Rev. Sara McManus leads the clergy processional at the annual conference. (photo by J.Lynn Studios)

"Boards of Ordained Ministry (BOMs) are responsible for identifying, supporting, and credentialing candidates and clergy. Their work includes recommending individuals for licensing and ordination, establishing standards for ongoing formation, and conducting regular evaluations." This statement from the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry's website summarizes the technical role and purpose of one of our annual conference leadership groups – the Board of Ordained Ministry. Yet, the work of this group – comprised of clergy and laity from churches across the Dakotas – is much more complex than lists and bullet points can sum up.

As she prepares to step away from her position as registrar on the Board of Ordained Ministry, Rev. Sara McManus offers a glimpse into this sacred work, including some of the joys and challenges of the role, as well as some of the things she observed from that seat over the past six years.

"My favorite part about the role of the registrar is watching people grow into who they are in Christ and who they are as called to be," said McManus.

"The registrar is there to help organize the process," explained McManus. "You end up working with folks from the DCOM (District Committee on Ordained Ministry) levels from candidacy conversations all the way through ordination, helping them connect through the process. There are the staff connections—with Bea Stucke, especially—doing the detailed organization, and then my role has really been in helping answer the questions about the process that aren't clear because every person is so completely different."

This need for assistance in navigating the candidacy process has become even more critical and complex as the diversity of candidates, calling, and ministry settings has grown in recent generations. As McManus shared, the number of ministry candidates following a "traditional" path (undergraduate education leading directly to a residential seminary program) has decreased dramatically. Additionally, individuals are discovering unique ways to live out their calling beyond the walls of the church or the role of a full-time senior pastor.

While it is exciting to see the Spirit move in ways that go beyond the typical timelines or job descriptions, it can pose a challenge to systems and processes that aren't always easily adaptable.

Helping individuals navigate the ups and downs of candidacy is one role of the BOM. (photo by J.Lynn Studios)

"One of the things I've always dreamed about as I have been steeped in the Book of Discipline so much over the last few years is that we, as a denomination, would really look at all of our different orders and organization and everything and actually make something that makes sense as to who we are now," reflected McManus. "We don't actually fit into our check boxes most of the time."

"So, helping candidates who are going through alternative processes and helping to normalize it while also making sure they're still getting the same kind of resources and training that they would have gotten in those kinds of standard processes is important," added McManus.

It is this balance of methods and processes, combined with God's supernatural, invitational work, that continues to make the candidacy and ordination journey unique.

"As Methodists, we are constantly in the ebb and flow of systems and Spirit," explained McManus. "So finding ways to do both is a part of who we are as Methodists. We are never going to get away from systems, and the Spirit works through the systems. But if we get trapped in the system, we can lose our access to the Spirit, and so having that kind of combination of Spirit and system and figuring out how to do that in the truest way to Christ throughout everything we do is a really cool process to be a part of."

The uniqueness of each calling and path also includes moments when the steps don't align with expectations or uniform timelines. It is in these moments that being on the Board can be most challenging.

"The hardest part of the Board of Ordained Ministry in general is helping people when the answers are 'No' or 'Not yet,'" reflected McManus.

It is also in these moments that McManus has witnessed powerful resiliency and growth in clergy candidates who continued the journey toward ordination despite the painful setback.

"It's so hard to watch, and it's so hard to hold with them—especially when you hear 'Not yet' and you immediately lose trust. So then we have to reestablish trust with those candidates," shared McManus. "But then when they get to ordination, you see them be incredible for the process."

McManus also acknowledged that the Board is just one piece of the connection that helps people get from that initial nudge or stirring of the Spirit to ordination and full membership. Laity and clergy in local churches are often the first step in that journey as they affirm the gifts for ministry they see in someone.

At annual conference, lay and clergy members of BOM pray with persons sensing a call to ministry. (J.Lynn Studios)

"The biggest connection as disciples of Christ is relationship," said McManus. "So when we, as pastors or lay leaders, come up to a young person or a not-so-young person and say, 'I think you're called to ministry. Have you ever thought of that?' That simple question digs deep in incredible ways."

"I think especially when it comes from lay folks coming up and saying, 'My goodness, your leadership is amazing. Have you thought of ministry?' It can mean something so deep," she added.

If you or someone you know is sensing a call to a ministry, we encourage you to speak with your pastor and/or district superintendent. They can help provide resources and information about next steps and opportunities. Additionally, the conference website offers information about various ministry paths in the United Methodist Church here.