Through a variety of seminars, programs, gatherings, lectures, and other offerings, the Divinity School seeks to help strengthen your faith and leadership by building your knowledge about the church and its practices. Also see our UMC Training & Programs.

Hands holding a cross
Find the time to read, reflect, research, or just relax with Study Leave for Ministry Professionals. Over the span of five to seven days, participants can immerse themselves in learning and renewal through self-directed study, worship, and prayer on the Duke University campus.
Members of "Caminantes" group
Caminantes is a group of fellow sojourners who seek to encounter Christ on the roads connecting Duke Divinity School to the world, while practicing and honing skills for ministry with Hispanic/Latinx communities. There is a Caminantes group for students and also Pastores Caminantes, a group for pastors who meet periodically to practice and hone skills for ministry among Latinos.
Attendees at a worship service
Sunday, October 15, 2023 - 6:00pm to Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 4:30pm
The annual Convocation & Pastors’ School is an intensive multi-day conference that offers lectures, worship, alumni gatherings, and seminars for Christian leaders of all traditions. In 2023, Convocation & Pastors’ School will take place October 15-17 as an in-person event. 
rural church photo
Monday, August 7, 2023 - 12:00am to Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 11:59pm
The Convocation on the Rural Church is an annual opportunity for pastors from the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church to join with Duke Divinity School and The Duke Endowment to discuss issues that are important in transforming rural churches and communities and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Institute participants engage each other during plenary
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - 8:00am to Friday, May 19, 2023 - 8:00pm
The Summer Institute for Reconciliation will center on content with a biblical vision of reconciliation that inspires the transformation of communities and relationships. Church leaders will learn frameworks of reconciliation that are practical, contextual, and theological. 

Upcoming Clergy/Laity Training & Programs Events

Monday, October 11, 2021 - 12:00am to Friday, June 30, 2023 - 12:00am
Monday, August 7, 2023 - 12:00am to Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - 11:59pm
Sunday, October 15, 2023 - 6:00pm to Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - 4:30pm