Lindsey Wilson College Hosts School for Methodist Ministers

COLUMBIA, Ky. – Elizabeth Smith of Augusta, Ky., spent a long time reflecting on whether she was called be a pastor in The United Methodist Church.

“For several years I felt like there was a calling in my life,” said Smith, who is now a leader at Strawberry United Methodist Church in Fleminsburg, Ky. “I wasn’t sure until a couple years ago when God made it more clear to me.”

Late last month, Smith joined about two dozen other budding leaders in the church for the United Methodist License for Pastoral Ministry School, held at Lindsey Wilson College.
Lindsey Wilson’s Sumner Campus Ministry Center hosted the annual school, held by the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The weeklong school, which has been held at Lindsey Wilson nine times over the past 10 years, certifies laypersons to serve as pastors and present the sacraments in their assigned United Methodist churches.

This year’s school attracted about two dozen men and women from seven districts within the Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church. The students were taught by 15 faculty members who ranged from the church’s district superintendents to members of the Lindsey Wilson Christian ministries faculty.

“The thing that has really been impressed on me has been how much the conference wants us to have balance in our lives,” said Michael Moon of Greensburg, Ky., who pastors Hodges Chapel in Summersville.

During the week, faculty discussed a variety of issues pastors face in their churches. During the day, participants received information about theology, sacraments, leadership, crisis counseling and personal renewal. In the evening, participants took part in Bible study and worship.

Joseph White, who pastors Bybee United Methodist Church in Bybee, Ky., said he found the school to be “very beneficial.”

“I’ve learned a lot of new things,” he said. “It’s been a very good experience for me.”

Lindsey Wilson College