Licensing School

Licensing School is a requirement for all of those who have been recommended for licensing or who will be commissioned as a provisional member of the Annual Conference. Licensing School as two components – online and in-person. All students are required to attend Licensing School in-person, and to complete all the assignments successfully.

Preparation and Assignments:

Required Reading:
Each book read contributes toward the required contact hours.
• When Church Stops Working by Andy Root (Administration)
• Wake Up to Wonder by Karen Marsh (Spirituality/Leadership)
• Submitting to be More Vile by Charlie Baber (UM Tradition)

Recommended Resources:

Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson

Preaching Practicum Assignment: Due May 10, 2025

Prepare a sermon manuscript which you will preach with your preaching practicum group. It is your responsibility to upload the sermon and to bring a copy of your sermon to Licensing School. The uploaded sermon manuscript will be shared with the leaders of the preaching practicum groups. 

• Upload your sermon manuscript here: https://forms.gle/AfXEK2W12ut9K67NA 

Online Curriculum & Assignments: Due May 14, 2025

The online curriculum for Licensing School is designed for students to use at their own pace. Assignments include quizzes and written materials. A certificate of completion will be sent upon completion of the course. Be sure to read the assignments carefully and to complete them in a timely manner. 

Link Coming Soon

Clergy Ethics Training: Due June 1, 2025

All clergy receiving their first appointments are required to complete Clergy Ethics and Mandatory Reporting training. The Clergy Ethics training is provided through Safe Gatherings at a discounted rate of $20. The Mandatory Reporting training is provided through the Virginia Department of Social Services. If you have questions about either of these trainings, contact Rev. Lyn Harding at lynharding@vaumc.org. 

Link to Clergy Ethics Page: https://vaumc.org/ethicsvideos/ 

Lodging

On-campus apartment style housing – single occupancy bedrooms with bathroom sharing in a suite setting. 

Check-in for Registration:

Eastern Mennonite Seminary
1181 Smith Avenue
Harrisonburg, VA

9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.  Wednesday, May 15, 2024

No early check-in for lodging can be accommodated.

There will be an additional opportunity to check-in to housing during our afternoon break.

Meals

All meals will take place at the refectory on Eastern Mennonite’s campus. If you indicated dietary restrictions, those were shared with the University. You are welcome to bring your own snacks. 

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing/shoes

• Toiletries

• Chargers 

• United Methodist Hymnal 

• United Methodist Book of Worship

• The Faith We Sing hymnal

• Laptop for final exam

• Pen/Pencil

• Bible

• Copy of sermon for the preaching practicum 

• Snacks

• Water Bottle

• If you play a musical instrument, you are welcome to bring to assist in leading worship