THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN...

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY AND MISSION UNIT

CANDIDATING FOR THE ORDAINED MINISTRY

PROCEDURES

and

APPLICATION FORMS FOR

2007

Telephone (012) 804 3022PO Box 2144

Fax (012) 804 8487 SilvertonE-mail [email protected] 0127Website www.emmu.org.za

http://www.emmu.org.za/

BECOMING A METHODIST MINISTERIn order to be a Candidate for the Ministry one needs to:

Be a practicing Christian, committed to Jesus Christ, Have at least a Senior Certificate or Matric, Be a member in full standing of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa for at least 2 years, Be a Local Preacher, having travelled successfully at least one year in the Circuit Quarterly

Meeting. Have passed courses as stipulated:

o Study Skills (6/7000)These are new courses as found at TEE College. These are the preferred courses.

o Interpreting Texts. (6/7004)o Growing spiritually, thinking theologically

(6/7003), ando Engaging with people pastorally and ethically

(6/7002)

ORo Old Testament 1, These are courses previously

expected of Candidates. They will be accepted from people who have passed these courses at any time up to the end of 2006.

o New Testament 1 ando Systematic Theology 1 at an Institution

approved by EMMU

ORo Equivalent courses as approved by EMMU. Please check with EMMU before registering

with other Institutions as courses must be equivalent to our requirements.

The following are the steps you need to undertake:A Calling

The formation of a Methodist minister begins in a personal encounter with God in Jesus Christ. When you come to faith in Jesus Christ and begin to grow in that relationship, a sense of calling to some form of service to God and the world begins to develop in you. Because there are many different forms of service, there are many different “callings” or “vocations” through which Christians express their relationship with God. Very often this calling may be fulfilled as a lay person serving in the life of the church. One of these vocations is the calling to be “Ordained to the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments” – a calling that most often demands of one to serve full time under the Discipline of the Ordained Ministry. Can you describe how you know God is calling you? What is God calling you to? How is your church confirming this call you are experiencing?

The first step

If you are aware of a sense of calling to the ordained ministry, make an appointment to meet privately with the Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Circuit where you worship. In that meeting tell the Superintendent Minister how you came to have faith in Jesus Christ and how you came to the conviction that you are being called by God to the Ordained Ministry. In that conversation the Superintendent will discuss your sense of calling with you to clarify it in both your mind and hers or his. It is very important that you have a firm belief that you are offering yourself for the ordained ministry in obedience to God’s will and purpose for your life.

Local PreachingIf you are not a Local Preacher yet, you should receive “A Note to Preach.” This means that you will come under the guidance of the Circuit Local Preachers’ Meeting and will start your training as a “Local Preacher On Note”. Once you have gained some experience the meeting will advance you to “Local Preacher on Trial”. A Local Preacher is a lay person, not ordained to the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments, but called by God to the Ministry of Preaching in a local Circuit while pursuing a secular career.

In your training as a Local Preacher, you will be given the opportunity to lead worship services under the direction of a Circuit Supervisor of Studies who is a senior Local Preacher. You will be required to register with the Theological Education by Extension College (TEE) for courses of study.The requirement is that you complete the abovementioned courses successfully, travel 4 quarters on Trial as a Local Preacher in your circuit and pass the Circuit Trial Service. (Proclaiming our faith is not a requirement for Candidates, as this course will be offered during probation.

Nomination as a Candidate for the MinistryYour Superintendent will arrange for you to appear before the Quarterly Meeting of your home Circuit, where representatives of all the local churches in your Circuit meet once every three months to oversee the work of all the churches in the Circuit. In that meeting you will be asked to give an account of how you came to faith in Jesus Christ and of your calling to the ordained ministry. The Superintendent will then nominate you as a Candidate for the Ministry and ask the members of the Quarterly Meeting to vote on the nomination. A clear majority in favour of the nomination is necessary, while a unanimous vote is preferable, for you to proceed to the next stage.

