PTS is a University Senate-approved seminary for training and forming United Methodist clergy.  Students desiring elder's orders are encouraged to seek the M.Div. degree.  Some students pursuing deacon’s orders meet their educational requirements with our M.A.M.C. degree, while others choose to obtain an M.Div. A candidate’s chosen specialty and prior graduate-level study help determine how PTS can best meet their educational needs. Students not seeking ordination are also welcome to consult with the Ministerial Formation Director for assistance.

United Methodist ministerial formation complements regular PTS course work and field supervision by:

• providing required and elective denominational courses (UM History, UM Polity, UM Doctrine, Evangelism, etc.);
• mentoring United Methodist students in their discernment of call, as well as their progress through ordination or certification;
• hosting denominational visitors such as District Superintendents and Boards of Ordained Ministry representatives from various Annual Conferences;
• communicating denominational information relevant to students and their ministries, including loan and scholarship opportunities (see the UMC bulletin board in the student commons);
• supporting a sense of community among United Methodist students at PTS; and
• presenting United Methodist-related awards and recognitions to PTS students.

For specific information on ordination requirements or on loans and scholarships, please familiarize yourself with the website of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

For more information on the denomination and its mission go to www.umc.org.

Director of Ministerial Formation for United Methodist students

Ellen J. Blue, Ph.D.