Learn how to enter ministry in the United Church and how to support someone in the process of entering ministry. God's world needs leaders: ordered ministers and lay leaders. Learn how to answer God's call for you. Third Level Menu Discerning a Call to Lead Who becomes a minister? How do I know if I’m called? Ordered Ministry The United Church recognizes one order of ministry in two expressions. Processes for Entering Ordered Ministry How to become an ordered minister in The United Church of Canada. Candidacy Pathway The Candidacy Pathway process for entering ministry in The United Church of Canada Admission Process Due to an abundance of qualified ministers approved by the United Church currently seeking calls, the Board of Vocation is not currently accepting new applications. Mutual Recognition of Ministries Process The United Church has agreements with four denominations to accept the credentials of each other's ordered ministers: PROK, UCCP, UCC, and DOC-USA/Canada. DLMs Seeking Testamur Eligibility Learn the criteria required for Designated Lay Ministers to apply for testamur. Funding and Support for Entering Ministry Learn about some of the financial support available to people who are entering ministry in the United Church. Lay Ministry and Discipleship Members of the church respond to God’s call through many different forms of service. Designated Lay Ministry DLMs are lay ministers, recognized by a regional council and accountable to the Office of Vocation, who accept a leadership role for defined periods of time for defined forms of service. Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Full members with a call to worship leadership develop their gifts through study and are licensed by a regional council. Sacraments Elders Full members of a community of faith who are licensed by the regional council to administer the sacraments within their community of faith. Other Lay Ministry Opportunities Lay leadership may also include congregational designated ministers, music ministry, youth work, or parish nursing. Call Stories Read why these active ministers chose a ministry vocation, what they love about it, and what challenges they face.