Methodist Course Offerings
The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2004 stipulates in ¶324.4a "Qualifications for Election to Probationary Membership and Commissioning":
"Candidates for deacon and elder shall have
completed a minimum of twenty-four semester hours of graduate
theological studies in the Christian faith. These graduate theological
studies must include the areas of: Old Testament; New Testament;
theology; church history; mission of the church in the world;
evangelism; worship/liturgy; and United Methodist doctrine, polity and
history. These courses can be included within or in addition to a
seminary degree."
In addition to these disciplinary requirements, the South Carolina Conference has set additional educational requirements in its policy guidelines. Among these are the requirements that candidates take a course in "Black History or Black Studies" and "Women's Studies." For more information, see the SC Conference Office of Clergy Services website.
These requirements can be met through Southern Seminary. Contact the Registrar for a schedule of course offerings.
Note that it is the candidate's responsibility to consult both the Discipline and the appropriate Conference guidelines regarding the educational and other requirements that pertain to his/her particular situation.
Contact Admissions
Jenny Tomalka
Director of Admissions
JTomalka@ltss.edu
Anthony Dicks
Associate Director of Admissions
ADicks@ltss.edu
800-804-5233
Fax: 803-461-3272
4201 North Main Street
Columbia, SC 29203