A GOOD SEND OFF

¶311.2: The Declaring Candidate 1. Consult with pastor and request for recommendation from S/P-PRC 2. High school degree or equivalent 3. Written statement of call and interview by Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee 4. Recommendation by charge conference 5. Continue candidacy program with candidacy mentor and academic requirements (From the UM Book of Discipline)

Last night I had the pleasure of sitting before a called Charge Conference at Blakemore United Methodist Church (the church at which I'm a member) where the Pastor, Paul Gardner, presented me as a candidate for ordained ministry. I was also joined by a fellow friend and candidate in the process, Angela Hawkins, who happens to also be a student at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Paul opened up with telling a bit about the role of a congregation in this part of the candidate's journey toward ordination. He explained that at this state the charge conference was gathered to vote whether or not to support myself and Angela and recommend us to the Annual Conference to be considered for ordained ministry.

Angela and I had the opportunity to then share a bit about our faith journey and call to ministry. Then the congregation asked questions and said wonderful words of encouragement and affirmation. It was a great experience to sit among friends and former collegues in ministry and be affirmed that God is indeed at work in my life and ministry.

At this point there was a vote taken (which was unanimous) and then a formal presentation and closing prayer.

I feel really blessed to have Blakemore as my homebase congregation and am glad to have friends who I know walk with me in prayer. I guess I'm now getting closer to meeting with the Board of Ordained Ministry and am looking forward to Licensing School in May.

shalom,
j.