Course of Study Training for Pastors

We just came back from a meeting of with missionaries from Laos and Vietnam for solidifying the process for educating and credentialing pastors in our nations.  Because the United Methodist Church is a global organization, our credentialing standards are global as well.  We must coordinate our efforts with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), Bishop Goodpaster, and the General Board of Global Missions, as well as work together with the other missionaries of the Southeast Asia Mission Conference (Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam).

It has been an effort that has taken place over the last two years, and it is coming together now in a very good way.  GBHEM has provided a process to be used in all of the areas that are Mission Conferences.  This provides a uniform standard across the globe for UM pastors.

We have already given License to Preach School for pastors, interns, and church leaders, and now we are in the second phase.  Coordinating a Course of Study school for educating pastors to be credentialed as mission pastors (the equivalent of a local pastor in the United States).  At the same time, we will be directing an Advanced Course of Study school for educating pastors to be credentialed as Ordained Elders.  Please pray for us as this is a huge task.

The task is especially difficult because all of the books and resources must be translated, and there is much coordination with teachers of the courses and receiving permission from authors and publishers to translate books.

We appreciate the prayer as we do this work for the Lord.