CST Teaching Parish Application

Thank you for your interest in Teaching Parish at Claremont School of Theology (CST). This application is separate from the admissions application for prospetive students to CST. The application for admission to CST can be found here: https://cst.edu/apply-now/

Prospective Teaching Parish Fellows can submit this application concurrently with their application to the Master of Divinity. This form can also be submitted by already enrolled MDiv students. The program is currently available only for Christian ministry students in the MDiv-Ministerial Leadership Track, with intentions to pursue professional ministry as a long-term vocation. Acceptance to the Master of Divinity is required to participate in Teaching Parish, but Teaching Parish acceptance has no bearing on application for study or student status at CST.

A Complete Teaching Parish application includes the following:

1) Teaching Parish Application Form
2) Resume
3) Two Letters of Recommendation:One from your present District Superintendent (United Methodist) or Head of Judicatory or Board (Other denomination or Non-denomination); One from a recent employer or supervising pastor

Once received, the application will be processed by the Field Ed Team at CST. Approved applications will be sent to the Cabinet of the California-Pacific Annual Conference to be considered for an appointment. If you are already appointed and applying to participate in the Teaching Parish supervisory course, you can indicate that in the form below. Please still provide all elements of the application.

Please note, an appointment to pastoral ministry is a matter between the student and the Annual Conference Cabinet. Neither the Director of Field Ed nor anyone at Claremont School of Theology makes or approves appointments. Appointments are made upon availability and you will be contacted directly by members of the Cal-Pac Conference to discuss terms of your appointment. At this time, Cal-Pac is not able to support Visa applications for non-resident and/or non-citizen students to be appointed to local churches.

Once you have received the details of your appointment, please email Assistant Dean Blair Trygstad Stowe (bstowe@cst.edu) to confirm your enrollment in Teaching Parish.

Applicant Name

First NameMiddle NameLast Name

Pronouns

Birth Date

MonthDayYear

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

E-mail

example@example.com

Phone Number

Home or Sending Congregation Name and Address

Annual Conference Membership (if UMC)

Regional Denominational Body (if NOT UMC)

Name of District Superintendent or Supervising Clergy

Email for District Superintendent or Supervising Clergy

Status of Ordination Process in the UMC

I have not begun the process for ordination in the UMCBeginning Candidate (I have spoken with my pastor and/or my District Superintendent about pursuing professional ministry)Certified and Licensed for Ministry (I have been approved by my Local Church and a District Committee on Ordained Ministry for Certification and Licensure as a Local Pastor)Certified Lay Minister (I have completed the process of education and examination to be assigned as a Certified Lay Minister)Lay Person Assigned (I am currently assigned by the Cabinet to serve a local church as a Lay Person, but have not begun candidacy or licensure)Licensed Local Pastor (I am currently appointed as a Licensed Local Pastor and wish to enroll in Teaching Parish with my current appointment)I am ordained in another denomination and seeking to transfer my ordination to the UMC

Student Status

I have applied to CST for the MDiv and am awaiting an admission decisionI have been accepted or am currently enrolled as an MDiv Student at CSTI will be participating in Teaching Parish as a Non-Degree Student (requires approval by District Superintendent and Director of Field Ed)

Have you consulted with your bishop/superintendent or equivalent supervisors about your interest in appointment in Cal-Pac and/or participation in CST Teaching Parish?

YesNo

Are you exploring appointments in other Annual Conferences besides Cal-Pac

YesNo

If yes, which other Annual Conferences are you exploring appointments with?

What languages can you speak conversationally?

Please list any certifications or specialized trainings that would be beneficial for the Cabinet to know as they consider your application.

Are you open to serving anywhere in the California-Pacific Conference (North to San Luis Obispo, South to the US-Mexico Border, East to the California State Line, and Hawaii)? Do you have geographic, cultural, or family restrictions or a particular setting in mind?

Write a brief summary statement (aprox. 500 words) indicating: your sense of calling, church background, general interest and/or hobbies, your major strengths in ministry, goals for ministry, and projected completion of the Master of Divinity degree program. (You can type in the box below or upload a file)

Personal Statement File Upload

Resume or CV

Letter of Recommendation from District Superintendent or Judicatory Supervisor

Letter of Recommendation from Employer or Pastoral Superviser

a) Do you have legal right to work in the United States as a citizen, legal permanent resident, or other approved visa holder? (At this time the CalPac Conference is not able to serve as a visa sponsor)

YesNo

b) Have you ever engaged in, been accused of, charged with, or convicted of illegal conduct or a crime, including conduct resulting in suspension or revocation of your driver’s license?

YesNo

c) Do you have any addictive behavior, including a history of drug, alcohol, or pornographic addictions that might interfere with your ability to serve or continue serving as an ordained leader?

YesNo

d) Have you ever engaged in, been accused of, investigated for, sued, or charged with sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, substance abuse, child or spousal neglect or abuse, or financial improprieties?

YesNo

e) Are you living in accord with the Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions for ordained clergy in the United Methodist Church and do you intend to continue to live in compliance?

YesNo

f) Have you ever engaged in any behavior or been involved in any situations that, if they became known to the church, might seriously damage your ability to begin or continue in ministry?

YesNo

Comments or explanations to Disclosure questions

CST Teaching Parish Application

Church Affiliations

Appointment Considerations

Personal Statement

Resume and Letters of Recommendation

Disclosures