By 1st October, you and your Superintendent Minister will submit the relevant forms, as a Candidate for the Ministry, to your District Supervisor of Studies who will verify all information and ensure that all relevant attachments are included. The District Supervisor of Studies will forward application forms to the Education for Ministry ad Mission Unit (EMMU) of the Methodist Church not later than 31st October.

“Candidating”Once you reach this stage you are regarded as a Candidate. The process from here evaluates ability and suitability for the ministry. You are evaluated on each of the following components. A pass mark is 50%, which indicates that you qualify to proceed with the process of evaluation. At the end the Connexional Executive of the Methodist Church will make decisions on the acceptance or otherwise of every Candidate who qualifies. Anyone who obtains less than 40% for any of the following components will be disqualified from the process, and can apply again in the following year.

1. The Superintendent’s reportYour Circuit Superintendent writes a report on your call, participation in the circuit, leadership abilities, gifts and suitability for the Ministry. The report counts 10 % of the mark that qualifies you to proceed or not.

2. The Essay on MethodismYou write an essay on the ministry and role of the Methodist Church, as set by the EMMU. You submit the essay by the end of February the year after your name was submitted, to your District Supervisor of Studies. The essay counts 15% of the mark that qualifies you to proceed or not.

3. The Trial ServicesYou conduct two services – one in your circuit and one in another. The services count 15% of the mark that qualifies you to proceed or not.

4. The Candidates’ Screening CommitteeOnce you have come this far you will appear before the Candidates’ Screening Committee early in the year after your name was submitted, which will be arranged by the Supervisor of Studies in your District. The District Supervisor of Studies will be present with a number of other people who are involved in the formation of ministers. The purpose of the Screening Committee is to meet and get to know you, to discuss the implications of your calling with you and to make a recommendation to the District Synod concerning your suitability for the ordained ministry. The interview counts 40% of the mark that qualifies you to proceed or not.

5. The Oral examOn the same day as the screening interview you will undergo an oral exam on the theology of Methodism. The exam counts 20% of the mark that qualifies you to proceed or not.

6. The Synod TestimonyYou will appear before the Synod if you have at least 40% for each of the above components, and a total of at least 50%. The Annual District Synod is a gathering of representatives from all the Circuits in a District of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The District Synod is the highest authority in the District and directs the work of all the Circuits in the District. There are twelve Districts in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. At the Synod, which usually takes place in May or June of each year, you will be required to give an account of how you came to faith in Jesus Christ and how you came to the conviction that you are being called by God to be ordained into the Ministry of the Word and Sacraments.The Synod will then be required to vote on your nomination for the ministry.

7. The General Committee of the EMMU and the Connexional ExecutiveOnce you are through the Synod process, the two remaining steps are the General Committee of the Education for Ministry and

Mission Unit, which meets in June, and the Connexional Executive.The EMMU receives all the recommendations of the various Synods regarding candidates for the ministry sending the result of their vote to the Connexional Executive of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The Connexional Executive makes the final decision regarding your acceptance, on probation, into the Methodist ministry.If you are accepted, the Connexional Executive is likely to “station” you. That means that you will be appointed to work in a pastoral capacity in a local church.

IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT ALL WHO QUALIFY WILL BE STATIONED. This depends on the number of Candidates and available stations.


EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY AND MISSION UNITPO Box 2144

Telephone (012) 804 3022 SilvertonFax (012) 804 8487 0127

FORM C1 TO BE RETURNED BY SUPERINTENDENT (before 31 July):

FORMS TO BE RETURNED BY CANDIDATE (before 1 October) TO YOUR DISTRICT SUPERVISOR OF STUDIES:

Personal questionnaire (Form C2) AND ALL ATTACHMENTS (Use the checklist on the 1st page of the Personal Questionnaire)

Circuit Report Medical Examination (Form C3)

2007 CANDIDATING PROCESSALL FORMS NOT RECEIVED BY EMMU FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERVISOR OF STUDIES BY 30 OCTOBER (no extension) WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

