Ray C. started the Ordination process with the United Methodist Church about 8 years ago - no lie! Last week, we finally finished it! I say "we" because I feel like I should have been ordained too after everything I've gone through with him, right? Not really, but it has been a long journey!
He was licensed as a local pastor in 2005. Then, he was commissioned as a Probationary Elder in 2007. So, last week, he was finally ordained as an Elder in full connection. It doesn't look any different to anyone, but it certainly feels different.
It was so nice to have friends, family, and members of our church supporting us at the Ordination on Tuesday. I was excited for them that they were able to hear the Bishop preach and able to be a part of the Methodist community. They got some insight into what it is all about. It amazes me that people are part of something for so long and still have no idea what it is really about, but the reality is that the majority of people know nothing more about their church than what they see on Sundays.
Admittedly, it is not really exciting to sit through annual conference and listen to everything they discuss. However, it is interesting to learn how the whole system works and how each congregation and their pastors are connected to one another.
I do not pretend to know much about it, but I would love for people to understand more about their churches and how it all fits together. For instance, in the United Methodist Church, pastors are not interviewed and then just hired because the church likes them - they are appointed. Most people know this, but that is as much as they know.
This is getting to be kind of boring - if you are interested in learning more about the UM Church, visit http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2242545/k.37A3/Pastoral_Appointments_Overview.htm.
This is a great overview of how it all works!
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