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Ministry in the United Methodist Church takes many forms. Lay
ministry is the work of all baptized Christians. Within the body
of believers, God calls forth some people to servant leadership
and specialized ministries. Servant leaders are marked by some
unique characteristics.
 | Servant leaders understand ministry not as
status but as service. |
| Servant leaders recognize that authority is
not ascribed by position but derived from service. |
| Servant leaders are empathetic to the human
condition, understanding all life to be ambiguous and truth to
be paradoxical. |
| Servant leaders are pathfinders who have a
vision of the future and not simply problem solvers. |
Within the United Methodist Church there are a variety of
ministries for those who would be servant leaders, only one of
which is ordination and service in pastoral ministry in a local
church. Chaplains and missionaries, ministries of social justice
and pastoral care...you can read about all of the various kinds of
ministry in a little book entitled The Christian as Minister,
a copy of which you can get from your pastor or which you can buy
here.
Talk with your pastor!
Your pastor is where you should start when you feel the call
of God. Depending upon where you are in your life journey, there
are many ways to proceed. Your pastor can be a great coach in
the beginning of your journey.
You might also want to read through this site, and visit some
of the linked sites in the "Connections"
section for much more information.
If you are a young person, a senior in high school through
the age of 24, our Board of Education would like to sponsor you
on an Exploration Weekend. Exploration is a three day event
usually held annually somewhere in the country, bringing
together like-minded and liked-aged persons to learn more about
ministry. Please contact
Rev. Dan Hurlbert
or Rev. Pam Wagner for
more information.
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Some Call Stories
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(Jeremiah 1:4-9) Now the
word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the
womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I
appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord
GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy." But
the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a boy'; for you shall
go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I
command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to
deliver you, says the LORD." Then the LORD put out his hand and
touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me, "Now I have put my
words in your mouth...
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(Matthew 4:18-20) As he
walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is
called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the
sea--for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and
I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left
their nets and followed him.
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