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From 1993 to 1996, petitioner was a part-time local pastor.3
The levels relevant to the year in issue are described as
follows:
1. Certified Candidate: This level requires
graduation from an accredited high school or receipt of
a certificate of equivalency.
2. Local Pastor: A local pastor may be a student
or a part-time or full-time position.4 This level
requires attendance at a 2-week licensing school or
completion of one-third of the work necessary for a
master of divinity degree.
This position is appointed annually. Local
pastors continue in the course of study for ordained
ministry until they have completed the educational
requirements for associate or probationary membership.5
After completion of the educational requirements for an
associate membership, however, an individual may choose
to remain a local pastor. A local pastor may lead the
sacraments (i.e., baptism, communion) at the appointed
parish.
3. Associate Member: To be considered for
associate membership, a candidate must have reached the
age of 35 and served 4 years as a full-time local
pastor. This level also requires completion of the
educational requirements for local pastors, completion
of the 5-year course of study for ordained ministry,
and completion of at least 60 semester hours toward a
bachelor’s degree.
3 Since 1996, petitioner has been a full-time local pastor,
and, as of June 2002, was being considered for associate
membership.
4 Local pastors may be part time if, for example, a church
cannot afford a full-time local pastor.
5 Generally, a full-time local pastor must complete these
educational requirements within 8 years and a part-time pastor
within 10 years.
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Last modified: May 25, 2011