Consecrated Deacon Manual -...

North Central Conference FMCUSA

Consecrated Deacon Manual

Path to Servant Leadership

Mark Adams & Rick Martin8/7/2012

Table of ContentsThe Consecrated Deacon..........................................................................................................................................2

Are You Called to the Deaconate?........................................................................................................................2

Christian Character and Health Living Required...................................................................................................3

Celebrating the Deaconate...................................................................................................................................3

What is a Consecrated Deacon’s Relationship to the Annual Conference and Local Church?..............................3

The Consecrated Deacon Pathway...........................................................................................................................4

Developing the Deacon........................................................................................................................................5

Clear Deacon Development Path..........................................................................................................................6

Developing the Christian Foundations and Ministry Specifics..............................................................................7

Appendices...............................................................................................................................................................9

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The Consecrated DeaconJesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). More than any term used to characterize the nature of Christian leadership, Jesus applied the concept of servanthood. The Greek word used in the language of Jesus and the Apostles for servant was “diakoneo” from which we today take the word “deacon.” The New Testament describes several people that were set apart by the overseers of the church to take particular roles for encouraging, serving and building up the body of Christ, and called “deacons.” Such individuals include Stephen, the first Christian martyr, Philip who began serving tables and became a great evangelist, Phoebe who was a strong ministry partner for the Apostle Paul.

The Free Methodist Church believes all Christians and members of our churches are “ministers” and called to love and serve God wholeheartedly, and to love and serve their churches and communities as they live out Christ within. Some members are called to the “itinerate ministry” and may be ordained to serve as pastors, referred to as “elders” in the Free Methodist Church. Elders commit to being under the authority of their oversees who may appoint them to particular communities, near or far, as the need arises and their particular gifts and vocation may be what is necessary in a particular place.

Some members may be called to a more local and more specific form of ministry. Neither intending nor desiring to be relocated under an appointment system, but desiring to serve in a formally credentialed and accountable fashion for the sake of Christ and His church, such a person may become a “Consecrated Deacon.”

Are You Called to the Deaconate?Consecrated Deacons are members in good standing in the Free Methodist Church. They are persons of good reputation, full of wisdom and the Spirit, whose spiritual gifts from God have been confirmed by their local churches. In response to God’s call on their lives, deacons offer servant-leadership in particular areas of congregational life, according to the gifts and graces God has given and they have developed. Complementing the work of elders, deacons serve the local church by assisting and leading the membership to carry out its ministries to one another and the world. (BOD ¶6600A).

The specialized ministries of the deacons include, but are not limited to, ministries of administration, caregiving, mercy, Christian education, communications, disciple-making, mentoring, outreach, evangelism, church-based community service, worship, music, spiritual nurture, counseling, prayer, technology and other creative arts.

If you sense a call and experience the gifting for these specialized ministries, then you may desire to pursue the path of becoming a Consecrated Deacon. Under the leadership of your pastor(s), you will explore and develop your particular gifting and calling, and follow a healthy course of learning through reading, discourse, experience and practical guidance to strengthen your sense of call into a skillful exercise of powerful ministry in your local context. This will take work and dedication. Your local church’s Board of Administration will provide the group which will evaluate and approve your progress and fruitfulness, granting a license and annual renewal thereof,

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of your status as a “Consecrated Deacon.” When you have completed the work, and have the approval of your local church’s Board of Administration, the Conference Superintendent or designee will arrange for the formal ritual in which you are “consecrated” – publicly set apart – for the high calling of Deacon in the tradition of the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. Ultimately, the reward is hearing Jesus say in glory, “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Christian Character and Health Living RequiredConsecrated Deacons are leaders within the Free Methodist Church. As such, Deacons are required to live according to the requirements of the leadership laid out in the Book of Discipline, which are grounded in the Scriptures. We expect that the leaders of the church will 1) live consistently within scriptural guidelines for leaders (e.g. Exodus 18:21, Acts 6:3, 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9); express Christlike attitudes in life and in relationships, give evidence of spiritual gifts such as leadership, faith and administration; agree with and sincerely seek to live out the goals for their maturing life in Christ; continue in harmony with Free Methodist doctrine and mission; and are vital in faith, faithful in attendance and financially supportive of their church to at least the level of a tithe (BOD ¶6200).

