What types of ministry are there in the UMC?

The United Methodist Church recognizes that all Christians are called to ministry through their baptism. Every member of the church is a minister, called to serve God in their daily lives, workplaces, and communities. Within this universal calling, the church also sets apart individuals for particular forms of leadership.

Ordained Ministry

Ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church serve in two distinct orders:

• Elders — Ordained to a ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service. Elders are authorized to preach, administer the sacraments (baptism and communion), and lead congregations. Most pastors serving local churches are elders. They are appointed by the bishop and are members of their annual conference, committed to itinerant ministry—meaning they go where they are sent.
• Deacons — Ordained to a ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Deacons serve as a bridge between the church and the world, leading in worship, teaching, and connecting the congregation to ministries of justice and service. Unlike elders, deacons typically find their own positions and are not guaranteed appointment.

Licensed Local Pastors

Licensed local pastors are laypersons who have been licensed to perform the duties of a pastor, including preaching and administering the sacraments, within a specific local church or charge. Many serve in rural, small-town, or under-resourced settings where a full-time ordained elder is not available. Local pastors must complete the Course of Study or attend a seminary program to maintain their license.

Lay Ministry

Lay people serve in countless ways throughout the church: as lay leaders, Sunday school teachers, worship leaders, committee members, mission volunteers, and mentors. The church also certifies lay servants, lay speakers, and lay ministers who have completed specialized training for particular forms of leadership. United Methodists believe that the ministry of the laity is not secondary to ordained ministry but is an essential and coequal expression of the church's mission.