ENDORSING MINISTRIES
Achieving specialized ministry process for serving beyond the local church
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
IN YOUR SPECIALIZED
CALLING
Serving God and Neighbor Beyond the Local Church
THE MEaning of ecclesiatical endorsement
Pluralistic Service • Ecclesiastical Authority • Professional Competence
To the Church:
A confirmation of your divine call and institutional readiness. Affirms you are in good standing, ecclesiastically accountable, and approved by your Bishop.
To the Employer:
Proof of specialized professional
preparation (e.g. CPE, ICF, clinical licensing). Confirms you are pastorally competent to operate in highly regulated environments.
To the Constituents:
A commitment to providing appropriate, dedicated spiritual care for all eligible constituents, regardless of their faith background.
THE CORE PROMISE
You are a qualified, authorized representative of the Global Methodist Church bringing the ministry of Christ into the world.
SETTINGS for endorsement & approval
Where endorsed clergy serve
vocational endorsements
Professional Employment & Appointed by Bishop
Counseling & Guidance:
Therapeutic Counseling, Spiritual Direction, Ministry Coaching, and Workplace Chaplaincy
Healthcare:
Hospitals, Hospice, Residential Care, and Veterans Affairs.
MILITARY:
Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard (Air Force, Army, Navy)
PUBLIC SAFETY & JUSTICE:
Prison/Correctional, Police, Fire,
and Emergency Services.
approvals
Volunteer & Chaplain Candidates
Auxiliary Services:
Civil Air Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and State Guard Volunteer Chaplains.
Local Volunteers:
Volunteer Chaplains in Healthcare, Prisons, and Law Enforcement.
Chaplain Candidates:
Specialized approval for GMC seminary students exploring a future call to military chaplaincy.
PATHWAY TO endorsement
how to apply
APPROVAL PREPARATION:
Verify ecclesiastical status and secure approval from your Superintendent or Bishop to serve beyond the local church.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION:
Complete the setting-specific application, supply required references, your ministerial resume, and the application fee ($100 for Endorsement, $50 for Volunteer/Candidate)
NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT:
Draft and submit your three core essays (see requirements below).
PEER INTERVIEW:
Complete a rigorous interview focusing on your Wesleyan theological grounding and professional growth, culminating in Ecclesiastical Endorsing Board (EEB) approval.
THE THREE
REQUIRED ESSAYS
LIFE SKETCH
Your background and motivation for this specific specialized ministry.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Your personal discipleship plan and how you will maintain community and accountability within the GMC.
PLURALISM:
Your theological and practical understanding of ministering in a pluralistic setting.
conduct & professional standards
what we expect
A POSITION OF SACRED TRUST
Absolute zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, discrimination, or abuse of power. A strict mandate to maintain all privileged and confessional confidences inviolate.
SACRAMENTAL INTEGRITY
Administering baptisms and weddings in strict accordance with GMC doctrine and civil law. Providing faithful administrative support and seamless referrals for those you cannot conscientiously serve.
RADICAL PLURALISM & COLLEGIALITY
Serving all constituents within your area of responsibility with the exact same commitment given to coreligionists. Working collegially and respectfully with clergy from all faith traditions.
THE STANCE ON ARMS
A strict commitment to
non-combatant status.
Endorsed clergy will not wear, carry, train with, or use firearms in the conduct of their duties