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  • Home
  • Support the Center's Mission
  • MS Course of Study
  • Licensing School
  • MSAC JUMPSTART
  • Thriving In Ministry
    • About TIM
    • Program Overview
    • FAQs
    • Meet The Cohort
    • How To Apply
  • Continuing Education
    • Upcoming CEU Events
    • CEU Guidelines for United Methodist Clergy
    • How to Plan a CEU Event
    • CEU Transcripts
  • Other Programs
    • Journey Partners >
      • Program Overview
      • Resources for Current Participants
      • Sustaining Community of Spiritual Directors
    • Spiritual Formation >
      • Retreats
      • Spiritual Direction
    • Youth Theological Academy
  • More About
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Partnerships
    • Our Story
    • Contact & Location

licensing school


Preparation for Ministry:
The Mississippi Annual Conference
​Licensing School

2020 - 2021 Policies and Procedures

2020-2021 Licensing School 


By registering online, you are confirming that you have also read and understood the
2020-2021 Licensing School Policies and Procedures.
​
Click HERE for 2020-2021 Licensing School Policies and Procedures in pdf form.


Download your Orientation Packet here with readings, assignment,
and other general information.
Click HERE for Orientation Packet in pdf form.


​
OPEN NOW
November 9 - December 7, 2020 - Mission & Evangelism - ONLINE COURSE
January 18 - 29, 2021 - Educational Ministries - ONLINE COURSE
(ZOOM dates are January 22 & 23)
March 15 - 26, 2021 - Spiritual Formation - ONLINE COURSE
(ZOOM dates are March 19 & 20)
April 9 - 30, 2021 - Preaching - ONLINE COURSE
(ZOOM dates TBD)
May 3 - 15, 2021 - Pastoral Care - ONLINE COURSE
(ZOOM dates TBD)
CLICK THE DATE TO REGISTER
CLASSES FOR 2021 - DATES TO BE DETERMINED
TBD - ​United Methodist Tradition
TBD - Leadership and Administration
  TBD - Worship and Sacraments
TBD - Mission & Evangelism

What is involved in an ONLINE COURSE? 
ZOOM meetings (Synchronous Work - done as a group at the same time)
Independent work (reading & pre-work found in the Orientation Packet)
Course Connect - independent assignments done online at your own pace, but that have deadlines.
You must do ALL sections of the course to receive credit.
GBHEM requires that no student miss more than 20% of any LS Course. (20% = 2 hours)

 Taking an online class and need access to Course Connect?  Click here.    
Download your Orientation Packet here with readings, assignment,
and other general information.
​To reserve your hotel room, please click the link below.
The Residence Marriott at the District at Eastover
Reservations must be made by the student.  Make sure you select the correct dates for your class.  You must provide a credit card to secure your reservation, but not charges will be applied.  You will pay the Center for Ministry directly for your stay if you choose the above option.  You are free to make other arrangements for your stay if you desire.
For Dining Options Near Millsaps College Click Here


​2020 - 2021 Weekend Schedule
For In-Person Classes


​         Schedule For All Licensing School Weekends
Friday
​5:45 - 6:30 pm Worship in Yates Chapel 
6:45 - 9:30 Class (Various Classrooms)
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm Class 
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 - 3:00 pm Class 
All Classes are held in the McRae Christian Center
Click here for a map:
​Millsaps College
Grades will be posted on People Portal as soon as possible
        after the end of each session.
               

               
            Taking an online class and need access to Course Connect?  Click here.    

Download the Student Orientation Packet Here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Licensing School?
Licensing School provides basic preparation for pastoral ministry, and is an educational requirement for individuals pursuing licensed local pastor ministry in the United Methodist Church. The Center for Ministry at Millsaps College administers the Mississippi Annual Conference Licensing School under the direction of the Mississippi Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Office of Spiritual Leadership. Download the 2020-2021 Licensing School Policies and Procedures for details, expectations, and fees. For more information, email the Center for Ministry.

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 September 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 September 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, along with all other requirements, and are receiving an appointment. 

How do I register?
You can pre-register and pay online by clicking on each course name at the top of this page.  You can also register by downloading the brochure, filling it out, and mailing or emailing 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 2019 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.
For information on GBHEM Policies and Guideline, click here.
​For our Sexual and Racial Harassment Policy, click here.

Resources for 2020 - 2021 Students

Have you already registered and been 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.

Additional required textbooks are:
United Methodist Book of Worship
United Methodist Book of Discipline 2016
United Methodist Hymnal
​The Harper Collins Study Bible, NRSV
​
Introduction to Theology for Ministry​ by Elaine A. Robinson
The Witness of Preaching, Third Edition by Thomas G. Long
This Holy Mystery by Gayle Carlton Felton
By Water and the Spirit by Gayle Carlton Felton
Three Simple Rules by Bishop Ruben Job
A Spirituality of Living, Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series (published by Upper Room Ministries)
Invitation to a Journey: A Roadmap for Spiritual Formation by M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.
Transforming Evangelism: The Wesleyan Way of Sharing Faith by Henry H. Knight III and F. Douglas Powe, Jr.

Go! How to Become a Great Commission Church by Mark R. Teasdale

This list will continue to be updated, so please check our website regularly for changes and assignments.

Recommended Reading for Licensing School Students:
The CEB Study Bible
Reading Scripture as Wesleyans by Joel B. Green
Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller
Visit www.seeallthepeople.org for discipleship resources from the General Board of Discipleship.
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           Mailing Address:
           Box 150041, Millsaps College
           1701 N. State Street
           Jackson, MS 39210

      ministry@millsaps.edu
      601-974-1488
      601-974-1484 (fax)