Testimonials

This course has caused me to stretch my spiritual muscles to complete the assignments. It was a challenge sometimes and I spent A LOT of time praying. But it merely "whet my appetite" for the next phase of the training. I can't wait to get started.

I absolutely believe The Academy gave me the tools and the confidence to be a pastor. The topics and teaching were geared toward preparing me and others to be of greater service to the church.

I was blessed with two great instructors: Dr. Carl Ellis and pastor Jada Hodgson. They are exceptional and knowledgeable leaders who provided us the knowledge and skills needed to pastor a church.

And I was blessed with a small group of fellow students who were committed to Christian service.

I am a preacher’s kid, and have been in the United Methodist church for over 60 years. Despite this experience, this course has been invaluable to me, not just for preparing me to fill a small membership church need, but rounding out my Christian education in general, and my Methodist upbringing as well.

For me this class has established a bible study routine, encouraged me to use new bible references and other relevant texts and disciplined my thinking. I would wholeheartedly recommend this class to any United Methodist lay person.

One of my favorite components of the classes is interacting with others who are searching out their area of call, as well. God used classmates to strengthen my quest and also open my mind to additional ways that ministry can be accomplished as a lay person.

Learning with others makes this unknown path more reassuring. God has used the knowledge from these classes to strengthen my faith journey. It also opened up ministry opportunities as well.

I really enjoyed the class setting. It was a safe environment [and] I appreciate the fact that we were encouraged to learn from one another. I was stretched and challenged and grew because of it. I feel I am more myself than I have ever been.

One of my highlights was the sharing done among the course "attendees." ... It is very cool to hear about the different ways the other attendees are working in God's Kingdom.

I was really fascinated by the comparison of who in the Bible I identified with. It was fun comparing how I have been called and my response to those in the Bible and their responses.

Another highlight was discussing the final paper with my pastor and District Superintendent. I was so touched by their affirmations of my calling and gifts and how supportive they were.

Self discovery is an ongoing process and this course is an effective tool to guide the journey. I found a gentle peace and comfort by reflecting and putting my thoughts and struggles on paper.