The Wesleyan Church affirms the Protestant doctrine of the priesthood of all believers: every Christian has direct access to God through Christ and does not require mediation through a priest. At the same time, the church recognizes the office of ordained clergy—pastors and ordained deacons—who are set apart through a formal commissioning and ordination process to lead in worship, administer sacraments, and shepherd congregations.

Ordained clergy in the Wesleyan tradition are not thought to possess special, indelible priestly powers or to offer a propitiatory sacrifice (which belongs to Christ alone). Rather, ordained ministers are distinguished by their call, training, and commissioning to serve the body of Christ. The church fully ordains women alongside men. The focus is on functional differentiation (some are called to particular leadership roles) rather than ontological priesthood. Ministry is understood as servanthood flowing from the gifts of the Spirit.