Clergy summer classes train local pastors

By Jan Jett
Hoosier UM News Correspondent

Growing from an initial enrollment of 15 in 1992, the Indiana Area School for part-time local pastors (sometimes referred to as "lay pastors") has an enrollment of 107 this year. Designed to meet the academic needs of bi-vocational, part-time local pastors serving churches in North and South Indiana Conferences, the curriculum covers four areas of study: Bible, Theology, Congregation (discipleship, evangelism, worship) and Pastor (administration, preaching, counseling, ethics).

Held at the University of Indianapolis, the school meets on weekends, thus providing two, 20-hour courses per year. Faculty members are ordained clergypersons or meet the standard of a master's degree in the specific area.

The Indiana Area School, a joint effort of the conferences, is an extension of Garrett-Evangelical Seminary Course of Study required for full-time local pastors who meet for two weeks of intense education during the summer. The goal is to provide educational opportunities for part-time pastors who cannot pursue ministry as a full time vocation.

The Course of Study is under the supervision of a board made up of members of the Board of Ministry in both conferences. It is supported by the Ministerial Education Fund with the annual conference and the district paying partial tuition and the remainder being paid by the local pastor.

For further information, contact Rev. Wilbur Yates at 260/786-1167, e-mail jwy@locl.net or Rev. Herbert Cassel, South Indiana director at 317/786-4124, e-mail cassel@uindy.edu.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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