In partnership with the United Methodist Foundation of WV, our conference launched a brand new online learning platform in June called Portico.

This new learning management system (LMS) provides an opportunity for pastors and laity throughout our conference to learn and grow in support of our Conference mission to Discover, Develop, and Deploy passionate spiritual leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Currently there are over 30 courses available on Portico, with more being added each month. Most courses include a workbook and the majority of them are 20-30 minutes in length.

Here are three examples our courses:

• Servant Leadership – this is currently our most popular course. It covers topics such as servant leadership origins and characteristics, a self-assessment, Christian leader qualities, and practical examples.
• Website 101: An introduction to websites for the local church. This course was created by the conference communications team and features Deborah Coble, the Director of Communications.
• Contextual Communities: Finding new opportunities amidst shifting cultural realities. This course was done by Joe Webb who is our conference New Ministry Coordinator. He takes you through models of contextual engagement and ways your church may be called to multiply.

At the completion of most courses you will receive a certificate. Those course completion certificates are each worth one Contact Hour. (Ten contact hours = One CEU)

Our intention is not for Portico or these online courses to take the place of any other in-person workshops or learning events. In fact, each of these courses can also be done as a workshop by the course creator or someone else knowledgeable on that topic. Please visit our Conference website, wvumc.org, to learn more by clicking on the “Portico” tab at the top of our main page. It only takes a few minutes to register the first time and then you will receive your personalized page. Blessings on your learning journey!

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