreats for persons wishing to become certified candidates for ministry and will be held Aug 16-17 from 1 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday. Lodging will be at the Chiara Center and is included in the registration. The retreat enables participants to worship together, have a chance to ask questions and learn about call, learn about the process of ordained ministry and meet with mentor groups. For more information, contact Kathy Crozier at kcrozier@outlook.com, who serves the IGRC Board of Ministry as its vocational discernment coordinator.
Each district has a District Committee on Ministry that helps candidates explore their call. Current leadership of this committee includes Rev. Victor Long (chair) and Rev. Harold (Bumper) Quick (registrar). Dates for upcoming meetings can be found on our Events page.
In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small membership churches, expand team ministry in churches and in deference to an expression of gifts and evidence of God's grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and utilized. (taken from The 2008 Book of Discipline)
Modules for Certified Lay Ministry Training
Module 1: Call and Covenant
Module 2: Practice of Ministry
Module 3: Organization for Ministry
Module 4: Connection for Ministry