Approval for Service Reinstatement

Approval for Service is the process by which licensed and ordained clergy from other Methodist and Non-Methodist denominations can be approved to serve United Methodist Congregations in South Carolina.  Approved for Service (AFS) is the status granted to those who have received such approval. An Approved to Serve status is granted for (1) as long as the clergy person is appointed to a United Methodist Congregation, and renewed annually by a District Committee on Ordained Ministry Committee, (2) or for up to three consecutive years without an appointment.

Clergy whose Approved to Serve Status has been discontinued because they were not appointed for three consecutive years will simply need to reapply to the Approval for Service Committee.  That information and process can be found here: Approval for Service Process

Clergy whose Approved to Serve Status was discontinued by a District Committee on Ordained Ministry Committee will need a recommendation from the District Committee on Ordained Ministry Committee that discontinued them before they can reapply to the Approval for Service Committee. That process is outlined below.

The links below are to forms, instructions and documents needed for you to be reinstated as Approved to Serve in the South Carolina United Methodist Conference.  Pay attention to any deadlines. Submit a copy of all Completed Forms and Requested documents to the Office of Clergy Services and a copy to your district office: Clergy Services, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 (clergyservices@umcsc.org)

Some forms have two completion options from which to choose.  You only need to complete a form using one of the available options.

1. The PDF option should be saved to your computer before completing. Once the document is complete send copies to the offices mentioned above.
2. The Online option can be completed online, electronically signed and automatically submitted to the Office of Clergy Services. You will still need to download a copy for your records and send one to your District Office

Your clergy credentials from your home denomination must be in good standing in order to be eligible for Approved to Serve reinstatement.

• Request reinstatement to Approved to Serve status in writing.  Address the letter to the Coordinator of Clergy Services. Copy the current District Superintendent of the district in which you were discontinued. Your letter should include the reason you are requesting reinstatement, and address any reasons for which you may have been discontinued.

• Submit a letter or other documentation to the Office of Clergy Services verifying that your clergy credentials are in good standing in your home denomination.

• Request for additional information and/actions may be made by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, the Approval for Service Committee or by the Appointive Cabinet. Copy Clergy Services on any additional requested information you submit. You may be requested:

• to update your previous psychological. If so, sign the “Consent to Testing” in the District Office and follow any instructions regarding completing the psychological testing process with the vendor listed on the Consent Form.

• to submit an updated “Medical Report.” If so have a physician of your choice complete the Medical form. Be sure to send a copy to the Office of Clergy Services. The Medical Form is available for download using the PDF link on the right. (PDF).

• to submit an updated “Credit Statement.” This form has two completion options from which to choose.  Select the appropriate link to the right. (PDF) or (ONLINE).

• to submit an updated “Notarized Criminal Background Statement.” This form must be notarized and sent to the Office of Clergy Services. It is available for download using the to the right. (PDF)

• to complete the Credit & Criminal Background Screening. After you submit your Criminal Background Statement, an email invitation will be sent with a link for you to complete a Credit Check & Criminal Background Screening. The cost will be $20.00 and will be paid by you online.

• the District Committee on Ordained Ministry may (or may not) request a personal interview.

• additional information not listed may also be requested.

Important Information and Links

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