Accreditatiedienst Voor Predikanten

The Methodist Church trains its pastors to exercise the ministry they are called.

When someone feels within themselves an inner desire to preach, or if someone else (a pastor or other leader in the church) feels called to encourage a member to preach, that person goes through a process of preparation.

As a first step, the person known as a candidate will receive, “Note to assist Local Preachers.” This note lasts for 3 months and can be extended for another 3 months, during which time the candidate participates in the performance of the worship service. He/she has the opportunity to test what was felt to be a calling to preach, and his/her leadership of worship is noted.

The next step is to be received as a Preacher on Trial. The Preacher on Trial must comply with the discipline of the church through a life of worship, discipleship, community, and service. In addition, the pastor must take courses in the Old Testament, New Testament, Worship & Preaching, Christian Doctrine 1 and Christian Doctrine 2 (Christian Church & Methodism). At the same time, the Circuit Preachers Meeting continually assesses the pastor’s leadership in worship as well as the construction and delivery of sermons.

When these courses are completed, the pastor is examined orally and must reflect on his/her conversion to Christ and the calling to preach before he/she is recommended for accreditation as a pastor in the MCCA.

An accreditation service is held at the end of this process.

The last pastor to be accredited in the Holland Circuit is Sister Bregina Petronia. Here are snapshots of her sister Petronia Accreditation Service.