A Pastor's Process: Licensing School

The last two evenings I have had the honor of participating in what we Methodist pastors know as "licensing school."  This is a one-week, intensive time of learning for "pastors in the making," and every United Methodist Pastor must experience it.  This time of learning is a focused, intense, express "nuts-and-bolts" time in which soon to be pastors learn of the mechanics of worship, administrative details, and Christian Education just to name a few.  One of the purposes of licensing school is to help those who will soon begin serving in the church, whether it be in a ministerial support capacity, or as student pastor of a small local church, as they continue their education and the process of candidacy toward ordained ministry.  After all, most of us pastors find ourselves in ministerial positions before we have completed seminary.  One of the focused areas of learning in licensing school is sermon delivery and preparation.  That's where I came in.  I was one of several pastors who provided leadership and sermon feedback in small groups. 

As I listened to the sermons delivered by the students, I was captivated by the depth of which they shared in their sermons.  Most of the students are "second" career, meaning that their ages are 40's and 50's.  This group brings a wealth and a depth of life to their preaching.  One person was retired military, one was a retired judge.  But in this context, everyone is on the same level "playing field."  As I listened, I could sense how the Holy Spirit was moving in their lives, bringing about healing and insight.  It was a holy thing. 

Although the student preachers have some rough edges (as we all do!), I feel so good about what God is doing in their lives, and that God has called them into ministry with the United Methodist Church.  As I reflect upon my own experience in licensing school many years ago, I can't tell you much about what we learned there, because of the overload of information.  However, I do remember the people, and how God touched us all through shared experience, and shared journey.  I am grateful to be a part of these student pastor's lives.  I am grateful to be a United Methodist Pastor, and most of all, I am grateful to be the pastor of Davis Memorial United Methodist Church.  What a beautiful journey!