Wisconsin Conference Licensing School

WELCOME!  On behalf of the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, we invite you to participate in Licensing School. The WAC is committed to providing education to potential Licensed Local Pastors that is practical, timely, and convenient.  We will do everything we can to ensure that your experience prepares you for beginning ministry.  May God bless you as you discern your call to pastoral ministry.

  • Where:  Onalaska, WI UMC – In-Person Only
  • When:  May 5-11, 2024
  • Cost:  $750 Tuition plus your personal travel, motel, and meals expenses. 
  • Members of WAC receive a $750 scholarship from Board of Ordained Ministry upon successful completion of Licensing School

Why Should I Attend? 

Wisconsin’s Licensing School has mostly in-person and some on-line components. In this “Boot Camp for Pastors” you will learn practical tools for ministry in areas of worship, preaching, sacraments, weddings, funerals, leadership, pastoral care, missions, education, evangelism, UM history and tradition and more. You will develop relationships with other clergy that will nurture your ministry.

Completion of the WI Licensing School is required for licensing to serve in a congregation. The license is given by your Conference and Bishop.

Licensing School, followed by Course of Study or seminary, is foundational for ministry as a pastor in the UMC. Your license must be renewed annually by the DCOM and the District Superintendent and is in effect only so long as you are serving a pastoral appointment.

You may attend if you are a Certified Candidate for licensed and ordained ministry who may be appointed to serve a local church (Book of Discipline 2016, paragraphs 310-319)

Required texts:           


For further information contact:

Registrar:  Rev. Ty Hines,
                   Coordinator of Clergy Credentialing and Vocational Discernment
                   bordmin@wisconsinumc.org

Dean:         Rev. Cathy Hamblin:  aacath@hotmail.com