If you need any assistance with these forms,
please contact the Office of Clergy Services at
803-786-9486, Ext. 328, or clergyservices@umcsc.org.
Transferring from Other Methodist Denomination
¶ 347.2 Transfers, Ordained Clergy from Other Methodist Denominations –Ordained clergy from other Methodist churches may be received by transfer into provisional or full conference membership or as local pastors, with the consent of the bishops or other authorities involved, without going through the process required for minis- ters from other denominations. The General Board of Higher Edu- cation and Ministry shall establish a list of denominations that meet this definition. Prior consultation with the chairperson or executive committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry shall be held in order to determine that the minister meets the standards for conference membership established by the Discipline and the annual conference. A psychological report, criminal background and credit check, and reports of sexual misconduct and/or child abuse shall be required. They shall submit, on a form provided by the conference Board of Ordained Ministry: (2016 Book of Discipline)
DEFINITION: For the purpose of this process, “at least equal to those of United Methodist elders” means that in addition to having been ordained, the clergy person has met the educational requirements or the equivalent approved by the GBHEM for full membership and ordination in the United Methodist Church and in the SCAC. GBHEM will certify that the educational requirements for the United Methodist Church have been met, and the Office of Clergy Services will certify that the requirements of the SCAC have been met.
The links below are to forms, instructions and documents needed for you to complete a Transfer Application to become a Full Member, Provisional Member or Local Pastor in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference. Pay attention to deadlines.
Instructions, and Important Information
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)
Please read carefully the South Carolina Conference Policy for those transferring from other Methodist denominations: ¶347.2 Transfer Policy
Deadlines for the completion and submittal of each form and/or action is listed beside the required document/action.
Some forms have two completion options from which to choose. You only need to complete a form using one of the available options.
- The PDF option should be saved to your computer before completing. Once the document is complete send copies to the offices mentioned above.
- The Submittal 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
Required Forms
- Application for Clergy Relationship (F105)
- Credit Statement (06SCBOM)
- Notarized Criminal Background Statement
- Biographical Form (F102)
- Medical Report (F103)
- Fulfillment of Theological Studies Form
- November 5
- November 5
- November 5
- January 7
- January 7
- January 7
Additional Documentation & Actions
(by November 5) Submit a letter to the Bishop of the South Carolina Conference and the Bishop of your home Conference officially requesting to transfer to the South Carolina Conference. Copy Clergy Services and the DS where you are appointed.
(by January 7) Submit a current 2×2 photograph to the Office of Clergy Services.
(by January 7) Complete the psychological testing process with the vendor listed on the Consent Form to update your Psychological. Contact Clergy Services to discuss this step.
(by January 7) 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.)
(by January 31) Interview with and receive the recommendation of the dCOM where you are appointed.
(by January 31) Receive the recommendation of the DS where you are appointed.
(by May 1) Submit official transcripts showing the completion of all Disciplinary and South Carolina Conference requirements.
What happens next…
You will be invited to interview with the Executive Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. You will need to be recommended for Conference Membership by the Executive Committee.
You will be presented as a candidate for transfer at the Clergy Session at the South Carolina Annual Conference. The Clergy Session will have final approval for Conference Membership.