A significant aspect of being a Biblical people is ensuring the Scriptural view and practice of marriage. When a prospective deacon or his/her spouse has been divorced, clearance for ministry shall be required, according to denominational guidelines used by the Board of Bishops. The local church board of administration will conduct the process which may lead to a “divorce clearance” and if they so recommend a clearance, provide this recommendation and documentation to the North Central Conference Regional Ministerial Education and Guidance Board chair for final review.

Celebrating the DeaconateWhen you have completed the work leading to approval for formal consecration, you have accomplished something significant. To recognize your accomplishment, the honing of your God-given Spiritual-gifts into excellent strengths for ministry, you will be “consecrated” in either a public worship service of your local church or at a regional celebration such as a GROW Event. The Conference Superintendent (or designee, such as District Superintendent), with assistance from your pastor, will arrange to perform the ritual which formally and publically sets you apart (consecrates) for particular task of the Deaconate.

What is a Consecrated Deacon’s Relationship to the Annual Conference and Local Church?Deacons remain members of the local Free Methodist Church, and are not formally members of the Annual Conference (as are ordained elders). Deacons may therefore serve as lay delegates to annual conference and general conference. While a Deacon does not automatically serve on the local Board of Administration, he or she may be elected by the Society to this capacity. A Deacon may administer the sacraments (Lord’s Supper, Baptism) but only with the approval of the appointed pastor under which he or she serves, however only an

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ordained Elder may legally officiate a wedding in any of the states encompassed by the North Central Conference (see also ¶6610).

The Consecrated Deacon PathwayStep 1 Discernment and Spiritual

Direction with PastorSense of calling and giftednessSense of spiritual and character maturityMembership requirements and standingReview of Deaconate path, requirements and benefits

Step 2 Apply to Deaconate Process If pastor and candidate agree, begin application processSee appendix for forms.

Step 3 Consent of Board of Administration

Prepare with pastor to meet with BoardPastor may prepare board to meet with candidateInterview with Board of AdministrationIf needed, begin Divorce Clearance process (appendix) (Step 4 cannot commence without Divorce Clearance)

Step 4 Presentation to the Congregation

In a public worship service, affirm the decision to pursue the Deaconate.

Step 5 Begin Core Training Process Spiritual formation and character developmentTheological and Biblical literacyBasic evangelism and mentoringFree Methodist history and polity

Step 6 Develop specialized calling Identify specific ministry calling with PastorThis should further the mission of the local church.Develop experiences for this specific ministry area.(May require resources & consult outside of local church)

Step 7 Develop Personal Mission Statement

Develop personal mission statement with pastor.Develop strategic plan to live out this mission in context of the church and community.

Step 8 Assess progress On a quarterly basis, assess progress with pastor.When all work is completed to mutual satisfaction, the Pastor will make recommendation for Consecration to BOA.

Step 9 Post-training Interview with the Board of Administration

BOA will review mission and plan from candidate.BOA will interview candidate for final approval to Deaconate.BOA may recommend for approval, recommend further work, or deny approval.The Deacon may commence work as a Deacon with BOA approval prior to formal consecration by Superintendent.

Step 10 Consecration Assuming BOA approves, set Consecration ceremony time.GROW event or in local church with Superintendent.

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Developing the Deacon Deacons are part of the larger church leadership team. In most athletic teams, every player regardless of position must have a core understanding of the rules of the game, and competence in the basic skills necessary to all who play the sport. Each team member also has a specific skill or strength that is uniquely developed for playing a particular role in team victories. For example, every basketball player must know the current league rules, and also how to run, dribble, pass and shoot. Some players will develop their particular skills and, while competent in all of these basics, will excel in defense, or an inside game, or three-point shooting, or directing an offense.

So too, the Consecrated Deacon is an important member of a larger team – the local church. Every deacon must stand upon a solid Christian Foundation. This means: be in good mental, physical and spiritual shape (Spiritual formation and character development); understand and articulate core Biblical and theological foundations of the Christian faith well enough to teach other Christians (discipling/mentoring) or to share the faith with the unconvinced (evangelism); and to demonstrate understanding and commitment to their ‘team’ – the Free Methodist Church (history and polity of the FMC). These four domains of growth form the foundation of the path toward Consecrated Deacon. Each Deacon must demonstrate competence and growth in Spiritual formation, basic Biblical and theological literacy, basic evangelism and discipleship skills and basic understanding of Free Methodist DNA, and the constitution which guides all of our churches.

