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In addition to the foundational courses, United Methodist doctrine, history,
and polity are offered in a regular rotation in Fall Quarter and Summer Term
that enables students to complete these requirements in three years or less.
These courses are “clustered” in the Fall Quarter to insure that candidates for
the ministry will have met all such requirements prior to Board interviews
that often take place during the Winter Quarter. The following conspectus
identifies the sequence currently in place:
United Methodist Course Conspectus (Three-Year Cycle)
Year Fall QTR Winter Spring QTR Summer Term
QTR
2012-2013 UM History UM Polity
2013-2014 UM Doctrine UM History
2014-2015 UM Polity UM Doctrine
Following this conspectus, students can take their UM courses in the summer
over three years, in the regular academic year in three years, or in two years
by combining the regular academic year and the summer offerings. The UM
Doctrine course can fulfill the requirement of a third theology course and the
UM History course can fulfill the requirement of the church history elective
for UM students in the M.Div. program. The UM Polity course can fulfill the
requirement of a general elective if available.
United Methodist worship resources are utilized by United Methodist faculty
members and guests in normal chapel services and other informal settings of
community worship and devotion. A Midweek Eucharist in the United Methodist
tradition is offered every Wednesday morning. The seminary maintains
close contact with area judicatories through on-campus visits by church leaders,
members of Boards of Ordained Ministry, and Conference officials.
United Methodist students and faculty gather regularly during the Fall Quarter
for a common meal known as the “Love Feast.” At these gatherings, held
each month as part of the denominational studies courses, the Wesleyan tradition
is celebrated and embodied. Guest speakers, including local pastors
and Conference officials, address topics pertinent to the life of the church
today. The community is gathered together at least once a term for the “Love
Feast” at other times in the year.
Questions
To learn more about the United Methodist Studies Program, UM mission opportunities
or Wesleyan heritage pilgrimages, or to arrange to talk with a current
student, recent alum, or director of the program, please do not hesitate
to contact Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, Director of United Methodist Studies, at
pchilcot@ashland.edu or 419-289-5771.
In addition to these courses mandated by The Book of Discipline, elective
courses are available to enrich a student’s understanding and experience of
the Wesleyan ethos. These courses have included topics such as Life and
Thought of the Wesleys, United Methodist Worship, Disciple-Making in the
Wesleyan Tradition.
Note that it is the candidate's responsibility to consult the appropriate Conference
Board of Ordained Ministry concerning guidelines related to educational
and other requirements that pertain to his/her particular situation. Some
Boards have added to the disciplinary requirements for candidacy in their
respective Conferences, but in most circumstances, these added stipulations
can be fulfilled at the main campus of the seminary.
Opportunities for United Methodist Leadership Formation
In addition to formal denominational studies courses, many opportunities
abound to form leaders in the United Methodist tradition.
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