One of the strengths of the United Methodist Church is connection. That is, all United Methodist Churches and therefore ministries are connected to the entire UMC. From that connection we gain unity, strength, resources, prayer and the ability to reach out with the gospel into the world. This page is an attempt at that kind of connection, though on a smaller scale.

By stipulation of the Book of Discipline I am connected to this church for the duration of the Candidacy process, or about six more years. During that period I am responsible for keeping you informed as to my progress and you are then responsible, through the charge conference, for voting to allow me to continue the process each year.

The UM Candidacy process is extensive. To this point, the local inquiry process has been completed with Rev. Dornbush. The District Superintendent, Rev. D. Nick Sholars, has authorized entry into the Candidacy process and has assigned a mentor. My mentor, Rev. Jeff Powers, Senior Pastor at First UMC Teague, remains a part of the process throughout. Psychiatric testing has been completed. The first two phases of the candidacy process have been completed. The local Charge Conference will have voted to allow the process to continue. In the years to come there will be additional reviews conducted by the Charge Conference of First UMC Palestine and then by the District Board of Ordained Ministry. Application will be made for licensed candidacy in the next year or so. Just prior to the completion of seminary there will be a review by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Assuming approval by the Conference Board there will be a period of at least two years of probationary service. After the probationary period, an additional review by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry will be required for ordination.

Through this page, Kristi, Abbi and I will share our journey with you. We will share what we learn, what we see and experience. Through it all we will thank God for the place we came from and the love and support you have given and continue to provide. Please keep us in your prayers as we will you.

Brian