The first aspect, therefore, of developing the Deacon is training in these four foundations. The second aspect of developing the Deacon is training and exposure to material and experiences that will develop the candidate’s the particular gifts and calling for ministry. This training may require access to materials and expertise that are not located within the local congregation. Partnering outside of the church or denomination to secure particular training in areas of particular calling, such as counseling, technology, leadership is encouraged when this will be the best option to help a candidate go their ‘next level’ of development and growth.

So then, the two aspects of Developing Deacons are Christian Foundations and Ministry Specifics.

Growth in the Fundamental Christian Foundations is generally well guided by your church’s pastor, or a designated mentor or team of mentors. The readings and practical assignments may be modified from time to time to suit the local church’s particular mission and the pastor’s particular strengths.

Growth in the Ministry Specifics may require readings and practical assignments that are well outside of the current pastor or church’s areas of comfort or strength. For example, a deacon may be called to specialize in communications technology in a church that has yet to develop a web-page. It is entirely possible that area of expertise is already well developed by the potential deacon, and this is a new area of ministry being brought to the church by that individual. It is possible that this calling is clear, and the church’s need is evident, but there is not a pool of expertize in the local church to produce growth for the deacon. In this case, it is highly recommended that the deacon and pastor look beyond their congregation to the broader conference or local community, broader denomination or institutions of higher education, etc., in order to develop a plan that will

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stretch and grow the person called and provide for an experience that will benefit both the deacon and the church.

What follows is the “Deacon Development Path” which is meant to give structure and form to the process of development. It is not a process cast in iron. If there are resources the pastor and deacon believe will produce better results, you are free to explore them. You are not free, however, to ignore any of the areas of development. If the deacon already feels and/or exhibits competence in a particular area of development, then do not rush to simply check this off the list. Ask instead, what can be done to deepen, stretch, and build upon the current level of competency for the sake of the bringing ever increasing excellence to fulfill the call of Christ.

Deacon Development Path Discern Meet with Pastor

Deacon maturity scale

Develop Create mutually agreed upon plan to accomplish:Christian foundations readings and assignmentsMinistry particulars development readings and assignments

Do Complete assigned activities for developmentMinister according to call for at least three fruitful monthsShow growth in Deacon maturity scale to score of 8 or better.Receive approval for Consecration from pastor and BOA

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Discern Develop Do

Basic Deacon Development Structure

A suggested reading list with activities are found in the Appendix and updated online at alexfirstfmc.org.

Developing the Christian Foundations and Ministry Specifics Every Consecrated Deacon must be well-versed in the Christian Foundations as a leader in the church. Whether coordinating a Sunday School program, overseeing Building and Grounds, developing the church’s web presence or visiting the elderly in the community, being a solid and growing disciple of Jesus who can bear witness to God’s salvation and invite others to faith, and understand the nature and structures of the church are essential. These are the fundamental skills of the game that each fruitful team member must know to compete with excellence. These have already been explained in this manual.

Deacons are usually called to fulfill a specific ministry. The development of this specific ministry will be as unique as the specific calling. You are asked to read and grow intellectually in your specific calling, and to engage in practical experiences that will develop this call into a true ministry strength. The expectation is that in all matters of our Christian walk we are lifelong learners. Those set aside to provide particular example and leadership in the church should seek to excel in their particular calling. The following are common particular ministries:

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MINISTRY PARTICULARSReadings Experiences

FM FAITH & PRACTICEReadings Experiences

EVANGELISM & DISCIPLING OTHERSReadings Experiences

BIBLE & THEOLOGYReadings Experiences

SPIRITUAL FORMATION & HEALTHReadings Experiences

Administration/LeadershipCaregiving/VisitationChristian Education (sometimes a particular age group)Technology/CommunicationsWorship/MusicSpiritual Formation/Small GroupsEvangelism/OutreachCounseling/Spiritual DirectingCreative Arts

