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 Another Christian Denomination
¶ 347.3 Transfers, Ordained Clergy from Other (Non-Methodist) Denominations- On recommendation of the Board of Ordained Ministry, the clergy members in full connection may recognize the orders of ordained clergy from other denominations and receive them as provisional members or local pastors. They shall present their credentials for examination by the bishop and Board of Ordained Ministry and give assurance of their Christian faith and experience. They shall give evidence of their agreement with and willingness to support and maintain United Methodist doctrine, discipline, and polity and present a satisfactory certificate of good health on the prescribed form from a physician approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry. The Board of Ordained Ministry, in consultation with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, shall determine whether they meet the educational requirements for conference membership. A psychological report, criminal background and credit check, and reports of sexual misconduct and/or child abuse shall be required. (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 an application for Commissioning or Ordination. Begin by reading the checklist, timeline and Verification of packet. Make sure you choose the correct instructions for your process.
Other Christian Denomination transfer as Provisional
- Status Change Memorandum
- General Instructions
- Writing Quality and Style Reference Guide
- Academic Style and Intellectual Integrity Policy-Procedure Form
- BOM Policy Guidelines
- OF to PE Theology, Doctrine & Call Instructions (Disciplinary Questions)
- United Methodist Relationship & History Form
- Medical Report (F103)
- Credit Statement & Authorization (06SCBOM)
- Notarized Criminal Background Statement (07SCBOM)
- Fulfillment of Theological Studies Form
- Clergy Mentor Report (if you were a Local Pastor last year)
- Candidacy Mentor Report (if you did not serve as a Local Pastor last year)
- Application for Clergy Relationship (F105)
- Biographical Form (F102)
- Action Report: will be submitted on your behalf by your dCOM.
- Consent to Psychological Testing (Phase 1)
- District Superintendent Observation (05SCBOM)
