Monday,  June 18, 2012 • Vol. 12--No. 340 • 4 of 27 •  Other Editions

(Continued from page 3)

• After graduation, he returned to South Dakota and became the Pastor in Charge at the White-Aurora-Sterling Methodist congregations and at the SDSU Campus Ministry. In July of 2010 he started his ministry at the United Methodist Church in both Groton and Conde.
• The road to become a Methodist minister is a very ridged and rigorous path. There are essentially seven steps that need to be taken.
• The fist step is to decide what God is calling you to do. There are several leadership roles in which a person can

Pastor Matt Richards walks down the isle towards his ordination. (Courtesy Photo)

serve within the church. It has been said this is the hardest step.
• Step 2 is to seek support for the decision. This is where you would tell your pastor what you wish to do and take any advice he can offer. A formal application is also sent to the district supervisor to apply for the candidacy.
• Step 3 is to find someone to mentor you through the candidacy process and to

Space for Rent

GROTON - Main street retail/office space for rent.  Send inquiry to:  dakotabrush@nvc.net or call 605-380-5131.

then be accepted as a ministerial candidate. You need to request an interview with the Pastoral Relations Committee for your district, respond to the disciplinary questions and begin working with your candidacy mentor. You must agree to make a complete dedication to the ideals of the UMC and Christian life and be examined and approved by the District Committee on Ordained Ministry. You must pass a psychological assessment, a criminal history background check and a credit check. You must also produce a notarized statement saying that you have never been accused

(Continued on page 5)

© 2012 Groton Daily Independent • To send correspondence, click here.