When you identify a core area for development, the basic suggested activity for each area is simple. Interview and/or shadow at least three people/groups in your area that are doing well what you hope to do in your church. At least one of these must be from a healthy congregation that is outside of your own. There may be a workshop or webinar on your particular area of calling that you and/or your pastor believe would benefit you. You must develop a written plan to carry out your particular calling in the church, with the consult of your pastor to ensure a good fit with the church’s vision, strategic plan, budget, etc. You must live out your calling in a practical way for at least three months, with your pastor or designee’s direct supervision and development. For example, you may lead worship in church or in a nursing home, develop a rotation of visiting shut-ins, lead a small group ministry, develop and operate a church blog site or twitter feed. Whatever your calling is, the purpose of the Deaconate is to identify and deploy healthy, biblical, spirit-filled servants of God who intentionally serve and build up the church in practical ways.

You and your pastor are free to explore any resources that lead you to grow to your next level of competence and depth in your particular area of calling.

Please note that in no way should you view reading books or going through the experiences required of a Consecrated Deacon as a path to becoming a licensed counselor, chaplain or practitioner in any field that requires local, state or federal accreditation. You may pursue such accreditation, of course, and are encouraged to do whatever is necessary to fulfill your call in the cause of Christ’s kingdom. Also note that these experiences are reflective of a healthy lay development process but do not fulfill any requirements for ordained ministry. If you believe you are called to the path of ordained ministry, the path of an itinerant elder, you should speak with your pastor about this possibility.

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Appendices

Application for Consecrated Deacon

Divorce Clearance Forms

Deacon maturity scale

Recommended Reading Lists (updated regularly at alexfirstfmc.org, linked at nccfmc.org)

Deacon License

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Personal Information andApplication for Consecrated Deacon

(Please provide all information requested. Please print clearly and use additional sheets if needed)

Name: Date of Birth:

Address:

City: State: Phone:

E-mail:

Married: □ No □ Yes, Spouse’s Name:

Divorced: □ No □ Yes, How many times: _ Date of last divorce:

Two References that we could speak to concerning you and your journey towards this ministry milestone and that will commit to praying for you throughout the process

(No family members)

Name: Phone:

E-mail: Relationship:

Name: Phone:

E-mail: Relationship:

Education:High School Diploma or GED: □ Yes □ No

College or Vocational School:(Please list each school attended with dates, major or program and degree or certificate earned. Use additional paper if needed)

1)

2)

3)

4) 10

Life and Ministry Experiences:Describe your spiritual journey, including those events that led to your point of clear faith in Jesus Christ, and how that faith has grown since your point of conversion or clarity of purpose.

Describe how the church and/or its ministries (not limited to your current church home) has made impact on your life.

What do you believe God is calling you to do? How do you see the path of a Consecrated Deacon as an aspect of fulfilling this distinct calling of yours?

Which aspects of ministry do feel particularly gifted or passionate about? Describe what you learned about your spiritual gifts and ministry passions from interacting with your pastor? What are your experiences in your areas of gifting and passions that lead you to believe it is wise and good to assume this an area of your particular ministry for the local church?

If you or your spouse have been divorced, you will need to go through a “divorce clearance” process. Are you willing to do this, understanding that this may be a barrier to formal consecration as a deacon in the Free Methodist Church?

_____________________________________ __________________Signature of Deacon Applicant Date

Sample Recommendation Letter to the BOA

{DATE}

FMC BOA

Greetings in the Name of Christ,

I am pleased to recommend _______________________ to you for your approval to embark upon the path of a Consecrated Deacon in our church.

This Christian servant is a member in good standing, has articulated a clear sense of call to serve this church in the particular ministry of ____________________________________ as a Consecrated Deacon. Your approval for this step will begin approval for a process which involves pastoral mentoring and training over a period of six months to a year, culminating in another fruitful servant-leader to build the ministries of this church as we seek to obey the Great Commission of Jesus.

In HIS Service

PastorFree Methodist Church

Divorce Clearance Process

The process surrounding divorce and remarriage is both characterized often by pain and guilt, hope and renewal. As the potential deacon navigates this process, the pastor and board of administration or pastor’s cabinet should maintain a high level of respect, compassion, truth-telling, and confidentiality.

