Preparation for Ministry: The Mississippi Annual Conference Licensing School
2019-2020 Licensing School
Online registration will begin July 1, 2019.
September 6-7, 2019 September 27-28, 2019 October 4-5, 2019 October 18-19, 2019 January 10-11, 2020 January 24-25, 2020 February 21-22, 2020 March 20-21, 2020 April 3-4, 2020 April 24-25, 2020
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
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 brochure for details about schedule, 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, 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 2018-2019 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.
