Board of Ordained Ministry
The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOM) has responsibilities for the recruitment of those discerning a call to ministry in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church. The BOM seeks nurture, support, and journey with those who respond to God’s call to professional ministry as an Elder, Deacon, Licensed Local Pastor, or other certified and licensed ministry paths.
Candidacy Forms, Handbooks, and Training
Handbooks
- Candidacy Handbook — 2023-2024 (Updated August 2023)
Forms
- TWK Guidelines for Statement of Call & Candidacy Assignment (PDF)
- TWK Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee Approval Form (PDF)
- Charge Conference Certification Form (PDF)
- To sign up for the Psychological Assessment email bom@twkumc.org
Required Training
- Boundaries and Sexual Ethics
- Safe Sanctuaries
- Inclusiveness
Clergy Forms, Policies, and Procedures
Forms
- TWK Candidacy Manual (For Pastors)
This is a resource for clergy guiding candidates through the candidacy process. - TWK Medical Summary Report (PDF)
- Change of Relationship Request
Retirement, Leave of Absence, Appointments Beyond the Local Church, Honorable Location… - Annual Report of Clergy Member on Leave of Absence
(non-fillable form) - Annual Report of the Diaconal Minister
(non-fillable form) - Annual Report of Deacons
(non-fillable form) - Continuing Education for Deacons, Diaconal Ministers, and Certified Church Professionals
(non-fillable form) - Guidelines for Readmission to Clergy Relationship with Annual Conference
Application Requirements | (non-fillable form)
Policies & Procedures
Mental Health Resources for Clergy
The emotional health of clergy and their families is an important component of their overall health and well-being. To this end, the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church and the Board of Ordained Ministry make available resources for the emotional care of those who serve under appointment.
Clergy in the TWK Conference can access 24/7 support through our Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are employer-provided plans covering a variety of support services around emotional well-being. EAPs offer confidential counseling and support to help manage issues in one’s personal or professional life that may impact their work, family, and ministry.
Wespath EAP
Clergy participating in the Conference health benefit through Wespath have access to 8 counseling sessions per member of the household, per issue, per year. Participants can choose from a list of in-network providers or access an online therapist through Talkspace.
- To access services, call 1-866-881-6800. A consultant is available around the clock.
- For support with substance use, call the anonymous helpline at 1-855-780-5955.
Methodist Healthcare EAP
Clergy not participating in the Conference health benefit through Wespath, have access to the Methodist Healthcare EAP. This plan covers individuals under appointment who have waived healthcare coverage, those who are not eligible for health benefits, and retirees. The plan covers the appointed/clergy individual and members of their household. This plan offers 8 counseling sessions per member of the household, per issue, per year. Participants can choose from a list of in-network providers or access an online therapist
- To access services, call 800-880-5658.
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