The Process:1) Read the Chapters 3310 and 3320 regarding the Free Methodist position on marriage, divorce

and child-rearing. Read also the Open Letter from the Board of Bishops. 2) Review the divorce clearance checklist with the candidate, note any areas of concern the

candidate may have and define a time table to complete each item required. 3) Have the candidate complete the information on the appropriate Questionnaires and submit

all of the materials to the pastor. 4) The pastor and BOA or Pastor’s Cabinet will interview the deacon and his/her spouse, and

determine whether or not a recommendation for clearance can be granted. When necessary, a connection may need to be made between the pastor and a former spouse or others aware of the situation at hand to verify the testimony. This is often part of the process.

5) Where reconciliation with a past spouse is revealed as possible, or healing damaged relationships with children and other family members is a possibility, the pastor or board may require healthy attempts at reconciliation before authorizing a clearance.

6) If the board/cabinet believes granting a divorce clearance, the pastor or designee shall write a narrative describing the situation and reasons for clearance, and a copy of the completed checklist, to the Chair of the conference Ministerial Education and Guidance Board, who will delegate the decision to the appropriate Regional MEG team for review. Please maintain all original documents submitted by the divorcee(s) on secure file at the church.

7) The Regional MEG decision (denial, approval with conditions or approval) will be communicated to the pastor overseeing the process with the deacon.

8) The pastor overseeing the deacon shall notify both the deacon and the local church board or pastor’s cabinet of the disposition of the divorce clearance.

Open letter from the Board of Bishops of the Free Methodist Church of North America.

TO: Persons applying for ministry service in the Free Methodist Church who have experienced divorce, or whose current spouse has experienced divorce

FR: Board of Bishops

The bishops of the Free Methodist Church are always thankful to the Lord when individuals respond to a call from God into Kingdom service. Any such call, we believe, is to be confirmed by the churchthrough a local congregation and through the established procedures of the church. The Free MethodistChurch is organized through annual conferences. Each conference has a ministerial education and guidance board (MEG), whose responsibility includes the receiving of applications and interviewing persons for pastoral and related special ministries.

Some persons apply for ministry opportunity who have experienced divorce. The Word of God speaks to the subject. Some denominations give no consideration to appointing and/or ordaining persons who have experienced a divorce. The Free Methodist Church is concerned that adequate care be given to process such individuals in healthy ways. Being of Wesleyan persuasion, we embrace fully the principles of radical grace as proclaimed in the Scriptures, believing that no person is outside of the possibility of full, complete and abundant deliverance and blessing in Christ.

We recognize three Biblical grounds for divorce which frees the one divorced to remarry and/or to enter ordained ministry. They are:

1. Adultery on the part of the spouse in the marriage.2. Divorce prior to conversion to Jesus Christ.3. Abandonment on the part of the spouse in the marriage.

Since divorce is a serious concern, and because there is not unanimity in the Christian church on the viability of ministry after divorce, the Free Methodist Church has established a process toward ordination among those who have been divorced which requires the following:

1. Completion of the Divorce Clearance for Ministry form along with accompanying information.

2. Interview by the conference MEG board3. Recommendation for clearance by the conference MEG board to the conference

superintendent and assigned bishop.4. Approval of the above recommendation by the conference superintendent and

the assigned bishop.5. Report final decision to the Board of Bishops office in Indianapolis,

including the following documents:a. completed Divorce Clearance Checklistb.letter from the superintendent stating the candidate has received

6. approval from the conference superintendent and the assigned bishop.

Why is this done?

1. To assure that there were Biblical grounds for divorce.

2. To assure, as much as possible, that the applicant experiencing a divorce has recovered from the divorce in healthy ways and can therefore minister in a balanced fashion among the families of the church and community.

3. To protect the ministerial leader in the event that some people would want to use their divorce as a point of criticism. Once the conference superintendent and assigned bishop have cleared the applicant, the issue is finished.

We recognize that you may not want to address any of this because of the pain it may engender. For some applicants, the divorce may have occurred 20 years ago, at an early age, prior to conversion. For others, the wounds may yet be near the surface. As we work with each applicant, we will make every effort to be sensitive. We are not interested in uncovering details of trauma in the applicants life. Rather, we are interested in determining whether or not the applicant’s divorce represents Biblical grounds for divorce and whether or not the applicant has the spiritual and emotional health to function in fruitful ways in ordained ministry.

