Dear Licensed Local Pastors of the Arkansas Conference,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We are writing to share an exciting update regarding the education and preparation requirements for Licensed Local Pastors. As you know, the Course of Study is an essential component of equipping local pastors for faithful and effective ministry. In response to the evolving needs of our clergy and congregations, the 2024 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church now permits licensed local pastors to complete up to 100% of their Course of Study requirements online. This change is a significant development that provides greater flexibility for those balancing ministry, family, and other commitments. By allowing pastors to pursue their theological education remotely, we hope to eliminate barriers of accessibility, enabling more clergy to fulfill their calling and continue to serve their congregations with excellence.
As a local pastor, you will continue to have a number of choices in how you complete your work. All local pastors are eligible to take online courses through GBHEM. All local pastors can also take courses through a regional Course of Study School (such as Perkins or St. Paul). Part-time local pastors can also take courses at the Arkansas Extension Course of Study School. At this time, Arkansas Extension Course of Study School will continue to offer a hybrid format, including online content on Google Classroom, two Saturday Zoom meetings, and one in-person Saturday meeting (currently at FUMC Conway).
We also want to remind you of the difference in cost for each of these options. Regional Course of Study schools set their tuition costs. GBHEM currently charges $350 per standard class and $400 for advanced courses. In both cases, the Arkansas Conference supplements with a 50% tuition scholarship for each course for currently serving local pastors. Courses at the Arkansas Extension School cost $75 each. The Arkansas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry is here to support you in this transition. If you have questions about approved online programs, financial assistance, or other aspects of the Course of Study, please do not hesitate to contact Nancy Meredith (nmeredith@arumc.org) or Arkansas Course of Study Director Rev. Dr. Michelle Morris (michelle.morris@arumc.org).
We celebrate this step forward and the ways it will enhance the work of Licensed Local Pastors across our connection. Thank you for your continued commitment to leading God’s people and building God’s kingdom in Arkansas and beyond.