District District Supervisor of Studies Contact Telephone Number Cape of Good Hope Rev Yvette Moses 021 845 7268 Grahamstown Rev Sizwe Hlangani 041 4661227 Queenstown Rev Mthobeli Matyumza 043 733 2942 Kimberley, Bloemfontein & Namibia Rev John Moephuli 053 7731454 Northern Free State & Lesotho Rev Wendy de Waal 058 622 1422 Natal Coastal Rev Rodney Ramsay 031 765 9652Natal West Rev Sandy Dickie 034 312 2185 Central Rev Dirk van Doorene 011 577 6317Highveld & Swaziland Rev Jonathan Anderson 011 970 1110Limpopo Rev Mandla Vika 012 322 7428Mocambique Rev Henrique Mate 092581 404 405Clarkebury Rev Alphus Magadla 047 538 8447

1. ALL candidates write an Essay on Methodism (included). It is to be submitted to the District Supervisor of Studies not later than 28 February.

2. Before Synod, District Supervisors will arrange for 2 Trial Services, one in the “Home Society” and another in the District. Please contact your District Supervisor of Studies if you have not heard by end February. ( A Trial Service mark sheet included for information.)

3. A Candidates’ Screening Committee will meet in February – April in Districts. The candidate and candidate’s spouse (if married) or fiancé (if engaged to be married) are interviewed by the Committee.

4. An Oral Exam will be conducted on the same day as the Candidates’ Screening Committee meets in Districts. Your oral examination will be focused on your ability to apply the theology you would have studied, to real life situations. Two books to study for the exam are: (1) “Wesley : A Plain Man for Plain People” by Prof Len Hulley, and (2) Rediscovering Wesley for Africa. Edited by N Richardson and P Malinga. You can buy these books from Methodist Bookshops or EMMU.

5. Candidates give their testimony and Call to preach to Synod.

If a Candidate obtains below 40% for any one of the above steps, they are disqualified from the process.

50% is the overall pass mark. Only candidates with a total of 50% + will be considered by Synod. The Connexional Executive will decide who will be accepted into the Ministry.

Note: If a candidate is still a first year Local Preacher on Trial, then the candidature may proceed (as per L&D 21.21), but they are not to be placed on to Full Plan until after acceptance by Connexional Executive.

ESSAY ON METHODISM - 2006 CANDIDATES

Prepare an essay of 1500 words on the following topic. Please send the typed essay (where possible) and accompanying work to your District Supervisor of Studies by the end of February.

In order to prepare well for this essay you will need to use the following prescribed materials:

Abrahams, I. 2005. Come Holy Spirit heal and transform: The address of the Presiding Bishop to the Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa 2005. (obtainable from Methodist House) Report on the key outcomes of the Mission Congress: The Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Mission Congress 2004. (obtainable from the Mission Unit, Methodist House) Charter of the Mission Congress of the MCSA adopted in Mthatha in November 2004. (obtainable from the Mission Unit, Methodist House) If you have internet access you may also wish to consult the MCSA website at: http://www.methodist.org.za

The following books are suggested reading that will help you in completing this task:

Malinga, P & Richardson, N (eds) 2005. Rediscovering Wesley for Africa. Tswhane. Education for Ministry and Mission Unit.

Storey, P 2004. And are we yet alive? Revisioning our Wesleyan heritage in the new South Africa. Cape Town. Methodist Publishing House.

1. Design a poster which outlines your understanding of the Mission Statement of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa

The Church’s four mission imperatives are: Spirituality Justice and Service Evangelism and Church Growth Development and Economic empowerment

(10 Marks)2. Using the Mission charter and the four imperatives as a guide, explain why each of these four imperatives is critical for

mission in the Southern African context. (20 marks)

3. Which of the four mission imperatives is most critical in your local context?

Explain why it is so critical. (5 marks) Give some clear examples of how you can implement mission activity to bring about a healing and

transformation in this regard. (10 marks)

4. If you were appointed as a minister, how would you motivate your congregation to implement the kind of mission that the Presiding Bishop is talking about in his address to Conference 2005?

