It's Never Too Early

Re-read the story of Jeremiah's call - Jeremiah 1:4-10

Lots of links this week to find more information:

Information about ordained ministry opportunities in The United Methodist Church

An interactive site - "Is God Calling You?"

There is a brand new form of ministry in the UMC - a new role called the "Certified Lay Minister." This is a role that is just now developing, and training opportunities will be available soon for this new area of service - read this page to learn more about this position.

Exploration 2006 - a gathering for young people (high school seniors through age 24) considering ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church - Nov. 17-19 in Jacksonville, Fla. Check it out now!

PLSE - Pastoral Leadership Search Effort - an interdenominational effort working to identify and cultivate gifted young people interested in exploring the ministry as a possible vocation. Lots of resources on this site.

There are many steps in the process of entering ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church. This booklet outlines the process. See also this Power Point presentation on the candidacy process. Don't be overwhelmed!

To begin your exploration of the process, a key resource is the book "Ministry Inquiry Process." You can order it from Cokesbury. The resource # for the book is X522359.

A second helpful book is called "The Christian As Minister." It is also available from Cokesbury. The resource # for this book is 0938162985.

Women have participated fully as clergy in The United Methodist Church for 50 years, but women's leadership in various preaching roles actually dates back to 1761! This site gives helpful resources regarding women in ministry, and a complete history of women in ministry in our United Methodist tradition.

You can participate in a survey on ministry being conducted by a special study group. Go to this site, and click at the bottom of the page - where it says "Study of Ministry Survey." (This link may appear for a limited period of time.)

This is the bulletin board for ministry and higher education concerns in The United Methodist Church. Feel free to browse and/or participate.

The United Methodist Student Movement - seeks to connect university and college students through the unifying love of Jesus Christ.

ORIENTATION is an online magazine for graduating high school seniors and first-year college students.

Young Adult Seminarians Network helps connect United Methodist theological students age 35 and under.

Related news articles:

"Is United Methodist Church facing clergy shortage?"

United Methodist elders under the age of 35 declining

Report on Clergy Age Trends in the United Methodist Church

Major efforts get under way to recruit young clergy

Project gauges "pulse" of young adults interested in ministry