To Become a Local Pastor and Be Licensed (¶ 315)  

1. Obtain a high school diploma from an accredited high school or receive a certificate of equivalency
2. Become a certified candidate.
3. Receive recommendation from DS to attend Licensing School* which happens in May and includes online courses as well as an in person retreat.
   1. *Licensing School is contingent upon an appointment July 1st.
   2. If you are on the elder track and receive an appointment before you are a provisional member, you will serve as a Licensed Local Pastor.
4. Be recommended by a ¾ majority vote of the dCOM to attend licensing school, for initial license, and annual approval. 
5. Successfully complete Licensing School 
6. Receive approval for licensing by a ¾ majority vote of the clergy session.
7. Local Pastors (FT and PT) must be seen by the dCOM annually to seek recommendation to the BOM for continued eligibility for appointment as a local pastor.
8. Once you are a Licensed Local Pastor, you must be making progress in Course of Study (COS).
   1. A Seminary Degree that meets all of your Basic Graduate Theological Studies satisfies this requirement. 
   2. If you want to become ordained, you will need to complete Advanced COS.

COS Scholarship Information – The NCCUMC offers funding for COS courses