(15 marks)5. How would you address the complex issue of HIV / AIDS within the framework of the Mission imperatives and

the Mission Charter of the MCSA? (15 marks)

6. In which of the above areas of Mission do you need to develop and grow to become more effective for ministry? Explain briefly how you will facilitate this growth. (10 marks)

7. Give a brief summary of what you believe makes the Methodist Church of Southern Africa a unique and valuable instrument for God’s Mission (use the Presiding Bishop’s address, the report of the Mission Congress, and if you have it, Prof Storey’s book, in answering this question). (15 marks)

Total : [100 Marks]

Please ensure that this essay and it’s accompanying documents reach your District Supervisor of Studies no later than the end of February 2007. If you post the essay you must register it and keep a copy of your work.

THE METHODIST CHURCHOF SOUTHERN AFRICA

ASSESSMENT OF TRIAL SERVICES(Local Preachers, Candidates, Probationers, Ordinands)

Name of Preacher : ...................................................................................................................................................

Status of Preacher : ...................................................................................................................................................

Place : .................................................................. Date : ........................................................................................Marks

MaxAward

ed1. THE PREACHER

What impression did the preacher convey through personality, dress, body language, gestures, inflexions of voice, mannerisms? Note should be taken of projection of voice, use of vocabulary and general demeanour.

10

2. CONDUCT OF THE SERVICEa) General : An overall impression of the Service as an act of worship. Did the congregation meet God in real worship? Were

there any creative and helpful innovations which enabled worshippers to participate effectively in the service?10

b) Use of Liturgy and Form of Service : Where liturgy was used, was this done in a way that showed an understanding of the words spoken? Was the congregation enabled to sense the progression in the service that clarified the meaning of what they were doing? Was there familiarity with the liturgy that showed careful preparation?

10

c) Hymns and Spiritual Songs: Was the choice of hymns and spiritual songs suited to the theme of worship? Credit should be given for variety of subject, appropriateness for each part of the service and good choice of metre.

3

d) Scripture: Was the Scripture read intelligently clearly and with the natural emphasis required by the passage? 2

e) Prayers: Sincerity and spirituality should be evident. There should be evidence of original work. The service should include the elements of Adoration, Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, Petition, Intercession, Forgiveness and Invocation of God’s presence.

15

Total for service 50

3. THE SERMONa) Interpretation of the Word: Did the preacher understand and interpret scripture accurately? Was a clear understanding

given of the context of the passage. Did the message harmonise with the Christian Gospel and with Methodism?15

b) Content of Sermon: What was the sermon about? How adequately did the preacher deal with the subject? Was there a clear structure? Was the congregation challenged?

10

c) Use of resources: Was the subject well-researched? Did the preacher understand human nature and show in the delivery a grasp of the essence of the Gospel? Was the message appropriate to the hearers? Was the use of illustration creative, and did the illustrations apply accurately to the points the preacher was making?

15

d) Application: Did the sermon lead to a climax and did it seek to answer the question “How”? Did the preacher show a clear understanding of the context? How clearly was the content of the sermon related to the scripture lessons and the context of the congregation?

10

Total for sermon (Submiminum = 25/50) 50

TOTAL 100

What suggestions are there to improve the quality of this service of worship?

EXAMINERS:Name: Signature______________________________ __________________________________________________________ ____________________________ CATEGORY ___________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ ____________________________

Categories:49% and under (or if any subminima not achieved)50% - 54%55% – 59%60% = 69%70% - 79%80% and above

F = FailE = WeakD = FairC = GoodB = Very GoodA = Excellent

Note:1. For Candidates for the Ministry a full written Report on the Trial Services must

be submitted to the Synod with this Assessment sheet.2. For Probationers a brief paragraph for the information of the Synod and the

Probationer is sufficient.3. For Ordinands a written Report (briefer than for Candidates) is also required by

the Synod./assessment.trialservices



PO Box 2144Telephone (012) 804 3022

SilvertonFax (012) 804 8487 0127

INTENTION TO NOMINATE A CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY

CANDIDATE’S DETAILS1. Surname ______________________Full names_____________________________________________2. Telephone (Work) ____________________________________________________________________

(Home) ____________________________________________________________________(Cell) ____________________________________________________________________

3. Postal address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Postal Code _________

4. Local Preacher’s On-Trial? Since In Circuit_______________________5. Theology studies completed at which Institution 6. Please list subject(s) ___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________ _______________________________ Candidate’s Signature Date

SUPERINTENDENT’S DETAILS Circuit Number___________________1. Superintendent’s name____________________________________________________________________2. Telephone (Work) ____________________________________________________________________

(Home) ____________________________________________________________________(Cell) ____________________________________________________________________

3. Postal address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Postal Code ___________

____________________________________ _______________________________ Superintendent’s Signature Date

Please fax / send to EMMU and a COPY to your District Supervisor of Studies before 31 July.

