Becoming a Deaconess or Home Missioner
Below are the qualifications and steps in becoming a deaconess or home missioner.
Qualifications
As a Deaconess or Home Missioner, you must have:
- A call from God to full-time vocation in mission service.
- Membership in The United Methodist Church in the annual conference you will be serving
- Commitment to functioning through "diverse forms of service directed toward the world to make Jesus Christ known in the fullness of his mission”(Book of Discipline)
- Biblical, theological, and sociological grounding in the following Core Studies (Core Studies must be completed at a United Methodist related institution or one approved by the United Methodist University Senate):
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Theology of Mission
- History of the United Methodist Church
- Polity and Doctrine of the United Methodist Church
- A commitment to continuing the practice of discernment
- A position (compensated or uncompensated) in an approved ministry of love, justice and service at the time of commissioning. Appointments may include more than one position.
- Professional training, education and / or certifications for the ministry in which one is called
Steps
1. Complete the Application for Deaconess/Home Missioner Relationship
- Application for Deaconess/Home Missioner Relationship
- Reference Form: 2pp, 94K
- Disclosure Statement: 3pp, 42K
For a paper application please write or email the Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner at the address found below.
2. Return the application to:
The Office of Deaconess and Home Missioner
475 Riverside Drive, Room 320
New York, NY 10115
Email: deaconess@gbgm-umc.org
212-870-3850
3. We will review the application and will send you a letter regarding our action.
4. If you are approved, you will have to satisfactorily complete the following:
- Staff Interview
- Psychological Evaluation and Clearance
- Medical Clearance
- Preparation and Training
- Criminal Background Check
You will move to the candidate stage and are matched with a mentor and begin Core Studies.
5. After you complete the Core Studies, we will verify approval of your appointment as a future deaconess or home missioner.
6. If your appointment is approved, you will attend orientation and preparation training scheduled by the Deaconess and Home Missioner Program Office.
7. You will then be commissioned by the Women’s Division as a Deaconess or Home Missioner.
8. Once you are commissioned, your appointment is officially recognized with the fixing of the appointment by the bishop of the annual conference in which you will be serving.
