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Categories of UB Ministers

I know the United Brethren church has several categories of ministers, but I can’t figure them out. Can you explain them?

It all starts in your own church. When someone senses God’s call to become a minister, the church can affirm and encourage that call by granting what’s called a local conference license.

It’s important that the person be serious about pursuing a career in the ministry and show real promise. Be sincere in your affirmation. If the person’s call is genuine, his beliefs line up with United Brethren doctrine, and you’re confident he can be used by God in the United Brethren pastorate--then the church board can grant what’s called a "local church license to preach."

So the first step is to become a local church minister.

Next step: national church minister.

The US National Conference consists of over 200 churches scattered across the United States. Until 2005, regional "conferences" granted ministerial licenses. However, in 2005 we began phasing out the conferences, and we centralized the licensing process. Now, all licenses are processed through the Pastoral Ministry Leadership Team.

You can recommend that a local church minister from your congregation be considered for a national conference license, which makes that person eligible to serve in any of our churches across the country.

Through this license, the national church gives its affirmation to the individual. At this level, ministers are expected to be getting the education needed to reach the next level, which is:

Ordination. The requirements are:

  • At least two years as a national conference minister.
  • At least one year as a UB pastor or in some other role in the denomination.
  • Completion of all the education requirements, which includes a Master of Christian Ministry or a Master of Divinity.

Getting ordained is a big deal. Typically, the Bishop performs the ordination and the licentiate chooses two people to assist. As the licentiate and (if married) spouse kneel on the platform, the bishop, cluster leader, and others lay hands on the couple and pray for them, commissioning them for service.

Where do Youth Pastors Fit?

In 1993, we added yet another category. It applies to associate pastors who specialize in a particular field, like youth ministry, music, Christian education, counseling, etc. Persons who receive a Specialized Ministry License don’t need to have gone through any of the other levels. They are considered laypersons serving in staff-level ministry positions.

Pastoral Ministry Handbook

The Pastoral Ministry Handbook contains chapters on each level of ministerial licensing--eligibility, requirements, responsibilities, etc.