We will be in prayer for you and will work in open and careful ways as we review your situation. May grace and peace be yours in abundance. If you have any questions with any of this process, please feel free to call your superintendent or your area bishop.

BOARD OF BISHOPSDavid W. KendallDavid T. Roller Matthew A. Thomas Revised 2/13/08

(NOTE FOR CONSECRATED DEACONS)

This letter from the Board of Bishops is intended specifically for pastors entering ordained ministry. The marriage and divorce principles applied to ordained itinerate leadership (elders in the Free Methodist Church) are broadly applicable to all members of the Free Methodist Church. The policies and procedures which guide the protection of a high view of marriage and family among clergy are different from those applied to lay members of the church and deacons, but the principles guiding divorce and remarriage are the same.

The specific steps outlined by the Board of Bishops for elders is modified in the North Central Conference for Deacons. It is not the Board of Bishops which will review your local church recommendation regarding deacons, but the conference board of ministerial education and guidance.

DIVORCE CLEARANCE FOR MINISTRY IN THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH Check List

Annual Conference : North Central Conference

Name of Divorced Person:

The local church board has approved the individual as suitable for ministry of Consecrated Deacon, considering gifts, doctrine and educational background and recommends divorce clearance.

An assessment has been made of the impact of divorce, the emotional stability and state of healing, the status of present marriage, and viewpoint regarding marriage.

The following items are attached:

Request for Clearance, based on formal action of the local BOA (on file with church).

The completed applicable questionnaire or questionnaires.Questionnaire ‘A’ - Divorcee Seeking Ministry in the Free Methodist ChurchQuestionnaire ‘B’ - Candidate Seeking Ministry in the Free Methodist Church who has

not Divorced but whose Spouse has been DivorcedQuestionnaire ‘C’ - Divorced Spouse of Candidate Seeking Ministry

A copy of the divorce decree (on file with church)

Account by the divorced person of marital history, giving relevant information bearing on the divorce, and present viewpoint on the whole issue.

Any testimony or documentation of infidelity and/or desertion (abandonment) on the part of the former spouse of divorced person.

Written testimony of candidate’s conversion and call to ministry, including reasonsfor desiring become a Free Methodist Consecrated Deacon.

The candidate’s present view on marriage and divorce as he/she would offer them in preaching and in potential future counseling situations with persons in a troubled or broken marriage.

Date church board recommended divorce clearance:

Send copy of check list to the NCC Office for distribution to MEG chair.

Local Church

Local BOA Chair Date

MEG Board Chair Date

NOTE: All materials must normally be processed at least 30 days prior to actual consecration of deacon.

QUESTIONNAIRE “A”

Divorcee seeking ministry in the Free Methodist Church.

The N or t h C e n t r a l Co nf e r e nc e M i n i s t e r i a l E du c a t i on a nd G u i d an c e B oa r d needs the following information before considering for clearance any person seeking to pursue the path of Consecrated Deacon.

The local Board of Administration is responsible for seeing that the following form is completed and presented to the Conference Ministerial Education and Guidance Board when the divorced person is being recommended for clearance. In cases of multiple divorces, complete information is required for each divorcee.

Name Phone: ( )

Address

City State Zip

E-mail Address Date of Birth

Date of conversion

Date of first marriage

First spouse’s full name

Date of separation

Date and place of divorce

Plaintiff in divorce

If children in first marriage, who has custody?

Legal reason for divorce in the decree

Copy of divorce decree is attached : Yes No

Present address of former spouse

Is former spouse remarried? If yes, give date

Date and place of your present marriage

Full name of present spouse

Has present spouse been divorced?

(If yes, separate Questionnaire “B” must be completed by present spouse)

The board(s) may request references. If so, you shall secure a minimum of two letters of character reference by persons, preferably non-related, who knew you at the time of divorce. Letters should include an account of your marriage and subsequent divorce. If the divorce took place prior to conversion, how does the writer view your conversion making a difference in your life? If the divorce took place after conversion, how does the writer view the role of your faith through the divorce? If presently married, how does the writer view the health of your present marriage.

On separate sheets, please submit the following:

1. A narrative account of your marital history, including dates of marriage and divorce giving relevant information bearing on the divorce, and your present viewpoint on the whole issue.

