Competencies for a person requesting a note to preach
The 2017 Conference accepted a series of competencies for different elements of ministry. These were reviewed in 2024 to reflect the impact of various Conference decisions and the priorities of the Church in recent years, notably the Strategy for Justice, Dignity and Solidarity, Changing Patterns of Ministry and the Review of Candidating, and recommended changes to the Council. The Ministries Team also checked that safeguarding was appropriately included. Further consultations have also been held with The Queen’s Foundation and The Methodist Diaconal Order. The competencies have been adapted as a result.
A person seeking to respond to God’s call by seeking a note to preach takes a brave step of faith. The individual should be given the opportunity to read the Standing Orders pertaining to Local Preachers (CPD, Section 56). The Local Preachers’ Meeting will be trying to see potential whilst noting that there are some minimal expectations.
1. Vocation (call and commitment)
- The ability to speak of their Christian experience.
- A sense of call to explore leading worship and preaching.
2. Vocation (ministry in the Methodist Church in Britain)
- Be a member of good standing in the Methodist Church.
3. Relationship with God
Someone who loves God and desires to be a faithful disciple.
- A faith that is sustained by visible use of means of grace including:
a. regular attendance at worship
b. regularly receiving Holy Communion
c. faithful in prayer.
4. Personality and character
- A recommendation to the Local Preachers’ Meeting by either a local Church Council or by a Presbyter (or Probationer) or a member of the Local Preachers’ meeting (SO564).
- Compliance with the Methodist Church’s safeguarding requirements.
- Awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses and the potential of self-development.
- A commitment to fashion their life to promote the glory of the Lord.
5. Being in relationship with others
- The ability to relate respectfully to a variety of people, with a growing awareness of self and one’s impact on others.
- The ability to see God in others.
- A willingness to work with a mentor and tutor and with others involved in leading worship.
6. The Church’s ministry in God’s world
- Willingness to commit to the mission of God.
- The ability to articulate an understanding of Our Calling.
7. Leadership and collaboration
- A willingness to explore leadership in worship.
- A willingness to share in the journey of faith.
- A willingness to work with others.
8. Learning and understanding
- An expressed desire to grow in understanding of the Christian faith.
- An openness to receive and reflect on the feedback.
9. Communication
Confident mastery of the vernacular language of the communities they feel called to serve.