Course of Study Extension School

The Course of Study is prescribed by the Division of Ordained Ministry of the United Methodist Church to provide for the education of Local Pastors and to equip them to serve local churches as spiritual leaders. Persons who desire to continue as Local Pastors must work toward completing the five-year Course of Study in 12 years of appointed pastoral service. Our school is established as an Extension School of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and serves part-time local pastors. Full-time Local Pastors must attend a regional COS school.

Admission Requirements

These courses are offered for Part-time Local Pastors. To be admitted to the school, one must have completed the School for License as a Local Pastor, be under appointment, have permission from his or her District Superintendent and the BOM Registrar. A limited number of other clergy or laity may audit each course for a fee of $85 and receive 2 CEU’s for each class. COS 121 and COS 122 are required before any other classes can be taken.

Fees

The tuition and registration for IGRC students is $175 per course (which includes a conference scholarship built into the price) and must be paid at registration. The cost for students from all other conferences is $350. Tuition includes cost of class and lunch on Saturday. Textbooks and lodging are the responsibility of the participant. Payments can be made online or mailed to: IGRC Conference Center, PO Box 19207, Springfield IL 62794-9207.

For rulings, transcripts and Board of Ordained Ministry questions, contact the Office of Clergy Excellence, Rev. Beth Fender, PO Box 19207, Springfield, IL. 62794-9207. Cancellations 30 days or less prior to class will result in the loss of tuition unless due to illness. Weddings and funerals do not qualify. You should have a colleague cover for you in these cases. 

Session Times

All classes meet from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Fall 2023 class information

Session I: Aug. 11-12 and Sept. 8-9

   COS 324 -- Preaching -- taught by Dr. Roger Grimmett

   COS 521 -- Bible V -- Acts, Epistles and Revelation -- taught by Dr. Tim Christian

   COS 522 -- Contemporary Theology -- taught by Dr. Dennis Powers

Session II: Oct. 6-7 and Nov. 3-4

    COS 121 -- Bible I -- taught by Dr. Robert Phillips

    COS 323 -- Congregational Care -- taught by Dr. Steve Heitkamp

    COS 421 -- Bible IV -- Prophets, Psalms and Wisdom -- taught by Dr. Ken D. Hutchens 

Contact Person for Information

Dr. Ken D. Hutchens, Director
Email: brokenhutchens@gmail.com
Phone: 217-390-1566

Download the 2023 brochure...

Download the 2022 brochure...