2. Any testimony or documentation of infidelity and/or desertion (abandonment) on the part of the former spouse.

3. A testimony of your conversion and call to ministry. Reason for desiring ministry in the Free Methodist Church.

4. Your present view on marriage and divorce as you would offer them in preaching, and in potential future counseling situations with persons in a troubled or broken marriage.

You (and your spouse, if married) will be required to have an interview (in person or via telephone) with the bishop assigned to your area, if the ministerial education and guidance board approves you for ministry and recommends divorce clearance.

Signed Date

Local Church

QUESTIONNAIRE “B”

Candidate Seeking Ministry in the Free Methodist Church who has not Divorced, but whoseSpouse has been Divorced. (The spouse shall complete Questionnaire “C”.

The N or t h C e n t r a l Co nf e r e nc e M i n i s t e r i a l E du c a t i on a nd G u i d an c e B oa r d needs the following information before considering for clearance any person seeking to pursue the path of Consecrated Deacon.

The Local Board of Administration is responsible for seeing that the following form is completed and presented to the NCC MEG when the spouse of the candidate being recommended for clearance has experienced divorce. In cases of multiple divorces, complete information is required for each divorcee.

Name Phone: ( )

Address

City State Zip


Date of conversion

Date and place of present marriage


Date of present spouse’s conversion



2. Your present view on marriage and divorce as you would offer them in preaching, and in potential future counseling situations with persons in a troubled or broken marriage.

You (and your spouse) will be required to have an interview (in person or via telephone) with the bishop assigned to your area, if the Ministerial Education and Guidance Board approves you for ministry and recommends divorce clearance.

Signed Date

Local Church

QUESTIONNAIRE “C”

Divorced Spouse of Candidate Seeking Ministry in the Free Methodist Church.The N or t h C e n t r a l Co nf e r e nc e M i n i s t e r i a l E du c a t i on a nd G u i d an c e B oa r d needs the following information before considering for clearance any person seeking to pursue the path of Consecrated Deacon.

The Local Board of Administration is responsible for seeing that the following form is completed and presented to the NCC MEG when the divorced person is being recommended for clearance. In cases of multiple divorces, complete information is required for each divorcee.

Name Phone: ( )

Address

City State Zip


Date of conversion

Date of first marriage

First spouse’s full name

Date of separation

Date and place of divorce

Plaintiff in divorce

If children in first marriage, who has custody?

Legal reason for divorce in the decree

Copy of divorce decree is attached : Yes No

Present address of former spouse

Is former spouse remarried? If yes, give date

Date and place of your present marriage


The board(s) may request references. If so, you shall secure a minimum of two letters of character reference by persons, preferably non-related, who knew you at the time of divorce. Letters should include an account of your marriage and subsequent divorce. If the divorce took place prior to conversion, how does the writer view your conversion making a difference in your life? If the divorce took place after conversion, how does the writer view the role of your faith through the divorce? If presently married, how does the writer view the health of your present marriage.


1. A narrative account of your marital history, including dates of marriage and divorce giving relevant information bearing on the divorce, and your present viewpoint on the whole issue.

2. Any testimony or documentation of infidelity and/or desertion (abandonment) on the part of the former spouse.


You and your spouse may be required to have an interview (in person or via telephone/videoconference) with a representative of the conference ministerial education and guidance board, recommended for clearance by your church’s local board of administration.

Signed Date

Local Church

Deacon Maturity Scale

At the beginning of pursuing the Deaconate, the pastor and/or members of the local board or pastors cabinet will interview and assess the candidate’s level of maturity. This scale should be completed at the end of completing the development path. When a candidate’s score is 8 or higher, he or she may be recommended for Consecration as a Deacon.

Prior the ranking this scale, the candidate should also take and discuss a Spiritual Gifts Inventory, Biblical Literacy Inventory, Theological Questionnaire, and other tools if recommended by the pastor (such as Myer-Briggs, DiSC).

