These students have just completed Pastoral Ministry Licensing School (PMLS), a week of study and learning that prepares them for licensing as local pastors. Each one has engaged in an extended process of discernment, including participating in a Candidacy Retreat and group mentoring, and has been recommended as certified candidates by their local congregation and district committees on ministry.
 
To prepare for PMLS, each student completed assignments, preparing them to learn about discipleship, pastoral caregiving, United Methodist theology and history, worship, preaching, leadership and administration. They also visited Tyrand Cooperative Ministries, and learned firsthand how important our apportionment support is for conference mission projects and many other ministries.
 
Our continued prayers for these students are important, as they discern and take their next steps—possible appointments, and starting their Course of Study or seminary coursework.
 
Want to explore how you might attend PMLS next year? Contact Bonnie MacDonald or your district superintendent for more information!
 
The PMLS 2019 class consists of PMLS co-directors: Rev. Gwen Wolford and Rev. Earnest Watkins; 2019 students: Jonathan Acord, Lucinda Davis, Cassie Fisher, Robert Fulton, Barry McCune, Scott Neal, Rosemary Bucher, Sharon McDougal, Aaron Himes, Kevin Keplinger, Kara Proffit, Matthew May, Benjamin Randolph, Ronald Pinson. Rev. Bonnie MacDonald, Conference Director of Leadership Formation & Ministry Staff.