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 2023-24 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 2023.
How do I apply?
When do we meet?
“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 Annalee Allen, Executive and Program Support Specialist, at 888-450-1956, Ext. 1504 or aallen@umfwnc.org.