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 lay ministry, or certified candidacy, licensing, and ordained ministry.
The Candidacy Summit is an overnight event open to 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). However, the Summit is required for candidates in Phase II (Admitted candidates working toward becoming a Certified Candidate)
Registration Details
Two Candidacy Summits are offered each year, one in January and one in July. The event is currently held at Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, VA. For a sample schedule click here.
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.
Required Preparation
Call Statement – Please bring a copy of your call statement to share in small group time. The statement should include highlights or your call into ministry and should be no more than one page.
River of Life Exercise – Please complete the entire exercise with an emphasis on Section 8 – the places you can identify God’s call to ministry. Click on the link to begin. https://doc.vaumc.org/MinServices/RiverofLife.pdf
Clifton Strengths – Shortly before the Candidacy Summit you will receive instructions from [email protected] to take the Clifton Strengths Assessment which will identify your top five strengths for ministry.
Assigned Reading – No matter your call, the journey of discernment is often fraught with questions and self doubt! Please read, “Blessed Wrestling” written by the Reverend Jessie Colwell. It shares stories of clergy and lay members across the VAUMC who have been exactly where you are and have gone on to serve in a variety of capacities. You can order from Amazon.com or Cokesbury.com.
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.