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.
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.
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.
All classes meet from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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
Dr. Ken D. Hutchens, Director
Email: brokenhutchens@gmail.com
Phone: 217-390-1566