TO:                 All Clergy and Laity

FROM:            Jo Golden, BOOM

RE:                 Certification in Specialized Ministry Reminder

DATE:            January 24, 2006

Certification in specialized ministry in the United Methodist Church is available for individuals, who are called to specialized ministry and have made a commitment to meet the standard for  academic training, experience and continuing education.

Presently, there are seven areas of certification:

•                     Camp/Retreat Ministries

•                     Christian education

•                     Evangelism

•                     Music Ministry

•                     Spiritual Formation

•                     Youth Ministry

•                     Older Adult Ministry

Certification is available to laity, diaconal ministers, ordained deacons, and ordained elders as per the Discipline # 643.2 (1)  Certified laity are better equipped to carry out specialized mission and ministry in their local church. 

Pastors: if there is an area of ministry in which you need specialized leadership, please encourage those lay members with the grace and gifts needed, to participate in the certification program.

For assistance, or additional information, contact Ms. Jo Golden, 718-341-0479