The Center for Clergy Excellence supports credentialing, cultivation, and sustaining of all elders, deacons, associate members, provisional members, and local pastors, working with the bishop, cabinet, Board of Ordained Ministry, and five District Committees on Ordained Ministry. In 2025–2026 the Ministerial Education Fund supported 16 candidates with $75,000 toward master's-level education and 28 local pastors with $21,000 for Course of Study; 45 Certified Candidates are in the credentialing process. In 2026, 7 candidates will be commissioned and 6 ordained. Clergy renewal offerings included the 8-Year Renewal (32 clergy), Clergy Days Away at Camp Glisson (68) and Ignatius House (41), Enneagram studies, and Group Spiritual Direction. Director: P. Alice Rogers.
201.a Board of Ordained Ministry: The BOM interviews candidates for provisional membership and ordination, supports the Residency in Ministry process, and oversees continuing education. In September 2025 it approved revised educational requirements allowing fully online degrees from 13 approved UM schools of theology, aligning with University Senate policy; it will add a 2027 interview question on Artificial Intelligence. Chair: Josh Roberts.
201.b Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members: Anchored in Matthew 25:37–40, the Fellowship gives thanks for ministry to "the least of these" and recognizes those who completed Course of Study, Advanced Course of Study, and seminary. Chair: YoLanda Jones-Colton.
201.c Order of Deacons: Deacons are called to a lifetime ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice as bridge-builders between church and world; 2026 marks 30 years since the 1996 establishment of the Order. Chair: Montana Hamby.
201.d Order of Elders: Committed to Order, Service, Word, and Table, the Order embraces the 2026 conference theme "Unto the Least of These" and supports clergy retreat, renewal, and fellowship. Chairperson: M. Lavell Sanders.