We welcome your interest in finding a place of ministry within The Wesleyan Methodist Church. We believe our Church has a vital mission to accomplish in our world and we believe our Church is made up of people who will respond to appropriate pastoral leadership in an effort to fulfill that mission. If you agree with us in doctrine and spirit, and believe God is leading you to join hands with us in ministry, we welcome you.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church seeks to assist ministers in their efforts to be as effective as possible. This begins with certain expectations regarding preparation for ministry.
Our expectation for academic preparation includes study in Bible, theology, church history, denominational history/polity, practical theology and general education. Your academic study will be evaluated with every effort to recognise the level of service you held in the denomination from which you are transferring.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church
- We offer the good news that faith in Jesus Christ makes possible a wonderful personal relationship with God, a holy life empowered by His Sprit for witness and service, and assurance of eternal life in heaven.
- Named in honour of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, whose emphasis on a life of faith, self-discipline, and perfect love is our example.
- 3,700 Wesleyan Churches in over 80 nations worldwide. In Australia there are over 80 local congregations.
Wesleyan Methodists believe:
- In one God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the Saviour of all men and women who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life.
- That those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord’s Spirit.
- In the Bible and seek to establish our faith and actions on its teachings.
- God wills for people everywhere to know Him and that the purpose of the church is to tell the world about Christ through its worship, witness, and loving deeds.
Procedures for Transfer
The following is offered to you as a guide for completing the process of transfer:
- Present a letter of standing or other credentials and transcripts or other records of ministerial training to the District Superintendent.
- Guided by the District Superintendent fill out the Transferring Ministers Inventory (which should be sent along with a copy of your credentials to the National Superintendent’s office) in order to seek approval from the National Superintendent for acceptance, which if granted will be subject to the following procedures:
- You shall be examined by the District Board of Ministerial Development relative to your Christian experience, call, qualifications for the ministry, the equivalence of training to the Wesleyan Methodist course of study, and to the nature of your ordination, commission or license. A report of the examination with records and transcripts shall be sent to the Department of Education and Ministry who shall advise the DBMD regarding any academic work necessary to meet the equivalency of our course of study.
- Complete any academic work requested by the DBMD. Completion of studies in Wesleyan history and polity will be minimum requirements but other courses may also be necessary in order for you to complete training considered by The Wesleyan Methodist Church to be minimal for its ministers. Completion of any academic work may be done through any of the approved Colleges.
- Serve under appointment in the district in a supply capacity while completing any academic requirements. It is expected that any academic requirements will be met within a period of one year. The one-year relationship with the Church as a minister in process of transfer may be extended by vote of the District Conference. The relationship may be terminated by the District Board of Administration if it is determined that it is not in the best interests of the District to continue the relationship. The District Board of Ministerial Development shall recommend you to the District Conference for full standing when your service has been satisfactory and all academic work has been completed.
Additional Suggestions
In addition to the disciplinary requirements, the following guidelines are suggested as means of assisting you in developing an effective ministry within The Wesleyan Methodist Church.
- The district into which you transfer may provide an orientation for all new ministers, acquainting them with the organisation, leadership, standing rules, procedures, expectations and personnel of the district. Don’t miss this orientation.
- You should, within the first two years of appointment, visit the Kingsley Australia headquarters in Melbourne and become familiar with its program and administration.
- You should participate fully in your District’s retreats and conferences.
- Along with the close supervision and counsel of the District Superintendent, you may want to ask that an experienced pastor of the district be assigned to assist you with periodic questions regarding your ministry in the Church.
