Board of Ordained Ministry

For more information on the resources provided by the Board of Ordained Ministry, please use the menu to the left (for mobile users the menu will be at the bottom of the page).

The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) has responsibilities for the recruitment of those discerning a call as clergy in The United Methodist Church and the world and for nurturing the journey toward licensing  or ordination. During the candidacy process, BOM examines the health and wellness of all applicants for ministry for election on annual basis and approves persons to serve as a local pastor, provisional member, or election to full conference membership. BOM shepherds ministerial students enrolled in theological schools and local pastors who participate in the Course of Study.

Various teams of the BOM also work in collaboration with the Office of Ministerial Services to support ordained ministers’ career development, continuing education, formation in servant leadership and continuing spiritual growth in Christ. In collaboration and consultation with the bishop and the cabinet, as well as the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), clergy needs and resources of the conference are studied and interpreted to ensure that candidates are prepared to serve the rich diversity of the Church.

District Committees on Ministry (dCOM) are an extension of the work of the Board of Ordained Ministry. At the beginning of each quadrennium, the BOM provides comprehensive training for those involved in the district boards of ordained ministry to ensure that the experiences of candidates is fair and consistent throughout the conference. The BOM also works through the conference Office of Ministerial Services and in cooperation with the cabinet to provide a means for evaluating clergy effectiveness. The Board of Ordained Ministry walks alongside persons throughout the journey from call through retirement.

For more information on the work and responsibilities of the Board of Ordained Ministry, please see The Book of Discipline ¶635.