A person, in the traditional language of United Methodism, "within the ministry of the baptized who is called of God and set aside by the Church for the specialized ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Order." To qualify for ordination an individual must meet the requirements for membership set forth by The United Methodist Church and the Annual Conference and must have completed the necessary educational training. The individual must also receive the recommendation of the Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the affirmative vote of the ministerial members of the conference to receive ordination as a deacon or an elder. Following ordination one has the authority to exercise the responsibilities and duties of an ordained minister.
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
