UMC Candidacy Certification Experiences

Everyone,

Just wanted to ask for any wisdom / horror stories / sublime enlightenment you certified candidates can offer about your certification interviews with dCOM?

Any conference is welcome, just want to get an idea of what these things are like.

Thanks!
Anil

[Jennifer T. Tiernan-Bindler]

I think it really depends on the makeup of your dcom! aside from being able to articulate why you want to be in ministry be able to articulate your theology you might expect some odd questions like perhaps how you feel about certain controversial subjects within the UMC and questions that might be generated by you psych eval or background check - I even got corrected on some of my grammar in my personal statement (by a lay member) that was my experience. Was it bad? NO do I ever want to do it again NO.

J.Z.

I found that giving the Dcom bribes worked well. I'm mainly kidding about that. Just know your Book of Discipline but also be prepared to talk about places where you're struggled or had questions. Don't be too honest...if you say too much you might dig yourself into a hole. Also, there are no absolutely right answers. My Dcom also kept telling me how important it is to give them a piece of yourself. For instance, if you have a sense of humor, don't come in all stone faced and old school Methodist. Finally, trust that God didn't bring you to your Certification meeting with the intention of abandoning you there. You'll do fine.