Clergy Education and Training

Clergy Education

UMC Educational Requirements

Licensed Local Pastors: Must complete License to Preach School and the Basic Five-Year Course of Study.
Deacons: Must receive a master of divinity degree or obtain a master’s degree in their work field, plus 27 theological study hours.
Elders: Must receive a Master of Divinity degree from an approved seminary.

License to Preach School (LTPS)

Our annual License to Preach School program provides 80 hours of education in United Methodist Tradition, Public Worship and Liturgy, Preaching, Leadership/Administration, Spiritual Formation, Educational Ministries, Pastoral Care, Mission and Evangelism, and Conference-specific education. We cover what we think participants will need to know in order to begin their ministry as licensed local pastors. Learn more and apply >>

Course of Study (COS)

The Course of Study (COS) is the required continuing education for Local Pastors. These courses must be taken from an approved school. There are 20 required courses. As per the Book of Discipline, until the COS curriculum (20 courses) is completed, part-time local pastors should take two courses per year and full-time local pastors should take four courses per year. Reimbursement for Local Pastors taking the Course of Study is available at a rate of 100% of the cost per course. Apply for Course of Study assistance here >>

For COS information, registration, or scholarships:  

Graduate Theological Education

  • View the list of Seminaries approved by the University Senate
  • Learn about the UMC Guidelines for Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS). In addition to this, the Baltimore-Washington Conference requires the completion of a class in Ethics. 
  • Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) must be completed through GBHEM (UM Studies) or Master-level courses in a University Senate-approved Seminary. If a candidate will apply for Provisional Membership using BOD 324.6, they must be sure to complete the 10 Basic Graduate Theological Studies (BGTS) for ACOS credit.

Educational Financial Assistance: MEF

The Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) is one of seven apportioned funds of The United Methodist Church. The MEF is at the heart of preparing people to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The MEF also enables the church to increase financial support for recruiting and educating ordained and diaconal ministers and equipping annual conferences to meet increased demands. Students must be certified candidates in order to apply for and receive financial aid through the MEF.

Course of Study MEF Reimbursement
Seminary Student MEF Grant/Loan
  • Our current rate of scholarship for a Master’s-level Degree (or UM-required courses) is $500 per credit hour. Funds are sent directly to the school/seminary after the semester add/drop date has passed. Apply for MDiv assistance here >>

Residence in Ministry (RIM) Program

Once a candidate is commissioned as a Provisional Member, they will participate in a 3-year residency-in-ministry training program to expand on their seminary education in practical ways, as well as prepare for the ordination examination. This is an important time for developing supportive and accountable relationships among clergy colleagues, learning from experience, and clarifying a sense of call. To learn more, or serve as a mentor, contact Rev. Ron Foster.

Continuing Education Requirements

The church requires that clergy meet certain requirements related to continuing education. The BOM provides support services for the ordained minister’s career development and works with the Orders of Deacons and Elders and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members to offer financial support for continuing education and coordination of formation activities with BOM activities.

Ethics and Boundaries Training

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to ministry and work environments that are free of discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence.

Per the Book of Resolutions, all United Methodist clergy are required to receive up-to-date ethics training regularly (¶2044, 2016 Book of Resolutions). The Baltimore-Washington Conference requires all appointed ministerial professionals to complete official/approved training on professional boundaries and sexual ethics every appointive year, covering topics that may include identifying sexual misconduct, techniques for maintaining appropriate boundaries, and ways to keep one’s self and congregation safe. At least one training during the quadrennium must be completed in an interactive model either in-person or via an interactive platform such as Zoom. The others may be completed through a self-led online course. Read the BWC Sexual Ethics Policy.

Background Checks

In addition, the BWC Sexual Ethics Policy states, "a ministry leader shall complete a background check every five (5) years that includes a federal criminal background check." Here's how you complete your background check or check your application status through Safe Gatherings:

For new users

  1. Register for an account with Safe Gatherings by visiting our Clergy specific link: http://safegatherings.com/app/registration-invitation/4900b23424300807878c45fbd19dbfb5a26926b0e514ae1519d1a4c81826052f
  2. Complete the registration details and be sure to choose “Clergy” as your applicant type.
  3. Make your payment (the total cost will be ~$60, depending on which state/province you live in).
  4. Complete all parts of the required background check application, which includes 2 references and completion of the Safe Gatherings Training Course.
  • Please note:
    • You do not have to listen to the audio for each part of the Safe Gatherings Training Course; you can simply read the information and use the arrows to progress through the course.
    • You are not required to complete the separate Ethics Course as a part of your background check process; that is an optional purchase if you need to meet your annual requirement for Ethics training.
    • If you have any technical issues, please contact Safe Gatherings at 888.241.8258. For all other questions, you may contact me at .

For returning users

  1. Sign into your account with Safe Gatherings at https://safegatherings.com/ to view your renewal date.

Candidacy Mentor Training

Candidacy mentors are clergy in full connection, associate members, or local pastors who have completed the Course of Study who are trained to provide counsel and guidance related to the candidacy process. The BWC offers a free online class along with a packet of documents to aid in training candidacy mentors. Visit District Committees on Ministry (DCOMs) to register for the class or download the packet.