Exploring a Call to Ministry
Listening for God. Growing in faith. Becoming who you are called to be.
God’s call can take many forms, and each journey is quite unique. Whether you’re just beginning to notice God’s nudges or you’ve been reflecting on your gifts for years, the Susquehanna Conference wants to talk alongside you.
What We Do
The Enlistment & Interpretation Team of the Board of Ordained Ministry works with congregations, pastors, and laypeople to cultivate an environment where everyone can explore and discern God’s call. This include:
- Providing resources to discern God’s Call within our lives and the UMC tradition
- Hosting God’s Call events - workshops for those considering ministry
- Supporting seminary visits and meetings with students
- Overseeing scholarships
Taking the Next Step
You don’t need all the answers - or even all the questions - to begin exploring. If you sense God calling you to some form of ministry:
- Request a Discern. Respond. Personal journal to spend time hearing, thinking and being with God.
- Meet with your home church pastor or Conference Superintendent.
- Learn about the candidacy process, including resources like:
- “What’s the Difference” Guide - ministry paths in the UMC
- Answering the Call Guidebook
- Candidate for Ministry Process
- Candidate for Ministry Tracking Sheet
God’s Call events are required for everyone entering ministry towards being a candidate or attending licensing school.
Exploring Different Paths of Ministry
God's call to ministry can take many forms. For some, that call leads to ordained or licensed ministry in a local church. For others, it may lead to chaplaincy ministry in settings such as hospitals, the military, correctional facilities or other specialized communities.
If you are interested in chaplaincy, the United Methodist Endorsing Ministry Agency (UMEA) provides information about chaplaincy and the endorsement process for United Methodists.
God’s Call Events
Join others who are discerning their call and hear from people who have answered God’s call in various ways. We offer three ways to participate in God’s Call events based on your availability and best learning style.
- In Person: August 8, 2026 10:00 am-2:00 pm with lunch provided
- On Zoom: March 21, 2026 9:30 am-12 pm or October 22, 2026 6-9pm
- On demand via the Susquehanna Conference platform Portico
Contact: Rev. Rachel Wong
Exploring a Call Resources
- Discernment Journal
- ”What’s the Difference” Guide
- Candidacy Resources
- Scholarships
Rev. Rachel Wong
Work Area Lead, Enlistment & Interpretation