NO LATE NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Candidate documents will be posted to the Circuit Superintendent. If you have not received the forms by end of August, please contact EMMU office.

/forms/cand/Nomination Form C1/March 2006



Telephone (012) 804 3022Silverton

Fax (012) 804 8487 0127

CIRCUIT REPORT

SUPERINTENDENT’S DETAILS Circuit NumberSuperintendent’s name ___________________________________________________________________________________________Telephone (Work) _______________________________ (Cell) _______________________________________________________Postal address ___________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________Postal Code ___________E-mail ___________________________________________________________________________________________

CANDIDATE’S DETAILS7. Surname _________________________ Full names_______________________________________________________8. Male / female ___________________________ Age ____________________________________________________________9. Telephone (Work) ___________________________________________________________________________________

(Home) ___________________________________________________________________________________(Cell) ___________________________________________________________________________________(e-mail) __________________________________________________________________________________

10. Postal address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Postal Code ________

11. THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COMPLETE (Please attach proof of studies completed to this form[Academic record])

Year Subject Mark College______ ______ _______________________________________________ ______ _______________________________________________ ______ _______________________________________________ ______ _________________________________________

PRESENT THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (Please attach proof of registration)

Student Number __________________________________________________Subject College

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

12. Has the candidate been a full member of the Methodist Church for at least two years? ___________________________________

13. If he/she has been a member of your circuit for less than 2 years, please include a written report of the previous superintendent? (L&D 4.12). _______________________________________________________________________________________________

14. Does the candidate have the minimum educational standard? (At least standard 10 or equivalent – L&D 4.5) _________________

15. Is the candidate an accredited Local Preacher or a Local Preacher On-Trial? (L&D 4.6) Since __________ Circuit______________Quarters completed ____________________________________________________________________________

16. Quarterly meeting vote (L&D 4.14) Unanimous____ / For______ Against_____ Neutral_____ Date of meeting ______________

17. Who has been appointed as Circuit tutor / mentor for this candidate? ________________________________________________

18. How would the circuit respond if the candidate were to be stationed in your circuit? (This question refers to suitability rather than the circuit’s financial ability to employ another minister) _______________________________________________________________

19. In what way would the circuit be able to carry the cost of training for the candidate? ______________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20. Is the candidate applying for:

a. Full time itinerant stipendary_____________________________b. Full time non-itinerant stipendary__________________________c. Full time non-itinerant non-stipendary______________________d. Part time non-itinerant non-stipendary______________________

If the candidate is applying for b, c or d:

Does your circuit undertake to employ this candidate ? _______________________________________________________

Does the circuit undertake to employ the candidate for the duration of his or her probation or pay back the Connexion’s cost

of training the person if his/her employment is terminated and he/she cannot complete his/her probation? _______________

Please attach motivation (refer L&D, General Regulations, para 14, pg 95)

Please note that if the candidate is offering for b, c or d, that you will need to motivate to the Synod.

