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Jackie Campbell

As part of efforts to develop principled Christian leaders for the church and the world, the Western PA Conference will offer Advanced Training for Church Leaders in 2010.  

 

The courses include tracks for those pursuing Certified Lay Ministry, licensing as a local pastor, or ordained ministry. As of July 1, 2009, completion of the licensing school course for local pastors is mandatory for all newly certified candidates for ordained ministry.  

 

“All those newly certified are required to attend an advanced training event (a/k/a licensing school) as soon as possible after certification, regardless of the ministry track they are pursuing,” said the Rev. Pat Nelson, Those certified before July 1, 2009 are exempt from the advanced training as a requirement, she noted.

 

The training will be offered in commuter retreats and single-day training in March and May in the Mars-Cranberry Twp. area and in a residential course setting in August at Olmsted Manor retreat center in Ludlow, PA.

 

Those pursuing the Certified Lay Ministry must attend a pair of weekend retreats -- either March 4-6 and May 20-22 at Mars UMC and the UMC in Cranberry Twp., or Aug. 20-22 and 27-29 at Olmsted Manor. The cost of the commuter retreats at Mars UMC and the UM Center, is $150 for both. Lodging and meals are not included.

 

 The cost the August weekends at Olmsted is $225 for the pair, including room and board. .

 

Those pursuing the Local Pastor License or ordained ministry must attend additional training sessions: either Spring “commuter” sessions in the Cranberry Twp.area, or the residential course at Olmsted from Aug. 20-29. The Commuter school includes a 4 p.m. session on May 22 and daylong Saturday sessions in Cranberry Twp on Mar. 13, 20, 27; April 10, 17. and 24, and May 1 and 15. The total cost for the commuter licensing school, including the weekend retreats, lunches and required materials, is $400. Lodging, if needed, and other meals are not included.. 

 

The cost for the entire Summer Residential event, including room board and required materials, is $950.

 

Registration for all training is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space at Olmsted Manor is limited. The Spring School registration deadline is Feb. 1, while the Olmsted cut-off date is July 15.

 

The application form, with details on requirements and registration procedures, is available to download from www.wpaumc.org. Print copies are available at district offices and the UM Conference Center.