Local Pastor Licensing School
The Local Pastor Licensing School is a foundational learning experience for preparation to become an appointed Local Pastor in the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. Over the course, students will engage in facilitated learning on topics such as worship, preaching, small groups, sacraments, stewardship, theology, polity, pastoral care, and more. A student’s preparation, attendance, classroom participation, performance, and assignments are all vital in the process.
A candidate for ministry must be approved by their District Committee on Ministry or recommended by their District Superintendent to attend Local Pastor Licensing School.
Candidates for ministry who have completed seminary may be recommended to attend Local Pastors Licensing School.
Program Dates
The program requires both in-person and online attendance. Attendance at all sessions is necessary to complete the program.
Tuesday, 1/27 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
Tuesday, 2/3 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, 2/7 In Person Meeting 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, 2/24 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, 2/28 In Person Meeting 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, 3/10 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, 3/14 In Person Meeting 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, 3/24 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
Tuesday, 4/14 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, 4/18 In Person Meeting 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday, 4/21 Online Meeting 7 pm – 9 pm
In Person Meetings will be held at the GNJ Mission and Resource Center 205 Jumping Brook Road, Neptune, NJ 07753.
Online Meetings will be held over Zoom. Zoom links will be provided via email in January 2026.
Cost
- Greater New Jersey candidates for ministry: $350
- Candidates for ministry from beyond Greater New Jersey: $500
Requirements for attending the school
- Online Registration with payment.
- Approval from one’s District Committee on Ministry or District Superintendent to attend.
The Local Pastor Licensing School 2026 Homework Page will be posted in January 2026.
Deadline to register is January 15, 2026
The Local Pastor Licensing School 2026 Homework
Homework will be posted in January 2026.
Deadline to register is January 15, 2026
For more information contact:
