Exploring Ministry (Enlistment & Interpretation)
The Enlistment and Interpretation Team works with local congregations, pastors, and laypersons in order to develop and promote an environment in which women and men of all ages are invited to explore and discern God’s calling in its various forms. The vital work of this area includes leading God’s Call Events for those exploring vocational ministry, overseeing scholarship and ministry internship programs, and supporting those who are pursuing ministry through seminary visits.
If you believe God may be calling you into some form of ministry, we want to help in that exploring. You don’t need to have the answers to all the questions – and you might not even know all the questions. But if you have felt God’s nudging and want to explore and discern what that means, please consider the candidacy process.
While your home church pastor and/or District Superintendent are the best resources to begin the process, these documents outline the steps of candidacy for you:
Each year, the Enlistment and Interpretation Committee sponsors God’s Call Events, a workshop where you are invited to join others who are discerning what a call to ministry might look like, and hear from those who have already answered that call in a variety of ways. For more information on the next God’s Call Event, see the document below:
Once you have begun the candidacy process, we are happy to offer resources to help finance the necessary educational attainments.
- Cartwright Scholarship - The Thomas K. Cartwright Scholarship will be granted annually by The Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church to support young adults as they respond to a call of ordained ministry.
- Student Aid Fund
- Ministry Intern Program - College students from the Susquehanna Conference may apply to become a ministry intern in a local church. Internships are available for summer or academic years to help young people discern God’s call to ministry within their lives. The intern works with a mentoring pastor who guides their work and provides opportunities to learn (both in leadership and conversation) in personal and professional areas.