District Committee on Ministry
Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Harrisburg District Committee on Ministry (DCOM)
Are you sensing God is calling you into ministry? Maybe you are certain that God is asking you to become a pastor. Or maybe you know God wants you in a leadership position in the church, but not sure which one and what that might look like. The District Committee on Ministry (DCOM) walks beside men, women, and youth exploring and discerning calls to ministry. Our role is to walk beside you as you discern your call, equip you for ministry, nurture you through prayer and conversation, and support your journey with mentors and peers. Your local pastor and mentor will help as you discern your calling to certified, licensed and ordained ministry – and the roles and responsibilities within each category of ministry.
I think I'm called to be "in ministry". Now what?
Talk to your local church pastor. Share how you feel God is calling you and what that might look like. Your pastor can help answer questions and provide guidance in the early stages.
Meet with our Supervisory Area Superintendent to share your story and how you have seen God leading and calling you. Set up a meeting with him through the District Office. harrisburg@susumc.org or (717) 766-8124
All Christians are called by God to ministry – ministry comes in many different forms. Some are called to serve the church as pastor and others as lay ministers. If you are discerning a call from God, here is where you can find helpful information as you begin the candidacy process.
1. Go to the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) website: https://susumc.org/boom/ (you can also access the website from www.susumc.org by clicking on Ministries, then Board of Ordained Ministry)
a. Click on Candidacy
b. Download the process guides
c. Download the Tracking form
2. Go to Forms to find all necessary candidate forms listed in the guide/tracking documents
a. Fill out and submit required forms as you move through the process
b. Check for other information as needed
Meeting with DCOM
The Harrisburg DCOM meets periodically throughout the year.
If you would like to request to meet with the DCOM for approval or change of status, please contact the Chair (see contact information below) to learn the exact dates and schedule. Local Pastors and CLMs must meet annually with the DCOM for review and approval per the Book of Discipline.
Contact Us
For questions about requesting paper forms, scheduling a meeting with the District Superintendent, or general questions contact:
Harrisburg Administrative Assistant - at harrisburg@susumc.org
For questions about related to submitting forms, personal file or timeline contact:
Harrisburg District Registrar - Rev. Karen Atanasoff at katanasoff@susumc.org
For questions about service hours, pre-approval and final reports contact:
Harrisburg District Service Team - Rev. Steve Livermore at slivermore@susumc.org
For questions about scheduling a meeting with the DCOM, concerns about a mentor or requesting a change in your status contact:
Harrisburg District DCOM Chair - Rev. Mindi Gochnaur at mgochnaur@susumc.org