Local Pastor Reinstatement

¶ 320.4  Reinstatement of Local Pastor Status—Local pastors whose approved status has been discontinued from an annual conference of The United Methodist Church or one of its legal predecessors may be reinstated only by the annual conference that previously approved them, its legal successor, or the annual conference of which the major portion of their former conference is a part, only upon recommendation by the district committee on ordained ministry from which their license was discontinued, the Board of Ordained Ministry, and the cabinet. Persons seeking reinstatement shall provide evidence that they have been members of a local United Methodist church for at least one year prior to their request for reinstatement. The district committee shall require a recommendation from the charge conference where his or her membership is currently held. When approved by the clergy members in full connection as provided in ¶ 337, their license and credentials shall be restored, and they shall be eligible for appointment as pastors of a charge. They shall complete current studies and meet requirements as provided in ¶¶ 315, 318.

Whenever persons whose approval as local pastors has been discontinued by an annual conference are being considered for appointment or temporary employment in another annual conference, the Board of Ordained Ministry where these persons are being considered shall obtain from the Board of Ordained Ministry of the conference where approval has been discontinued verification of their qualifications and information about the circumstances relating to the termination of their approval as local pastors. (2016 Book of Discipline)

The links below are to forms, instructions and documents needed for you to be reinstated as a Certified Candidate in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference.  Pay attention to any deadlines. Submit a copy of all Completed Forms and Requested documents to the Office of Clergy Services and a copy to your district office: Clergy Services, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 (clergyservices@umcsc.org)

Some forms have two completion options from which to choose.  You only need to complete a form using one of the available options.

1. The PDF option should be saved to your computer before completing. Once the document is complete send copies to the offices mentioned above.
2. The Online option can be completed online, electronically signed and automatically submitted to the Office of Clergy Services. You will still need to download a copy for your records and send one to your District Office

You must be a professing member in good standing of a United Methodist Church for a minimum of one (1) year in order to be eligible for reinstatement. (¶ 320.4)

• Request reinstatement to Local Pastor Status in writing.  Address the letter to the current District Superintendent of the district in which you were discontinued. Copy the Coordinator of Clergy Services, the Chairperson of the Conference Board of Ministry and the Cabinet Secretary. Your letter should include the reason you are requesting reinstatement.

• Submit a letter to the Office of Clergy Services from your Pastor indicating that you have been an active member of a United Methodist Church for at least one year.

• Submit a completed “Application for Readmission/Reinstatement” form to the Office of Clergy Services.  It is available for download using the “PDF” link to the right: (PDF)

• Request for additional information and/actions may be made by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, the Board of Ordained Ministry’s Executive Committee or by the Appointive Cabinet. Copy Clergy Services on any additional requested information you submit. You may be requested:

• to update your previous psychological. If so, sign the “Consent to Testing” in the District Office and follow any instructions regarding completing the psychological testing process with the vendor listed on the Consent Form.

• to submit an updated “Medical Report.” If so have a physician of your choice complete the Medical form. Be sure to send a copy to the Office of Clergy Services. The Medical Form is available for download using the PDF link on the right. (PDF).

• to submit an updated “Credit Statement.” This form has two completion options from which to choose.  Select the appropriate link to the right. (PDF) or (ONLINE).

• to submit an updated “Notarized Criminal Background Statement.” This form must be notarized and sent to the Office of Clergy Services. It is available for download using the to the right. (PDF)

• to complete the Credit & Criminal Background Screening. After you submit your Criminal Background Statement, an email invitation will be sent with a link for you to complete a Credit Check & Criminal Background Screening. The cost will be $20.00 and will be paid by you online.

• each group may (or may not) request a personal interview.

• additional information not listed may also be requested.

Important Information and Links

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