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Previously, persons in Ministry were divided into two categories, Ministers and Deaconesses. Both were full-time and available for appointment in any of the eight District Conferences.
Presently, The Methodist Church in the Caribbean and The Americas has adopted a new understanding of Ministry, which allows for more flexibility and opportunities for service in the Church. The new understanding of Ministry has two categories, namely: Presbyters and Deacons. Both Presbyters and Deacons are called Ministers and are addressed Reverend. Presbyters can be full time, or part-time. Part-time Presbyters are called Local Presbyters.
Presbyters - These are ordained ministers who are available to the Church for full time service and for stationing in any of the eight District Conferences
Local Presbyters - These are ordained ministers who are not available for transfer outside the Circuit from which they candidated for the Ministry. Local Presbyters are part-time ministers who are required to have a means of livelihood outside of the Church.
Deacons - These are ministers who are ordained, but not to "WORD" and "SACRAMENT." Hence, they cannot administer the Sacraments. Deacons are ordained to other "spheres of service," such as, Teaching, Health, Youth Work, etc.. The possibilities seem endless. Deacons are full time, and are available for stationing in any of the eight District Conferences.
See Part 7, Section 71, on page 130 of The Constitution and Discipline of The Methodist Church in The Caribbean and The Anericas.
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