Board of Ordained Ministry

The annual conference is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God. The Conference Board of Ordained Ministry is charged with coordinating much of the formation and continuing formation of the spiritual leaders who are licensed, consecrated, commissioned, or ordained for the ministry.

Website

Course of Study for Part-Time Local Pastors

The Extension Course of Study is basically for part-time pastors and exists to provide quality theological training and equipping for ministry.  It is administered by the Board of Ordained Ministries of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.

Website

Illinois Great Rivers Extension Course of Study Facebook Group (you will have to have a Facebook account to log-in)

License for Local Pastor's school

The License for Local Pastors' school will be held July 22-Aug. 2, 2012, at Illinois Wesleyan University. The License School has its own website. For more information, contact the License School Dean Dennis Powers or the school's registrar Angela Baughman.

Certified Lay Ministers training

General Conference 2004 approved the formation of the Certified Lay Ministry position -- a new lay position for pastoral leadership in the church. This position may involve all pastoral functions except for those duties that require ordination (e.g. baptism and communion).

The Certified Lay Ministry shall preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional and connectional thrust of The United Methodist Church.

Whereas some are called to a certain ministry and then find a church, the Certified Lay Ministry program may be best for situations where a church or ministry has a need and someone in that membership is called to help out in a larger way.

The Certified Lay Minister is assigned by the District Superintendent to provide lay pastroal leadership in a ministry or local church.