Candidacy Mentor Role and Responsibilities Candidates Mentor District Superintendent dCOM Candidacy Registrar

 Learning occurs when we stretch, not when we over stress.  Learning occurs in doing.  Be reflective; not reactive or protective.  New frames of reference open new possibilities.  Create a successful mental map. Fundamentals of Mentoring

Qualities of a Mentor Having a shared understanding of mentoring; Having a clear sense of self; Being open and vulnerable builds credibility; Being ‘passionate learners’ rather than ‘knowers’. Adopt the larger view.

Criteria for Mentoring Commitment to ministry of church Vocational development & experience Spiritual maturity Openness Exposure & appreciation to wide variety of ministries Congruent lifestyle Excitement and enthusiasm Flexibility Ability to maintain confidentiality Organized

Mentor Responsibilities Sets date, time and place for group meeting. Initiates contact to confirm meeting times and location. Mutually contract/covenant together. Renew as new candidates join the group. Using Fulfilling God’s Call & VocationCARE, guide the candidates in discernment of call. Assist each candidate in determining when he/she is ready to seek certified candidacy.

The Role of the District Superintendent Receives first letter from candidate to request admission into candidacy program. Consults with dCOM to assign a candidacy to a mentoring group. Enters candidate and mentor into OCAS system upon admission. Signs electronically in OCAS to confirm candidate’s registration.

Role of the DS May conduct the charge conference for purpose of recommending for ministry. Member of dCOM to examine and approve as a certified candidate. Assure candidates are certified before moving to licensing school for LLP.

Relating to the dCOM dCOM Mentor Coordinator assigns candidate to mentoring group in consultation with the dCOM chair and DS. Mentor asked to maintain open communication with dCOM. Annual mentor report signed by candidate and mentor.

Preparing to Meet the dCOM The mentor will prepare a report (see form) about the candidate’s progress and experiences in the exploratory candidacy studies. The candidate may read and request modifications to the report. It is important for candidate and mentor to reach a consensus in this report. If consensus is not reached, a report cannot be submitted.

Confidentiality The candidate’s conversations and files are confidential, and any information from them is to be released only with the candidate’s written consent. The dCOM may not request information from candidacy/mentor sessions that are not contained in the mentor report.

Confidentiality The candidate, of course, may voluntarily include any of the information he/she chooses. The dCOM may ask for clarity and the candidate may add whatever he/she deems necessary.

Purpose of the Mentor Report The report provides an introduction of the candidate to the dCOM. The report outlines issues that may need exploring with the committee. The dCOM will use the report as one source of information. There will be others.

The Candidacy Mentor’s Report may include: A brief description of candidate’s understanding of grace, gifts, fruit and promise (potential) for effectiveness. The ways candidate has obtained information about the ministries of the deacon, elder and local pastor. Ways candidate has used information in developing understanding of self and ministry.

The Candidacy Mentor’s Report may include: Local church, family, work and other influences that may be important in candidate’s progress toward ministry. Other insights or comments that may enable the dCOM to understand the candidate better.

At the Meeting with the dCOM The mentor may be present with the candidate. If present, the mentor is expected to be an observer with no interaction with the committee. The mentor is not to try to influence the vote of the committee.

After the dCOM Meeting The candidate and the mentor meet to discuss the interview and the candidate’s understanding of the committee’s comments or recommendations and arrange for follow- through. The mentor logs on to the candidacy site and completes Form 113 “District Committee Report”.

Relating to the Candidacy Registrar CR oversees the keeping of records on the progress and status of candidates until are received in provisional membership. Files of dCOM are forwarded to the BOM when candidate applies for provisional membership. CR keeps full personnel records for all candidates under the care of the Board.

Relating to the Candidacy Registrar CR is the key person for information and communication for the candidate and mentor and is available to answer questions and give assistance. CR assists mentors and candidates with problems with the OCAS System. Do not contact GBHEM.

The Big Picture MENTOR Assist in Discernment, Facilitate Reflection & Growth, Guide & Counsel, Report D.S. Receive Written Application (letter), Nominate Guides & Mentors, Approve Service Appointments BOM Receive Candidate from dCOM, Interview, Defer or Recommend for Commissioning dCOM Enlist, Assign Mentors, Examine, Certify GBHEM-DOM Enrollment, Psychological Assessment, Consultant REGISTRAR Train, Interpret, Record Keeping, Reports