United Methodist pastors benefit from these leadership development opportunities. Apply today to invest in yourself and the future of the Church.
The Reynolds Program in Church Leadership is a one-year leadership development certificate program offered to United Methodist clergy in the Western North Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, North Georgia and Florida conferences.
Who is eligible for the 2024-25 program?
United Methodist pastors-in-charge serving in the Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, North Georgia, and Western North Carolina conferences with at least five years of full-time church experience (beyond educational requirements) and who will not be moving to a new appointment in 2024.
How do I apply?
When do we meet?
What else should I know?
The Royce and Jane Reynolds Program in Church Leadership provides the opportunity for 24 select clergy leaders to complete a yearlong intensive program in leadership development. The Reynolds program is a joint venture between the United Methodist Foundation of Western North Carolina, Inc. and the Center for Creative Leadership, an international nonprofit educational institution.
Created out of a deep concern for the development of effective pastoral leaders for Christ’s Church, the goal of the program is to assist strong pastors in becoming congregational leaders who develop a clear vision for the Church. Participants will be invited into a study of their leadership gifts and challenges and the impact of those gifts and challenges on the creation of congregational vision, its articulation and its fulfillment.
The program absorbs the full cost of tuition, room and board, and sessions with the executive coaches. Because the program makes a significant financial investment in its participants, it is necessary for participants to make the following commitments:
Applications are reviewed by both the resident Bishop and the Reynolds Admission Committee. The Committee makes all final decisions on admission. Application materials must be received by April 15, 2024. Once you complete your application and submit it, a screen will appear giving you the option to print your application. You are responsible for printing your completed application and submitting it to your Bishop by April 15, 2024.
“Leadership is essential for the renewal of the Church. Participants in the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership consistently share that this has been the best leadership training they have experienced — and that it came at just the right time.”
Bishop Ken Carter
Resident Bishop, Florida and Western North Carolina Conferences“The year I spent with Reynolds kept me in local church ministry. I grew in my self-understanding, my love of the church and God’s people, and yes, how to do ministry differently!”
Rev. David Beam
First UMC Franklin“I learned that vibrant ministry begins by embracing a church’s unique strengths — not by trying to imitate a mega-church down the road.”
Rev. Heather Kilbourne
Faith in Rural Communities
NC Rural Center
Formerly at Bethlehem UMC in Statesville, NC
The Reynolds Academy for Ministry Management is a one-year leadership program for Senior Pastors in the Western North Carolina Conference with a focus on strong management and administrative practices. The purpose is to equip clergy with the necessary skills to effectively manage a church.
Timing of sessions vary year by year.
“This is the most helpful and applicable continuing education program I’ve ever participated in. It helped explain a lot of issues I see in the church and gave me specific ways to improve our process.”
The Reynolds Leadership Academy for Evangelism and Discipleship is a 2-4 year program for Senior Pastors in the Western North Carolina Conference. This program was formed under the belief that wise leaders, including pastoral leaders, should dedicate time to learning from one another. Participants are exposed to teachings from the most innovative and successful church leaders. Participants travel outside the state up to three times a year. Travel expenses are covered by the program.
Nominees are eligible to apply by invitation. Session dates vary each year.
“There ought to be a way for ministers who are eager to reach the unchurched to get together and share ideas, programs, victories, concerns and failures. They [ministers] will pick their own format and subjects to discuss. They will have outside speakers, share with each other and go to major churches that are really on fire; and they will hold each other accountable.” – Royce Reynolds
For questions, please contact Rev. Annalee Allen, Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs, at 888-450-1956, Ext. 1504 or aallen@umfwnc.org.