Background and Conceptual Framework
Procedure for transfer from other Methodist denominations
Procedure for transfer from other denominations
WESTERN NEW
YORK CONFERENCE
Board of Ordained Ministry
Policy and Procedures for the Transfer of Elders or Ordained Clergy from Other Methodist Denominations and Other Denominations into Full Membership in the Western New York Conference (2004)
Ordained clergy from other denominations may also be appointed.
However, their credentials must first be thoroughly examined; they must
give assurance of their Christian faith and experience; they must give evidence
of their agreement with and willingness to support United Methodist doctrine,
discipline, and polity and meet other qualification.
Once recommended by the Board of Ordained Ministry and approved by the
clergy in full connection, these persons may serve.
Between sessions of annual conference, the bishop may appoint persons ad interim AFTER consultation with the cabinet and the executive
committee of the BOM (¶ 338.2d and
337.2).
A stricter examination is required of those coming from non-Methodist
denominations. That strictness
applies to those seeking transfer as well.
The Discipline distinguishes between recognition of orders and conference membership, especially in the case of transfers. Provision is made for the recognition of orders PRIOR to reception into annual conference membership (¶ 348). Disciplinary provisions are strict to the annual conference, not one’s ordination, which determines one’s eligibility for appointment.
Thus, a person ordained in another denomination may have that ordination
recognized and still serve a number of years as a probationary member before
full conference membership is granted.
Our probationary process serves at least two major functions. One clear function is evaluation of the person seeking transfer by the Resident Bishop, the Board of Ordained Ministry and the clergy in full connection: Does this person meet our educational standards? Is this person an effective pastor? Is this person able to speak and write clearly? Is this person capable of serving among us?
Our probationary process also serves to “socialize” a candidate for conference membership into life among the clergy in the Western New York Annual Conference. Probation is a time to learn who other clergy are and those ways of relating to one another and to our churches which pastors in the conference assume and take for granted. For instance, we return phone calls from colleagues. More often than not, we meet deadlines and keep commitments we have made to one another. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. When push comes to shove, we would rather be supportive than competitive. We know Western New York is not the center of the United Methodist universe. The list goes one.
An outsider coming into this conference doesn’t learn these more subtle features of our life together by simply breathing Western New York air. Interacting with clergy colleagues in groups and one-on-one helps a person to learn to feel at home among us and what it means in real-life to be a member of the WNY Conference.
Thus, a person may be an effective pastor; however, that person AND the
conference benefit by that person’s participation in the mentoring program and
other interactions with conference clergy.
Probationary membership is not just about evaluation.
It is also about socialization. A
person form another denomination needs that aspect of our process at least as
much as a candidate who is “one of our own.”
For transfers from other Methodist
denominations, much of the ultimate decision-making resides with the Bishop.
However, consultation with the BOM or its officers is required.
Consultation, to be helpful in discernment, requires that the BOM become
acquainted with the transfer candidate.
Input from BOM as proposed below is intended to aid the Bishop in the
discernment process: is this
ordained minister an appropriate candidate for transfer into the United
Methodist Church and the WNY Annual Conference? (None of us has a claim on
conference membership by right. Membership
has been granted based on our gifts and graces and effectiveness in ministry.
The same principle holds for those requesting transfer.
Discernment and assessment are necessary.)
Decision-making authority concerning ordained ministers seeking transfer
from other Christian denominations rests with the clergy members in full
connection, upon recommendation by the Board of Ordained Ministry. In the process outlined below, the BOM treats these ordained
ministers seeking transfer very much like our own probationary members, with
provision for adjustments to the process where appropriate.
With the cooperation of the Bishop, both ordained ministers from other Methodist denominations and those from other Christian denominations can benefit from a probationary process which introduces them to life among the clergy in the Western New York Conference.