Are you ready to be in service to the church as a local pastor while you pursue your Master of Divinity?
The Teaching Parish Fellows program allows MDiv students at CST to be recommenced for appointment to local congregations in the California Pacific Annual Conference. Teaching Parish Fellows work as pastors while they pursue full-time coursework in their MDiv. Fellows are enrolled in a Teaching Parish supervision course taught by a United Methodist Elder to provide resources and training for their ministry in a supportive peer group of other scholar-pastors. The curriculum for the supervision course covers most of the same topics as the UMC Licensing School, extended over two semesters rather than condensed in a 10 day intensive.
CST Teaching Parish Fellows can be appointed anywhere in the bounds of the California Pacific Annual Conference and attend courses remotely. In-person attendance is required twice a year during CST Intensive Weeks in August and January.
Application Process
- Apply to CST for the MDiv in Ministerial Leadership.
- Complete the Teaching Parish Fellows Application by March 1.
- Upon acceptance into CST and Teaching Parish, the Cal Pac Cabinet will reach out to directly arrange an appointment.*
- Begin your appointment in July and your coursework in August.
* All arrangements for appointment and employment in Teaching Parish placements, including employment contracts, salary, benefits, and housing, will be handled between the student and the Annual Conference. CST does not make appointments, nor contribute to the hiring process of Teaching Parish Fellows by local congregations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for Teaching Parish if I’m already enrolled at CST?
Teaching Parish is designed for first year students, but MDiv students in later years of their MDiv course can apply and be considered for a Teaching Parish placement. All Teaching Parish Fellows must be enrolled in the Teaching Parish supervision course in Fall and Spring semesters.
What if I’m accepted to CST but don’t receive an appointment or my appointment is discontinued?
A Teaching Parish Fellow can remain a student should their appointment be discontinued, but they will only be considered a Teaching Parish Fellow while under active appointment. Teaching Parish is not a curricular requirement of the MDiv, but the Teaching Parish placement can serve as the site for Field Education in the second year of the MDiv.
Do I have to come to class on campus?
Teaching Parish Fellows are required to come to campus in Westwood twice per year during the Fall and Spring intensive weeks. Regular semester course work can be completed fully online.
Will I be paid?
Yes! But not by CST. Teaching Parish Fellows are appointed pastors or Lay People Assigned under the rules of the Book of Discipline and the California Pacific Annual Conference. All arrangements for appointment and employment in Teaching Parish placements, including employment contracts, salary, benefits, and housing, will be handled between the student and the Annual Conference. CST does not make appointments, nor contribute to the hiring process of Teaching Parish Fellows by local congregations.
What about housing?
Housing is often provided through a parsonage or subsidized through other arrangements with the local congregation. CST does not provide housing for students or Teaching Parish Fellows. All arrangements for appointment and employment in Teaching Parish placements, including employment contracts, salary, benefits, and housing, will be handled between the student and the Annual Conference. CST does not make appointments, nor contribute to the hiring process of Teaching Parish Fellows by local congregations.
Do I have to pay tuition?
Teaching Parish Fellows are still charged tuition for their MDiv enrollment. Many scholarships are available at CST, especially for United Methodist students. Your home Annual Conference or the local church where you are appointed may also have additional sources for scholarship support to cover the cost of tuition.
Can I join Teaching Parish if I’m under appointment in another Annual Conference?
YES! If you are serving under appointment in another Annual Conference of the UMC but would like to enroll in the Teaching Parish Supervision course to access the resources and mentoring of the program, you are more than welcome to apply. Please indicate that you already have an appointment and information about your annual conference in your application.
Do I have to be a United Methodist?
Not necessarily! Our current arrangements for Teaching Parish are with the Cal-Pac Conference of the UMC, but you can apply for appointment if you come from another Christian tradition and are exploring ordination in the UMC. Review the basic beliefs of the UMC and the qualifications for ordination to make sure your beliefs align with the congregations you would be serving before applying.
Ideal candidates for Teaching Parish will already have begun the discernment process for ordination the UMC within their home church and Annual Conference. Applicants who have already completed the process of being Certified for ordination may be given priority in the program.
Can I do more than one year of Teaching Parish?
The Teaching Parish curriculum is designed for student pastors in their first year of appointment, but students in advanced years of their MDiv or who have been serving in ministry before beginning their MDiv may also be considered. After taking Teaching Parish Supervision for two semesters, students can continue supervision by enrolling in Field Education and Advanced Field Education. The continuance of appointments is determined by the Cal-Pac Cabinet. Students may be able to continue under appointment through the completion of their MDiv, but this is not guaranteed.