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Dove System

Every clergyperson and ministerial candidate now has access to and is responsible for his/her personal ministerial records through the new Dove System.  You now can keep your personal file accurate and up-to-date and you can upload important documents into your file so that your file completely reflects your ministerial information.

This system is a single entry (information only has to be entered once to be used throughout the system), web-based (available to you anywhere you have access to the Internet), interactive (forms can be completed on line) and secure (password protected) System of Record for all ministerial and ministerial candidate records in the Texas Annual Conference.      

Created and maintained by York Technical Solutions, Inc. (YTS), for the Board of Ordained Ministry the Dove System became the official source for all clergy and candidate records in July 2006. The system currently contains biographical, demographic and appointment records and will soon include continuing education records and other documents for all clergypersons.  As a System of Record the Dove System will maintain records accurately in perpetuity:  once the information is correct in the system it will always be correct and secure in whatever application.    

Candidates now can clearly see the steps through candidacy and the requirements for each step.  All the required forms for candidacy can be filled out on line or downloaded, printed, completed and uploaded into the file.  When completed the requirement forms will automatically go to the correct person. 

Every clergyperson (active or retired) must be registered in the Dove System. 

Registering in Dove for the First Time

If you have not yet registered in the Dove System, simply send an email giving your complete name and ask to register as a clergyperson in the Texas Annual Conference. Send the email to dovesupport@ytscorp.com       

You will receive a return email with instructions and a link to get into the Dove System.  Print out the instructions, click on the link, and follow the instructions. When you use the link to enter the system, your user name will appear automatically.  You'll be prompted to create a password. Do so and enter the system and review your file.  Also, choose a question to be asked if you forget your password.  This will enable you to reset your password.  If this does not work for you, email dovesupport@ytscorp.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it again and a real person will help you get registered.  (Sometimes there are problems with pop-ups or other personal computer problems.)  You will find them to be skillful and very helpful.Candidates who are not registered must be registered in their district office.  Once in the system you will have access to your file and your candidacy plan.  Use the icons to review your personal information.  If your basic information is wrong, change it.  Be sure to click the save button before you exit (or you will have to change it again the next time you enter!)  You are now responsible for keeping this information accurate and up-to-date!!

When you are reviewing your file, you will find information you cannot change (for example: information related to your ministerial status and appointment history).  If your ministerial status is incorrect or if there are other items that you cannot change contact your district office.  This information can only be changed in the district office.  Be sure to give them the correct information so that they can make the changes.  APPOINTMENT HISTORIES can only be changed by the General Board of Pensions in Evanston, IL.  If your appointment history is not correct contact Rev. B.T. Williamson, Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence, at btwilliamson@txcumc.com and he will direct you in getting the changes made.

Using the Dove System

Go to your file in the Dove System as often as you like, from wherever you like.  For security your password will expire periodically and you will be asked to create a new password.  Just follow the instructions.

Remember if your personal and/or family information changes (phone number, address, email, number of children, spouse) YOU are now expected to make the change.  Eventually, there will be no other record but the Dove System and you are in complete control:  no one else can or will update your basic information.  You may miss out on important information if your information is not correct.

Candidates and Dove

Candidates for ordained ministry are expected to be registered in the Dove System.  You will be registered in your district office by the district assistant.  Once you are registered and assigned to the candidacy plan, you will be able to see every step and every requirement (complete with PDF forms) necessary to complete candidacy.  Every requirement that you complete will be automatically routed to the correct person to approve that step and allow you to move to the next level.  You will find the Dove System to be a true help in your progress, but you will also find that you must follow the plan carefully and completely. 

Those who guide candidates

The Dove System was created to help all who mentor, supervise or work with candidates and clergypersons in the Texas Annual Conference.  Officers of the Board of Ordained Ministry, district superintendents, district assistants, candidacy and clergy mentors will find that the Dove System increasingly makes their work simpler and the results quicker.  All reports, including the annual Clergy Session Report, can be generated within the system: secure emails can be sent:  alerts are sent to notify you of actions you must complete and are clearly displayed when you enter the Dove System.  Candidate progress is clearly displayed for the candidate as well as the mentor and the superintendent.  And no records in the system can be lost, not even in a natural disaster. 

Policy

Policy for the Dove System is set by the Dove Committee and approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry.   If you have questions about the Dove System and/or its policies please contact: