Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors Retreat

There are several categories of clergy in The United Methodist Church. One is a licensed pastor.

A person called to ministry becomes a licensed local pastor by attending a five-year Course of Study School. The school is operated by the “national church ministry office” and is generally taught on a United Methodist seminary campus.

Those who graduate are licensed local pastors. With additional coursework, some become associate members of an annual conference.

Like United Methodist Elders, these pastors, frequently bi-vocational, need time away to reflect and recharge their spiritual batteries.

For several years, Lakeside Chautauqua has partnered with the East and West Ohio and Michigan Conferences of The United Methodist Church to offer an August retreat, called the Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors Retreat.

This year’s retreat will be held from Sunday, Aug. 20-Wednesday, Aug. 23. Lakeside’s Preacher of the Week, Rev. Dr. James Harnish, will be the retreat leader. The theme is “Finding Our Way.” We’re pleased to have this group at Lakeside for rest and inspiration.