How to Become an Ordained Mennonite Minister

Are you being called to service?

The procedure for becoming an ordained minister in the Mennonite Church is governed by the Ordination and Licensing Policies and Procedures of the US Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (http://usmb.publishpath.com/board-of-faith--life). This procedure is governed by the National Board of Faith & Life working in conjunction with the local Mennonite Church. A candidate for ordination must first be a licensed minister in the Mennonite Church for at least two years and must "manifest a spirit of servanthood and not be lords over the church," according to the Policies & Procedures.

Things You'll Need

• Membership in a local Mennonite Church

Instructions

Steps:

1. Notify your pastor of your decision or calling to ministry. If you are married, your spouse must attend this meeting with you and state her willingness to support you in your ministry. Be prepared to explain your personal conversion experience and how you came to the decision to enter ministry.

2. Appear before your local church congregation and explain why you believe you are being called into ministry. Your pastor will arrange this meeting upon your request. You must secure the affirmation of your congregation to proceed in the licensing process. Your spouse must be present at this meeting and may have to speak in support of your application.

3. Complete the Ministry Licensing Application and Covenants that will be provided to you by the district Board of Faith & Life or its local committee. You'll get this after your local congregation has affirmed your call to ministry.

4. Submit to an examination by representatives from the district and national Board of Faith & Life. They will examine a questionnaire from you and interview you and, if possible, you spouse. You will be asked about your views and positions regarding doctrine, the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith and your attitudes toward ministry.

5. Work with your pastor to schedule a licensing service upon your successful completion of the interview. You cannot be licensed if you are not recommended for licensing by the examination committee. Therefore, your performance at the examination is critical. At the licensing service, you will be presented with a certificate of license.

6. Notify your pastor of your desire for ordination after you have been licensed for a minimum of two years. You will then follow steps two through five above, except that instead of licensing, you will be evaluated for ordination. If you are successful you will attend an ordination service at which you will receive a certificate of ordination.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not underestimate the importance of the role your spouse will play in your licensing and ordination processes. Make sure your spouse reads the information available at the Mennonite Brethren website about the beliefs and practices of the religion and the responsibilities of spouses of ministers within this faith tradition.

• You should read the materials available at the Mennonite Brethren website and become familiar with the history, beliefs and practices of this faith.

• You will have to sign a statement of faith and you will be examined closely on your faith convictions. You must know just what it is that Mennonites believe and practice.

References

• United States Mennonite Brethren: Board of Faith & Life

Resources

• Greg Boyd: A Different Drummer