Next Events: July 7-8, 2023; January 12-13, 2024 or July 26-27, 2024
Sample Agenda (pdf)
Candidacy Summit Flyer (pdf)
If you are unable to attend the Candidacy Summit in July, you can plan to join us in 2024: January 12-13, or July 26-27
The Candidacy Summit is an overnight event for anyone (18 or older and out of high school) who is interested in learning more about pursuing ministry leadership in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church (VAUMC). (There are separate events for high school students who are interested in pursing ministry leadership.) The purpose of the Candidacy Summit is to provide opportunities for vocational discernment, connection with others who are exploring God’s call in their lives, and deeper understanding about the VAUMC journey towards certified, licensed and ordained ministry.
Two Candidacy Summits are offered each year, one in July and one in January, and participation in one Candidacy Summit is required before one can become a certified candidate for ministry (or before one can become a licensed local pastor) in the VAUMC. For details on location and schedule, and to register, click the link at the top of the page — please note that those who wish to be licensed as a local pastor should participate in a Candidacy Summit prior to the Annual Conference in which they would hope to be licensed.
Most of the cost of the event is covered by apportioned connectional giving from Virginia congregations through the Board of Ordained Ministry, but there is a registration fee for participants to help with meals and lodging. Participants are asked to complete two activities prior to attending the Summit. First, please download and complete the River of Life Activity (pdf). Second, two weeks prior to the Summit, participants will receive by email instructions to complete a strengths discovery assessment online. The cost of this assessment is included as part of registration. Bring both the results of the assessment and the River of Life activity to the Summit.
We’re looking forward to welcoming all those interested in ministry to explore their calling with peers and learn more about how God might be calling them to serve in The United Methodist Church.