Education

• To serve as a minister in the Methodist church, an individual must have at least an undergraduate degree in any subject. In addition, an aspiring minister must also complete three years of study at a United Methodist Seminary or an approved Bible college or school of theology. Once an individual completes the education requirements, he can serve as a provisional member in an annual conference for a minimum of three years. Moreover, a minister must attend conference and denominational programs and training courses.
  
  

Full-Time Commitment

• Under a bishop’s authority, a Methodist minister must make a commitment to full-time service and be willing to serve wherever appointed. According to the United Methodist Church, a minister has a guaranteed appointment as long as he is in good standing with his annual conference. In addition to being a yearly meeting, an annual conference can also represent a group of church members in a region. Generally, an elder serves in a church setting, but a bishop may appoint him to serve in an extension ministry or as a missionary.
  
  

Serve the Church

• A minister must serve as an administrative officer in his church and teach the word of God using the Bible. In addition to leading worship and Bible studies, a minister also administers the sacraments, presides over weddings and performs the ecclesial act of burial. It is the duty of an elder to collaborate with other United Methodist Church leaders to carry out cooperative ministries and be willing to assume a leadership role when such events take place. When serving the church, a minister’s leadership style, according to the “Book of Discipline,” should reflect Jesus’ teachings and aim to prepare his congregation to act as extensions of Christ’s ministry to the rest of the world.
  
  

Serve the World

• A Methodist minister’s work is not confined to the walls of a church building, as he is required to attend to those with special needs, such as the elderly, ill or those in prison. An elder must always promote ethnic and racial inclusiveness in and outside of the church so there is more unity within a community. A minister has the responsibility to participate in ecumenical, inter-religious and community events in order to encourage the participation of others in the church and community.