*Click on a course name below to pre-register online.
July 13-14, 2018 (Spiritual Formation) July 27-28, 2018 (United Methodist Tradition) September 7-8, 2018 (Mission and Evangelism) October 5-6, 2018 October 19-20, 2018 January 11-12, 2019 January 25-26, 2019 March 1-2, 2019 (Leadership and Administration) March 29-30, 2019 (Preaching) April 12-13, 2019 (Preaching)
Fridays 5:45pm Opening Worship 6:45pm - 9:30pm Class
Saturdays 8:00am - Noon Class Noon - 1:00pm Lunch 1:00pm - 3:00pm Class
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Attend?
Persons who have completed the Candidacy process, received the recommendation of their local church Pastor-Parish Relations Committee & Charge Conference, been approved by their District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and will be appointed in the coming year. Applications must be signed by the candidate's Mentor, DCOM Chair, and District Superintendent.
When Is the School Held?
On 10 weekends beginning in July and concluding in April. Each weekend begins on Friday evening and ends on Saturday afternoon and includes 8 hours of class time. Students are expected to begin in July and move through the entire sequence of classes in the same year.
Where Do the Classes Take Place?
The Mississippi Annual Conference Licensing School meets at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. What Does Licensing School Cover? What Will I Learn?
The Licensing School includes courses in spiritual formation, worship and sacraments, preaching, the United Methodist tradition, pastoral care, administration, and Christian education.
What Can I Expect Once I Finish the School?
Licenses are granted by the Bishop at the Annual Conference session to those who have completed the School and are receiving an appointment.
For more information, contact the Center for Ministry at 601-974-1488.
The Center for Ministry, based at Millsaps College, administers the Licensing School under the direction of the Mississippi Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Office of Spiritual Leadership.
How do I register?
You can pre-register and pay online by clicking the "Register Online" button above. You can also register by downloading the brochure, filling it out, and mailing, emailing or faxing it back to the Center for Ministry. Whether your register online or using the brochure, you must turn in a registration form or confirmation email signed by both your Mentor, DCOM Chair, and District Superintendent. By pre-registering online or registering via brochure, you indicate that you have read and agreed to the Mississippi Annual Conference Licensing School policies, procedures, and guidelines.
I've registered! What Do I Do Now?
Have your DS, DCOM Chair, and Mentor sign your registration form, or your pre-registration confirmation email, and return it to the Center for Ministry via mail, email, or fax. Then scroll down to Resources for Current Students below to download your orientation packet and to purchase your textbooks.
Resources for Current Students
Are you already registered and approved to attend Licensing School? Download and read your orientation packet now, and purchase your textbooks using the links below.
Textbooks
***You may purchase the GBHEM required textbook bundle online through this link to Cokesbury.
Spiritual Formation Read before Friday, July 13: Three Simple Rules, Bishop Ruben Job A Spirituality of Living, Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series (published by Upper Room Ministries) Chapters 1-4 and 8-11 of Invitation to a Journey: A Roadmap for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.
Due at the beginning of class on Friday, July 13: Please prepare a two page, typed, doubled-spaced paper engaging the following statement from Henri J.M. Nouwen's book A Spirituality of Living: "In solitude we not only encounter God but also our true self." What does this statement mean to you? How has reading this particular book caused you to consider or re-consider your own solitude with God?
United Methodist Tradition Read before Friday, July 27: Discipline ¶ 104. Section 4–Our Theological Task Discipline ¶ 102. Section 1— Our Doctrinal Heritage Discipline ¶ 103. Section 3–Our Doctrinal History Belief Matters: United Methodism’s Doctrinal Standards, Charles Yrigoyen John Wesley, Holiness of Heart and Life, Charles Yrigoyen Introduction to Theology for Ministry by Elaine A. Robinson
