1. New Model of candidacy mentoring
Virginia Conference
New Model of candidacy mentoring

2. Vision for Vocational Discernment and Preparation for Licensing & Ordination
Grounded in baptism
Fullness of God’s call – the inner call to the individual and the outer call confirmed by the Church
In the UMC, authorization for licensed and ordained ministry is lodged in the local church and the annual conference

3. Candidacy Discernment and Preparation Process
Two parts of the process: Discernment (of call) and Preparation (“vetting”)
Distinguish the “Period of Discernment” from the “Preparation for Authorization
Opportunity for group mentoring
Streamlines the process and allow candidates to move at their own pace
Gives candidates more ownership of the “preparation for authorization” and focus the mentor on the “period of discernment”

4. Period of Discernment: Group mentoring
Allows for group reflection, learning, and feedback
Insights and support gained from more than one person
Allows for a better selection process for mentors (fewer specially selected mentors)
Goal for period of discernment is ability to articulate call so that dcom will be able to affirm that call through certification
Use VocationCARE practice along with the “Fulling God’s Call” resource

5. Prepraration for Authorization
Candidate will demonstrate effective leadership skills and understanding of UMC.
Candidate will demonstrate they have met the requirements in a way that the authorizing bodies can understand, confirm and approve and have a vision for the ways in which their ministries will produce fruit and transform the world.

6. Becoming a certified candidate
Period of Discernment
Preparation for authorization
Review interest in ministry with a clergyperson
Following admission (see #2), receive an assignment to a mentoring group
Work through the discernment and candidacy material with a mentoring group
Meet admission requirements and write letter requesting admission
Interview with dcom for admission
If admitted, submit to dcom the documents required
Interview with dcom for certification
Becoming a certified candidate

7. Mentoring groups
Each district will have four or five group candidacy mentors for District Groups
Each campus minister/chaplain will serve as a group mentor
A mentor will be assigned to each of the seminaries (one or more as needed)

8. The mentoring group meets at a regular time and place each month.
Candidates will be assigned based on affinity, geography, etc.
Candidates will join an ongoing group, stay as long as needed for discernment, could schedule one on one meeting with the mentor as needed, and together determine when ready for certification interview.