Category Average Scores 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Initial Score Post-path Score

1. Spiritually Disciplined ____ ____2. Healthy Lifestyle ____ ____3. Strong Integrity ____ ____4. Healthy Family & Relationships ____ ____5. Comprehensive Biblical Literacy ____ ____6. Articulates Healthy Theology ____ ____7. Fruitful Soul Winner ____ ____8. Develops Others for Ministry ____ ____9. Embraces Free Methodist Story ____ ____10. Harmonizes Free Methodist Polity ____ ____11. Solid Knowledge of Particular Ministry ____ ____12. Fruitful Commitment to Particular Ministry

Average rating can be understood as follows:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12Preparation Candidate Growing Candidate Maturing Candidate Exceptional CandidateEarly growth stages of Christian maturity and does not qualify to pursue deaconate without more evidence of ministry gifts and graces, and capacity to develop ongoing growth plan.

Growing in ministry maturity and qualifies for recommendation by BOA to pursue deaconate, following approved course of study and experiences. May be operating in ministry with supervision.

Has many of the gifts and graces that often lead to healthy ministry and leadership but some key areas for intentional growth are yet recommended. May lead a ministry with pastor’s clear supervision.

Ready to be recommended as Consecrated Deacon. Her/his lifestyle, integrity, fruitfulness, intellect and compassion are strong. May lead and direct major projects with confidence in the local church.

___________________ __________ ___________________ ___________________Initial Interview Date Score Pastor CandidateNarrative summary of strength and weaknesses, with basic outline of growth plan for deaconate:

___________________ __________ ___________________ ___________________Initial Interview Date Score Pastor Candidate

Narrative summary of strength and weaknesses with recommendation for ministry and consecration as Deacon:

Recommended Reading Lists

CORE DEVELOPMENT Suggested Reading(Most readings can be substituted for mutually agreed resource)

Suggested Activities(Activities can be modified, but retain balance of knowledge and supervised practical experience)

Spiritual Formation & Health

Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by Keith Drury.Holy Bible (any version)

Read through the Bible in a year (or less)Develop accountability partnership and plan for spiritual growth.Teach and model to at least one other person how to engage in at least one of the Christian disciplines.Plan and act on increasing health in body, mind, emotions and family.

Biblical and Theological Literacy

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart.

The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe and Why It Matters by Chuck Colson and Harold Fickett.

Develop, write and articulate a Biblical and theological philosophy of your particular ministry (technology, children, etc.).Write a summary of each chapter of “The Faith”, and discuss your theological positions with your pastor or with a designated theological mentor

Evangelism and Discipleship Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels.

Becoming a Person of Influence: How to Positively Influence the Lives of Others by John Maxwell.

Practice your plan for personal evangelism with your pastor. Then cultivate opportunities to invite at least 3 lost individuals to receive Jesus.Invest no less than six weeks in developing and influencing at least one other person in their faith and a ministry of the church.

Free Methodist DNA/Practices

Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley.B. T. and Ellen Roberts and the First Free Methodists by Daniel Runyon.Book of Discipline (most recent)NCC Vision by Mark Adams

Help your pastor teach a class to new members about the FMC.Observe at least one BOA and Society Meeting, with debriefing by pastor.Attend a GROW Event and/or Annual Conference.

MINISTRY SPECIFICS Suggested ReadingAdministration/ Leadership

Courageous Leaders by Bill HybelsAdministration in the Small Membership Churches by John Tyson

Caregiving/Mercy Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide by John Patton.Christian education(choose as appropriate to calling)

Ready, Set, Teach by Delia Halverson.Children’s Ministry Leadership Guide by Jim WidemanSeven Checkpoints for Youth Leaders by Andy Stanley.7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults by Barbara Bruce.

Technology & Communication

Viral by Leonard SweetWeb Empowered Ministry by Mark Stephenson

Worship & Music High Tech Worship by Quentin SchultzeThe Wonder of Worship by Keith Drury

Spiritual formation & Prayer

Intentional Disciple Making by Ron Bennet.Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson

Evangelism Heart of Evangelism by Jerram BarrsCounseling Christian Counseling (3rd Ed) by Gary Collins.

Strategic Pastoral Counseling by David BennerCreative arts For the Beauty of the Church by W. D. TaylorMINISTRY SPECFICIS Basic outline for suggested activities are described in the Deacon’s manual, but you should partner

with your pastor/mentor to tailor activities for your particular calling.

OTHER RESOURCES FOUND AT nccfmc.org and alexfirstfmc.org

Consecrated Deacon Manual -...

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