Indiana Extension Course of Study Fall 2026
The United Methodist Church requires part-time local pastors to complete the Course of Study in 12 years. The student should complete two classes per year to be eligible for reappointment. (Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2020/2024 ¶319.3 See also ¶ 318-320)
The weekend schedule makes attendance at the Indiana Extension COS School possible for part-time pastors having a non-clergy vocation.
Applicants must complete the Candidacy and License to Preach requirements before beginning the Course of Study.
Tuition:
$270 INUMC Local Pastor
$300 Minister Other Denomination
$300 Other Conference Local Pastor
For financial aid, applicants should check with the Local Pastor Registrar of his/her annual conference, Conference Superintendent, or District Committee.
Students pay for textbooks and any other personal expenses. Tuition includes noon meal on Saturdays.
Dates: September 5, September 12, October 3, November 21, 2026
Registration deadline: August 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Cancellations: all cancellations must be received by 11:59 pm on August 22, 2026 via email to ministerialservices@inumc.org to be eligible for a refund less processing fee. No cancelations after this date.
Faculty: The men and women who teach in the Course of Study have academic credentials as well as practical experience in the areas that they teach. They come primarily from the Indiana Annual Conference. Most hold clergy credentials and have served as pastors of local churches.
Assignments: Some assignments must be prepared before the first class session. Other assignments are due at subsequent class sessions. All assignments must be submitted by or at the last class of the spring term.
Grading: Letter grades are assigned in the traditional A, B, C, D or F format.
Fall session will be held at:
North UMC
3808 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis IN 46208
SCHEDULE
September 5 10:00 am - 12:00 pm ET via Zoom
September 12 8:30 am - 4:00 pm ET in person
October 3 8:30 am - 4:00 pm ET in person
November 21 8:30 am - 4:00 pm ET in person
Schedule of Courses:
Classes will meet on Saturday, September 5, (via Zoom), Saturday, September 12 (in person), Saturday, October 3 (in person), and Saturday, November 21 (in person). Classes that have fewer than five (5) persons registered on August 22, 2026 will be deferred to future sessions. In this event, students may choose to take another course.
The following classes are being offered Fall 2025:
121 Bible I: Introduction (Leslie)
221 Bible II: Torah & Israel's History (Steussy)
223 Worship & The Sacraments (Holderly)
323 Congregational Care (King)
423 Mission (Cushman-Wood)
522 Theology of the Contemporary Church (Metheny)
523 Evangelism (Kinsey)
Contact Information
Luska Natali
Phone: 317-564-3233 or 317-924-1321 Ext 1041
email: Luska.Natali@inumc.org
Payment Instructions
Payment is due at time of registration. Cancellation other than that made by the Indiana COS Extension School will incur a service fee of $20. Special instances must be approved by the Director of the Extension School.
Online payments by Visa, MasterCard or via Check.
Print a copy of your registration for your receipt.
Check payments must be mailed within 7 days of registration. Please include a copy of your registration with your check.
Make checks out to INUMC and mail to:
Luska Natali - INUMC
Administrator of Ministerial Services
301 Pennsylvania Pkwy, Suite 300
Carmel, IN 46280
INUMC seeks to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accommodations of those attending our continuing education classes and events. If you need special accommodation, please contact Luska Natali at MinisterialServices@inumc.org.