Ministry Training & Classes
The Free Methodist Church in Southern California has partnered with Aldersgate School of Ministry to nurture and equip leaders for impactful ministries and congregational growth. Aldersgate’s diverse range of courses caters to varying stages of spiritual and ministerial development, ensuring that each individual is well-prepared to fulfill God’s calling.
Ministry Paths
Our ministry paths are tailored to guide you through your spiritual journey, whether you’re exploring local church ministry or seeking a broader role within the conference. Each path is designed to inform, inspire, and prepare you for effective ministry.
Local Ministerial Candidate (LMC)
Local ministerial candidacy marks the beginning for those interested in engaging in local church ministry as lay ministers. Under the supervision of their Local Board of Administration (LBOA), these non-ordained candidates collaborate with church staff to deliver valuable service to their congregation. As they grow in their ministry, they may become Local Licensed Ministers and enter the Conference Ministerial Candidacy process.
Local Licensed Minister (LLM)
Responding to God’s call, Local Licensed Ministers serve as non-ordained, lay ministers providing servant-leadership in specific congregational areas, leveraging their divine talents and honed skills. Working alongside Elders, they support the church’s mission by guiding and empowering members to carry out their ministries within the community and beyond.
Conference Ministerial Candidate (CMC)
Local Licensed Ministers who discern a deeper calling may embark on the Conference Ministerial Candidate journey as lay ministers. Focusing on personal growth, spiritual development, and leadership abilities, this process nurtures skilled leaders who embody the essential qualities necessary to expand their ministries. These candidates are appointed but not ordained.
Elder
In the Free Methodist Church, Elders are ordained ministers who demonstrate a profound spiritual calling and dedication to serve, lead, and mentor others within the church. While appointed to specific ministries, their primary calling is to the Church at large. They invest their time and expertise in fostering the growth and development of the broader Free Methodist Church community.
Free Methodist Church in Southern California Academy
The Free Methodist Ordination Track Certificate is your path to transforming your passion for ministry into a thriving vocation. It’s time to tell your story and make a difference in the world. Join us, and let’s partner with you as you fulfill your calling to ministry in the Free Methodist Church!
Classes Designed With You In Mind
Asynchronous classes allow you to learn on your own schedule. Students will have access to weekly recorded lectures, reading assignments, and online engagement with peers and faculty through discussion boards. This hybrid model offers more flexibility than zooming into a live session once a week. To support face-to-face connection, there will be several opportunities to join video meeting “drop in hours” throughout the course for live discussion.
Course Information
The Ordination Track has two required classes.
• PRAC 210 History and Polity of the Free Methodist Denomination
• THEO 210 Wesleyan Theology
Classes are now offered at a deeply discounted rate of $50 for CMCs and LMCs of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California