Ministry candidates shifting to online applications
Oct. 22, 2007
NOTE: A photograph and logo are available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Vicki Brown*
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - More than 800 ministry candidates have completed their application online since Jan. 2, doubling the 400 applications received and processed using the old paper system during the same period.
The online process was launched last January by the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the agency overseeing the church's licensed and ordained leadership.
Staff with the agency expects that, by January 2008, all candidates with Internet access will complete the enrollment online.
"The online candidacy application system is a major step in streamlining a complex and time-sensitive process," said the Rev. Sharon Rubey, director of candidacy and conference relations.
"It should dramatically decrease the almost 25 percent of candidacy applications that are returned, delayed or not completed because of lack of accessibility to required information or people," said Rubey, who is responsible for the candidacy program for ordination and licensing.
While the total number of applications this year is comparable to previous years, the online process gives candidates the possibility of completing their enrollment and receiving their candidacy guidebook within half the time, according to Rubey.
Each annual conference candidacy registrar has the ability to enter, maintain and update their candidacy mentor file online, "which should improve the response time to the candidates," said Rubey.
"... The new system puts the successful completion of entering the candidacy process into the hands of those who are closest to making a difference in the life and decision-making of the candidate: the candidacy registrar, the candidacy mentor and the district superintendent."
Rubey said the online system is another way to foster development of new clergy leaders for The United Methodist Church. The change helps to address one of the denomination's top priorities for the beginning of the new century amidst an acknowledged "leadership crisis" of ordained clergy in the United States. A 2006 report revealed that less than 5 percent of United Methodist elders are under age 35.
"One of the crucial pieces in addressing the graying of both the clergy and the church is invitation to and development of young clergy," Rubey said. "We belong to a connectional church through our people and programs, and we live in a connectional world through Internet and online capability. And young clergy candidates expect to be able to complete applications and paperwork online.
"Each one of those applicants is potentially an elder for your local church or a deacon serving to connect the response of the church to the needs of the world," she said.
For more information, contact 615-340-7374, or e-mail candidacycoordinator@gbhem.org.
*Brown is an associate editor and writer in the Office of Interpretation, United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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