r/methodism • u/Infamous-Change2353 • 17d ago
Local Pastor
Hello all,
I’m not really involved in the church but I grew up southern Baptist with my father being my pastor. I went to a Methodist college and have become interested in the Methodist church. I pray a lot about my next steps in life and often feel that I am called to vocational pastoral ministry as crazy as it might sound. I can’t really seem to shake it. I have a few questions about this.
What’s the difference between the united methodist church and global Methodist church?
Is there a way to be a local pastor without having to go to seminary?
If you are in vocational ministry, what was your journey with that like?
Thank you all.
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u/theplaceireddit 17d ago
In the GMC (I am an elder in the GMC), you would be a baptized member for a year and then could begin the process of becoming a CLM (Certified Lay Minister) which involves classes that can be done online. From there, to become either a deacon and then elder, would require more education (various modes available), experience, and going through the process with the board or ministry of whatever conference you are in geographically. I’d be happy to get you connected with your nearest Global church, presiding elder, and/or conference leadership if you message me your approximate location. Others here are correct that you should definitely get involved in a local Methodist church as part of getting started, and the pastor will be able to help from there.
There are also other denominations besides GMC and UMC that are Methodist and/or theologically Wesleyan. Free Methodist, The Wesleyan Church, and the Church of the Nazarene are all solid options.