REPORT ON THE CANDIDATE

1. What evidence is there of spiritual growth in the candidate?__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________(1)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe the level of his / her spiritual maturity. Please motivate your comment.__________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (1)

3. Which ministries, organisations or groups are the candidate involved in and in what capacity?_______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (1)

4. How has he / she enabled others to grow spiritually? Please motivate your comment._____________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (2)

5. How is the candidate’s moral character evident?___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (1)

6. Why do you believe the candidate is suitable for the Ordained Ministry in the Methodist Church?_____________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________(2)

7. Is the candidate familiar with the doctrines and disciplines of the Methodist Church, and does he / she adhere to them? Does the

candidate fulfill his/her responsibilities (eg. preaching, etc) faithfully?___________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (1)

8. Does the candidate have a healthy relationship with members, leaders and ministers in the circuit?__________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________(1)

9. Is he / she free from debt?____________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. If the candidate is married or engaged to be married, does the spouse support the candidate?______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Any other comments? _______________________________________________________________________________________

Superintendent: (Name) : _____________________________________________________________________________________

(Signature): _________________________________ (Date) ________________________________________

Circuit stewards: (Names): 1. ____________________________________ 2. _____________________________________

(Signatures): 1. __________________________________ 2. ___________________________________

ATTACHMENTS

Written report of previous superintendent if applicable

Proof of studies completed – Academic record – to this form

Proof of registration of current studies to this form

If non-itinerant, a letter from the Circuit Quarterly Meeting (see L&D, General Regulations, para 14)

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICAEDUCATION FOR MINISTRY AND MISSION UNIT

Telephone (012) 804 3022 PO Box 2144Fax (012) 804 8487 Silvertone-mail: [email protected] 0127

PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CANDIDATURE FOR MINISTRY

Please take great care with the completion of this form. If you need more space for your answers, please use additional paper. The information given will help the church in the selection of candidates, its decisions regarding your training, in stationing you, and in planning your ministry development.

IF THE FORM IS NOT COMPLETED IN FULL OR ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT INCLUDED, IT WILL NOT BE PROCESSED BUT RETURNED TO THE CANDIDATE

ATTACHMENTS Personal questionnaire (Form C2)

ID Photo

Copy of ID

ID Photo of candidate

If applicable, copy of spouse’s ID

If applicable, child(ren)’s ID or birth certificate(s)

If applicable, explanatory letter regarding child/children born outside of present marriage

If applicable, marriage certificate, divorce decree (if divorced), death certificate of spouse (if widowed) Copy of Senior Certificate or equivalent

If applicable, copy of academic record of theological studies Medical Examination form (Form C3)

Testimonials x 2

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION Candidate Year ________________________

1.1 Surname: __________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.2 First names: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

What name do you prefer to be called by?_______________________________________________________________________

1.3 Date of birth: Day: _______________________ Month: __________________________ Year: ____________________________

1.4 Identity Number:____________________________________________________________ Male / Female _____________________

1.5 Residential address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

1.6 Postal address:______________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________Code ___________________

1.7 Telephone: Work ________________________________Home_______________________________________________

Cell_________________________________ e-mail ______________________________________________

1.8 Driver’s License: Yes / No_______________________________ Code_________________________________________________

1.9 What is your state of health? ___________________________________________________________________________________(The completed medical examination form signed by a doctor must be attached.)

1.10 Language : (Home)___________________________________________________________________________________

(Other)___________________________________________________________________________________

2. STATUS

2.1 Marital status: Married / Single / Divorced / Widowed (Delete whichever is not applicable)

2.2 If you are single, have you taken any steps towards marriage? _________________________________________________________

2.3 Have you been divorced? _____________________________________________________________________ ( If yes, give details)

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.4 Are you the biological father or mother of any children outside of marriage? Please give details: _____________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.5 Give brief details of your parents’ family: (Your parents’ names and ages, the size of the family, the nature of your parents’ employment, where the family lived over the years, what connection the family has with the Christian Church, your feelings about the quality of inter-personal relationships within the family, etc.)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.6 Are your parents or any other family members dependent on you? ____________________________ (If yes, give details)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.7 What is the attitude of your family to your proposed entry into the ministry? _______________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IF YOU ARE MARRIED:

2.8 Is your spouse a divorcee? _____________________________________________________________________________________

2.9 Please give your spouse’s first name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Spouse’s surname before marriage:

Spouse’s date of birth: Day : _____________________ Month: ____________________ Year:

2.10 Date of marriage: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

2.11 What is your spouse’s state of health? ________________ Does she/he need to be near a hospital for treatment? ___________

