of the Primitive Methodist Church Basic Information ~ ~ ~ Application Package (Elder) These are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. (1) You may obtain a copy of the Discipline by contacting Rev. Allan Rupert, 763 Jefferson Avenue, Jermyn, PA 18433 or by telephone at 570-876-2234. The examination for the Discipline can be ordered from Rev. Frank Hrabak, 1122 Frosty Hollow Road, Langhorne, PA 18047-5719 or by telephone at 215-757-3049. (2) All candidates for Elder Ordination must be enrolled as a student pastor in the School of Theology for a minimum of two years. You will receive a letter from the secretary noting your status when all the required application material has been received. (3) Before Ordination, all candidates for Elder Ordination must give evidence of having obtained a degree in an approved school of higher education with at least thirty credit hours of Theological or Biblical training. A ministerial supply status may be granted on a limited basis until such a degree is earned. (4) All student pastors are required to attend the annual Summer School of Theology held in August at our Bible Camp in Gouldsboro, Pennsylvania. The School will pay for your room and board at the camp, as well as basic travel costs to the camp. (5) Since pastors are a very visible example of the people of God, we hold our pastors to a higher level of accountability than for the members of our churches. Thus we will question and investigate several areas of concern; including solvency, alcohol and tobacco usage, and marriage and dependents. (6) In order to strengthen the marriages of our pastors, knowing the stresses that accompany the work of ministry, we require every student pastor and wife to complete a Conference- approved “Marriage Enrichment” seminar before ordination. This is at the expense of the student pastor, unless he applies for and receives one of the three seminar scholarships made available by the Conference for its pastors and students each year. (7) All student pastors may be considered for assignment at a Primitive Methodist Church. The Stationing Committee at the Conference (held in May) determines stationing of student pastors, with the contract extending from June 1st to May 31st. Pastors are expected to begin their labors on the first Sunday of June. (8) All student pastors are under the supervision and instruction of the School of Theology, and may be removed from their charge at any time by the President of the Conference, upon the recommendation of the School of Theology.
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