Candidacy Summit 2023

What is the Candidacy Summit?

The Candidacy Summit is an event for considering or admitted candidates for ministry in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church (VAUMC). The Summit provides opportunities for vocational discernment, a Strengthsfinders assessment, connection with others who are exploring God's call in their lives, and deeper understanding about the VAUMC journey towards certified, licensed and ordained ministry.

Who can attend? 

You must be a high school graduate, and 18-years of age, to participate. Participation in one Candidacy Summit is required before one can become a certified candidate for ministry in the VAUMC.

When are the Summits?

Two Candidacy Summits are offered each year: a virtual one in January and an in-person one in July.

What is the duration of the Summit?

This professional development event begins on Friday morning with discussion and activities running into the early evening. The Summit concludes mid-day on Saturday. A more detailed, sample schedule can be found at www.vaumc.org/CandidacySummit

Personal Statement

As part of the application process, you will need to upload a personal statement (1-3 paragraphs) of your experience & calling in the local church or ministry setting that you are currently involved with. The statement may be saved as a .doc, .docx, .txt, or .pdf format. Please take the time to compose and save this statement before continuing.

Pre-Summit Work Assignments

At the end of this registration you will find assignments which are due prior to your arrival to the Summit.

Cost

Registration is $25.00 for the virtual summit in January or $75.00 for the in-person summit in July, which will include meals and overnight lodging at Roslyn Retreat Center on the James River in Richmond, Va. A separate reggistration will be issued closer to the time of the in-person summit if you prefer to wait until then to attend the Summit.

Registration

We recommend you save or print the registration page, for your records. Your registration will not be complete until we receive your check for payment. Mail checks to the Virginia United Methodist Conference ATTN: Clergy Excellence, PO Box 5606, Glen Allen, VA 23058

Payment

Registration is required two-weeks prior to the event. Refunds, or requests to transfer to a different event date, will not be processed once registration closes, two-weeks prior to the event. You may modify or cancel your registration by sending an email to CrystalSygeel@vaumc.org

The fee for the virtual summit in January is $25.00

The fee for the in-person summit in July is $75.00, which includes meals and overnight lodging at Roslyn Retreat Center on the James River in Richmond, Virginia.

Two Pre-Summit Assignments

ClifrontStrenghts Assessment

Once your payment is received, you will be issued an access code to access your CliftonStrengths assessment and your registration will be confirmed. The CliftonStrengths Assessment must be completed 1 week prior to attending the summit.

River of Life Exercise

Visit https://vaumc.org/candidacysummit/ to download the River of Life Exercise PDF. Follow the instructions and be prepared to bring your work with you to the Summit.

Please mail payment to:

Clergy Excellence
The Virginia United Methodist Conference
PO Box 5606
Glen Allen, VA 23058