If yes, give details:

Does he/she suffer from any allergies, or suffer from a disability? _______________________ (Give details )

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.12 Is your spouse employed? ______________ In what capacity? _______________________________________________________

2.13 Will your spouse be able to pursue her/his career wherever you are appointed? ___________________________________________

2.14 Is your spouse presently engaged in any course of study? ________________ If yes, give brief details: _______________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.15 Will your spouse accompany you if you are appointed in a circuit? ______________________________________________________

2.16 What is your spouse’s attitude to your proposed entry into the ministry? _________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.17 What does your spouse think would be a church’s expectations of her/his role in the church, and how does he/she respond to that?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN:

2.18 How many children do you have? (Please declare all children, whether they are dependent on you or not)______________________

2.19 Name____________________________________________ Date of birth ______________________________________________

Name____________________________________________ Date of birth ______________________________________________




2.20 Where are your children at school at present? _____________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.21 Will they be able to accompany you if you are appointed to a circuit? ___________________________________________________

2.22 Are there circumstances you experience concerning your children which might affect your stationing? _________________________

If yes, give brief details:

3. SCHOOL, EDUCATIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL3.1 Which primary school did you attend? ____________________________________________________________________________

Which secondary school did you attend? _________________________________________________________________________

Grade 12 (Senior Certificate) obtained in _______________________________ (year) (Please attach copy of Senior Certificate)

3.2 Tertiary education: Diploma / Degree obtained?_________________________________(Please attach copy of Diploma / Degree)

3.3 Are you studying this year? ___________What? ___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.4 Employment history (starting with current employment)

Employment period Company Position held

3.5 What has been the nature of your relationships with your colleagues? (Please attach at least 2 testimonials)

3.6 Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence or spent time in prison? ______If yes, please give details on a separate sheet.

3.7 Have you ever been subject to physical abuse? ___________________________ If yes, please give details on a separate sheet.

3.8 Have you ever committed abuse towards another person? ___________________ If yes, please give details on a separate sheet.

Have you ever been convicted of such an offence? __________________________If yes, please give details on a separate sheet.

3.9 Have you ever been in a motor accident which involved an insurance claim?______ If yes, please give details on a separate sheet.

3.10 Have you accumulated any pension benefits in your previous employment? ______________________________________________

If yes, give brief details: _____________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.11 Do you have any outstanding accounts or debts? ___________________________ If yes, please give details on a separate sheet. 4. RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT4.1 Do you (and your spouse) enjoy close social relationships with other people? Describe. ___________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.2 Are you involved in any community or social activities outside the life of the church? Give details: _____________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.3 What hobbies do you have? ___________________________________________________________________________________

4.4 What other career would you pursue if you were unable to enter the ministry?

Why? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND AND ATTITUDES

5.1 Have you been baptised? ___________________When? _____________________ Where? ________________________________

5.2 How long have you been a member of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa? __________________________________________

5.3 Have you ever been a member of another church?__________ Which church? ____________________For how long? ____________

5.4 Have you ever candidated for this or any other ministry? ________________ If yes, when? _________________________________

5.5 Give details of your service in any other ministry: ____________________________________________________________________

5.6 When were you converted to God? ______________________________________________________________________________

5.7 How do you enjoy an inward witness to your salvation? _______________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.8 What was the most significant experience in your spiritual growth? ______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.9 In what ways do you press on to Christian perfection? ________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.10 When were you first called to preach? ____________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.11 How did the call to the ministry come to you? _______________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.12 Why do you feel you must serve God in the Ordained Ministry rather than as a lay person or Local Preacher? ____________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.13 What do you believe are your particular spiritual gifts for service in the church (e.g. pastor, administrator, etc.)? __________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.14 Where do you believe you could best serve the church (e.g. small town,, inner city etc.) ? ___________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.15 Are you willing to serve in a circuit where there are people of a racial or ethnic group different from yours? ______________________

5.16 Are you willing to serve under a Superintendent of another racial group? _________________________________________________

5.17 Are you willing to serve under a Superintendent or Bishop who is a woman? ______________________________________________

