Preacher’s Accreditation Services

The Methodist Church trains its ministers for the ministry they are called to exercise.

When a person feels an inner desire to preach, or someone else (a minister or other leader in the church) feels called to encourage a member to preach, that person goes through a preparation process.

As a first step, the person known as a candidate receives a “ä Note to Assist Local Preachers.” This note lasts for 3 months and may be renewed for another 3 months, during which time the candidate participates in the conduct of the worship service. He/she has the opportunity to test what was felt as a call to preach, and his/her leadership of the worship service is noted.

The next step is to be received as a Preacher on Trial. The Preacher on Trial must meet the discipline of the church through a life of worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service. In addition, the pastor must take courses in the Old Testament, New Testament, Worship & Preaching, Christian Doctrine 1, and Christian Doctrine 2 (Christian Church & Methodism). At the same time, the Circuit Preachers Meeting continually evaluates the pastor’s leadership in worship, as well as sermon structure and delivery.

Once these courses are completed, the minister is given an oral examination and must reflect on his/her conversion to Christ and calling to preach before being recommended for accreditation as a minister in the MCCA.

At the end of this process, an accreditation service is held.

The last minister to be accredited in the Holland Circuit is Sister Bregina Petronia. Here are snapshots of her Sister Petronia Accreditation Service.