UMC Training Programs

Through its longstanding partnerships with The Duke Endowment, the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Divinity School has created a wide array of programs and initiatives designed to strengthen and enhance the lives and ministries of United Methodists. Also see our ecumenical clergy and laity training programs.

Summer Course of Study

The Course of Study is open to ministers of all communions and is recognized as the official course of study required by the United Methodist Church for licensed local pastors.

Weekend Course of Study

The Course of Study for Ordained Ministry has been established by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church as an alternate educational route for persons seeking to serve as pastors in United Methodist congregations.

Institute of Preaching

The Institute of Preaching is a nine-month program of retreats designed to help clergy from the Florida and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church improve their preaching.

United Methodist Full Connection Writing Retreat

Monday, September 11, 2017 (All day) to Wednesday, September 13, 2017 (All day)

This theological workshop helps United Methodists participating in the ordination process prepare for their ordination papers and board interviews.

Convocation & Pastors' School

Monday, October 8, 2018 - 8:00am to Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - 4:30pm

The annual Convocation & Pastors’ School is an intensive two-day conference that offers lectures, worship, and seminars for Christian leaders of all traditions. Led by scholars and practitioners from Duke and beyond, this event is a cooperative endeavor with the North Carolina and Western North Carolina Conferences of the United Methodist Church.

Convocation on the Rural Church

Monday, August 6, 2018 - 1:00pm to Wednesday, August 8, 2018 - 2:00pm

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.

Retreat for Pastors Serving the Hispanic and Latino Community

Sunday, April 22, 2018 (All day) to Tuesday, April 24, 2018 (All day)

At this retreat, pastors serving Hispanic/Latino communite immerse themselves into the heart of the "Good Shepherd" through praise, worship, and theological reflection.

WNCC Elders' Event: Holy Leadership

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 (All day)

This annual gathering, which alternates between a "day apart" and a multi-day retreat, is an opportunity to celebrate the connection of elders in the Western North Carolina Conference.

Small Membership Church Revitalization Event

Friday, May 13, 2016 - 1:00pm to Sunday, May 15, 2016 - 12:00pm

The Thriving Rural Communities Initiative at Duke Divinity School invites pastors and lay people to attend a weekend retreat at The Bladen Charge—Windsor UMC, Bethlehem UMC and Live Oak UMC—to experience their unique testimony of sustainability. Worship services, workshops and Sabbath time will resource and renew your ministry.

Pastor & Parish

Combining videos, workbook content, guided discussion and complementary readings, Pastor & Parish is a six-session series for United Methodist staff-parish relations committees that ties the committee's responsibilities back to their spiritual beginnings.

Neighborhood Seminary

This pilot program provides robust theological, spiritual, and missional formation to equip lay people to engage in their home, neighborhood, workplace, and community and is led by a team of Duke scholars, community practitioners, and trained spiritual directors.