5.18 Do you abstain from alcoholic beverages? ________________ What is your attitude to the misuse of alcohol?___________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.19 Are you a smoker? __________________If yes, are you a heavy smoker? _______________________________________________

5.20 Are you dependent on any sort of drugs? __________________ What is your attitude to the misuse of drugs? ___________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.21 Do you know and understand the Methodist standpoint on issues such as those in the previous six questions? ___________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.22 Are there any other policies of the Methodist Church on which you would like to comment on? ________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5.23 Are there any other matters not dealt with in this questionnaire which could help the Church understand you and plan for your ministry to be effective? ____________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________6 READING

6.1 Please list the titles and authors of the most important books you have read.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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6.1 Which one of these was most significant in your preparation for the ministry? _____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: __________________________



PO Box 2144Telephone (012) 804 3022 SilvertonFax (012) 804 8487 0127e-mail: [email protected]

APPLICATION FORM

I, the undersigned, ____________________________________________________________________________ (Full names)being a Candidate for the ministry of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa am applying for:

(Please tick the appropriate line)Full time itinerant stipendary ministry _____________Full time non-itinerant stipendary ministry _____________Full time non-itinerant non-stipendary ministry _____________Part time non-itinerant non-stipendary ministry _____________

I understand that my relationship with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa is a covenantal relationship, rather than contractual: Laws and Discipline (1997) para 4.3 : No legally enforceable contract shall exist at any time between the church and any of its circuits on one hand and a minister on the other hand, in respect of payment of stipends or any allowance. Laws and Discipline (1997) para 4.18:

1. I will accept and obey the discipline and decisions of the Conference and the Connexional Executive;

2. I will go to whichever Circuit or station I am appointed;

3. I will not malign this Church, its ministers, doctrines or practices;

4. Should I leave the Ministry of this Church for any reason, I will not conduct another Ministry in the Circuit or area to which I was appointed;

5. Should I leave this Church, I will not encourage any member or adherent of the Church to follow me;

6. Should I leave this Church, I will accept the decision of the Connexional Executive or of the Presiding Bishop governing the termination of my service and my occupancy of Church property.

7. I declare that I will undertake whatever course of training for the ministry the Church may from time to time determine;

8. I am __________years old today. If I am older than 55 I undertake to bear the full cost of my training

for the Ministry as determined by EMMU, including academic registration, travel costs to

Connexional and District training, etc.

9. I declare that if I should for any reason resign from the ministry of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, I will repay to the Methodist Church the total cost of my training, less any amount which has been contributed in terms of the paragraph above, provided that each completed year of service after my training will reduce my indebtedness to the church by one-fifth, so that after five years of service, I shall not be required to repay any of the costs of my training.

10. I understand that I bear part of the cost of my training. The percentage of Ministerial training expenses

to be borne by Probationer Ministers will be determined by the Connexional Executive from time to

time. In respect of 2005, such portion is 30% of the budgeted average cost per Probationer in

their respective Phase of training. (See document attached for detail).

Candidate’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date : ________________________________

Superintendent: ________________________________________ Witness:_______________________________

mailto:[email protected]



Telephone (012) 804 3022Silverton

Fax (012) 804 8487 0127

MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY

CANDIDATE’S DETAILSSurname _________________________ Full names_______________________________________________Date of birth ____________________________________________________________________________________Postal address ______________________________________________________________Postal Code ___________

MEDICAL HISTORY : Please record any hereditary (Familial) or acquired condition or disease that may be of relevance.

EXAMINATION :NORMAL?

YES NO

HEART AND CIRCULATION

Please record : Blood pressure Pulse

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

GENITO-URINARY SYSTEMIncluding examination for protein or sugar in the urine, which must be voided in the surgery

RECOMMENDATION: Recommendations to be considered by the Screening Committee, or which require further investigation in the interest of the candidate, would be appreciated.

Please record abnormal findings:_______________________________________________________

SIGNED: Medical Examiner:________________________________________________________Qualifications:____________________________________________________________Address:________________________________________________________________Date:___________________________________________________________________

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN...

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