Ordination Process Resources
The following page includes information to answer common questions and to provide resources for the ordination process in the PNW. Please start here; each phase below directs you to the best starting contact for any remaining questions.
Click here for a glossary of commonly-used terms in the United Methodist Church in general and the ordination process specifically.
Phase 0: Local Church/Ministry Process Resources
The following is provided to support the discernment work of the local church with potential candidates for ministry. Your local pastor is the starting contact for questions not answered by this page.
Phase 1: District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM) Process Resources
The following is provided to support the work of the DCOM and candidates as they navigate the process of candidate certification. Your candidacy mentor or DCOM chair are the starting contacts for questions not answered by this page.
- Certified Candidate Checklists
- Mentor’s Report
- Form 102 – Biographical Information
- Form 103 – Medical Report
- Form 104 – Declaration of Candidacy
- Form 114 – Candidate’s Disclosure
- Candidacy Mentor’s Report II | Certified Candidates
- Guidelines for Accepting Certified Candidate Transfers from another District/Conference
- Core Essentials for Excellence
- Please contact the District Service Center to get a National Background Check.
- Please contact the Board of Ordained Ministry Administrator to request a Psychological Evaluation.
- Form 105 – Application for Clergy Relationship
Phase 2: Apply for Provisional Membership
The United Methodist Church requires a provisional period of a minimum of two years. This process may begin when half the education requirements have been met, but must include at least two years following the completion of a seminary degree. Certified candidates who meet these requirements, have clarity about the setting to which they feel called, and have been recommended by their District Committee to pursue provisional membership will submit materials in November and attend commissioning interviews in January, when they will meet with members of the Board who have reviewed the materials they have submitted. Please contact the Board of Ordained Ministry Administrator (Stephanie Franklin) if you have questions about documents submitted. The Chairs of the Provisional and Full Membership Interview Team are the starting contact for questions related to the application process not answered by this page.
For all candidates applying for Phase 2, all documents needed for Phase 2 are linked on the below checklist. Please submit all materials electronically to candidates@pnwumc.org by November 15, 2025.
Candidates who are asked to return to Phase 2 will receive an individual checklist of items to submit.
The Board has provided a few helpful hints for candidates preparing their written work.
Phase 3: Provisional Membership
After successfully completing the requirements of Phase 2, candidates will be commissioned as provisional members of the conference. The following resources are for provisional members. Please contact the Board of Ordained Ministry Administrator (Stephanie Franklin) if you have any questions about documents submitted. The Chairs of the Provisional and Full Membership Interview Team are the starting contact for questions related to the application process not answered by this page.
Deacon Candidates
For candidates on the deacon track, all documents needed for Phase 3 are linked on the below checklist. Please submit all materials electronically to candidates@pnwumc.org by November 15, 2025.
Elder Candidates
For candidates on the elder track, all documents needed for Phase 3 are linked on the below checklist. Please submit all materials electronically to candidates@pnwumc.org by November 15, 2025.
Phase 4: Applying for Full Membership
After successfully completing the requirements of Phase 3, candidates will be invited to apply for full membership of the Annual Conference. The following resources are for those applying for full membership. Please contact the Board of Ordained Ministry Administrator (Stephanie Franklin) if you have any questions about documents submitted. The Chairs of the Provisional and Full Membership Interview Team are the starting contact for questions related to the application process not answered by this page.
Deacon Candidates
For candidates on the deacon track, all documents needed for Phase 4 are linked on the below checklist. Please submit all materials electronically to candidates@pnwumc.org by November 15, 2025.
Elder Candidates
For candidates on the elder track, all documents needed for Phase 4 are linked on the below checklist. Please submit all materials electronically to candidates@pnwumc.org by November 15, 2025.