Full Transfer Application Information
The application for full transfer of membership from the statuses of OE (other methodist), and OF (other fellowship) will be open for the 2026-2027 conference year from January 1, 2026-January 15, 2026.
Remember that you have to be in your second year of full-time service and meet the educational requirements (including a 0.5 unit of C.P.E.) to be eligible to apply.
Apply using this application, then you will be placed on a track on Unity Web to complete your application: Click Here
Other Fellowship Application Information
For those applying to serve as an other fellowship pastor for the first time (meaning that you are ordained in another Christian denomination), this application opens on January 1, 2026. This process will now be rolling and clergy can apply throughout the year.
You can apply to become an other fellowship pastor here: Click Here
After you complete the application and an appointment becomes available, you will be placed on a track on Unity web to complete your application. Then, you will interview with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry.
Please contact Rev. Jessie Colwell at jessiecolwell@vaumc.org with any questions about these application processes.
Interested in Serving as a Clergy Member in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church?
Read the information below very carefully to see which category in which you should apply under.
FOR ALL ORDAINED CLERGY
For all clergy who are ordained in The United Methodist Church or another denomination and interested in serving a church in the Virginia Conference, you must first complete this Clergy Interest Form: https://form.jotform.com/240044584126047
Once you have completed this form, a representative from the Virginia Conference UMC will follow up with you if an appointment is available.
Depending on if an appointment is available, you may be asked to fill out the application and move forward in the transfer process.
FOR LICENSED LOCAL PASTORS FROM OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES LOOKING TO TRANSFER THEIR CANDIDACY
If you are a licensed local pastor or certified candidate from another United Methodist Conference within the United States and are looking to transfer your candidacy please fill out this form: https://form.jotform.com/230323879145155
Once you have completed this form, a representative from the Virginia Conference UMC will follow up with you with next steps.
FOR CLERGY WHO ARE CURRENTLY APPOINTED TO SERVE IN THE VAUMC WHO WANT TO TRANSFER INTO THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE UMC
– Incudes those who are ordained in The United Methodist Church or another Methodist partnership. You can search and see if your Methodist denomination is recognized here: https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/ecumenicaldetail/list-of-umc-partnerships-12822590
The application process for transfer opens each year on January 1st. Come back to this website and a link will be available for you to apply once it opens.
Once you apply, you will be placed on a track on Unity web and where you will submit your materials by February 15th.
Eligibility
– In order to apply for full transfer of membership to the Virginia Conference UMC you must be in your second year under appointment (you must be on the track to complete two full years of service by Annual Conference 2025).
– You must complete 0.5 units of C.P.E.
– You must receive a recommendation from your D.S.
– You must meet the Educational Requirements
– You must complete a background check and psychological assessment
– Provide the following documents:
– A copy of your ordination certificate
– Undergraduate & Seminary transcripts
– CPE supervisor and self-evaluation
– Candidate’s Disclosure Form
– Pastoral Profile Form
– Medical Report
– A personal statement about your desire to serve in the VAUMC
– A statement of your understanding of UMC doctrine including the sacraments and United Methodist polity.
– You must receive a letter of recommendation from your SPRC or Leadership Team
FOR LAY SUPPLY WHO ARE APPLYING TO BE OTHER FELLOWSHIP
– If you are currently a lay supply pastor in the Virginia Conference UMC and you have been ordained in another denomination this is the track to which you should apply.
The application process opens each year on January 1st. Come back to this website and a link will be available for you to apply once it opens.
Once you apply, you will be placed on a track on Unity web and where you will submit your materials by February 15th.
FOR CLERGY WHO ARE ORDAINED IN OTHER DENOMINATIONS
If you are a clergy member who is already actively ordained in another denomination, this track of Other Fellowship is for you.
1) If you have not already, complete the Clergy Interest Form: https://form.jotform.com/240044584126047
The application process opens each year on January 1st. Come back to this website and a link will be available for you to apply once it opens.
Once an appointment is available and your D.S. has contacted you, you will be placed on a track on Unity web and where you will submit your materials by February 15th.
Eligibility:
– In order to be recognized as a clergy member in the Virginia Conference you must complete the following documents:
– Background check
– Psychological assessment
– D.S. Recommendation
– Letter of recommendation from Denominational Officer that you are in good standing and are actively ordained.
– Undergraduate & Seminary transcripts
– Candidate’s Disclosure Form
– Pastoral Profile Form
– Medical Report
– Work authorization form
– A personal statement about your desire to serve in the VAUMC
– A statement of your understanding of UMC doctrine including the sacraments and United Methodist polity.