The 17 persons who completed the Greater New Jersey Conference’s 2024 Licensed Local Pastor (LLP) School in April are living proof of the conference’s rich cultural diversity. To paraphrase the bold assertion of Methodism’s founder John Wesley, one might say the world is in our parish.
The multi-racial/multi-cultural class of students hail from four continents: Asia, Africa, South America and North America, including Central America. “These students inspired each other to grow in their global understanding and commitment in ministry,” said the Rev. Dr. Brandon Cho, who joined the Rev. Dianna Stone as co-facilitators in 2023-2024.
“We all shared our deep appreciation that our UMC remains a global church seeking to make disciples of Jesus Christ of all nations,” Cho said. “GNJ is one of the most diverse annual conferences in the UMC in terms of people, race, ethnicity, culture and contexts for ministry.”
Front Row: Juel Nelson, David Yamoah, Diana Yamoah, Jacqualine Chipongo, Rutendo Mahachi, and Brenda Sclafford. Second Row: Dianna Stone, Isaac Minkah, Chantal Makarawa, Natalie Palacio, Yeeun Kim, and Daekyoung Ko. Third Row: Chungmi Kang, Helen Ranier, Shan Gao, Jun Gyo Park, Sean Lee, and Kwangil Kim. Standing: Sunny Ahn, David Schumacher, Isabel Quezada, Hyun Hui Kim, Federico Quezada, Jonathan Johnson, Pyoungkang Kim, David Gaitain Rivera, Israel Gwatana, Megan McKay, Gina Yeske, and Brandon Cho.
The students are eager learners, said Stone. “I can tell you that this class is excited to be continuing their learning and spiritual growth through the Local Pastor Licensing School. They are engaged in all that the instructors are sharing, and they all are willing participants in the activities and discussions that take place.”
She described them as “strong in their faith, filled with joy to be in attendance and looking forward to fulfilling God’s call on their lives. It really is a joy to be a part of this class and to witness, not only their faith, but also their enthusiasm. I have seen friendships form among the students as well. They are intelligent, diligent in their endeavors and spirit filled.”
Cho also appreciated the “participatory learning model” used in the class, “beyond the traditional mode of teaching through lectures.” It’s a model that involves “both theory and practical application, as well as each person’s unique gifts and graces for ministry.”
The Local Pastor Licensing School is a foundational learning experience for preparation to become an appointed Local Pastor in The United Methodist Church. Students engage in facilitated learning on topics such as worship, preaching, small groups, mission, evangelism, stewardship, theology, pastoral care, administration and more. A student’s preparation, attendance, classroom participation, performance and assignments are all vital in the process.
This class offered “an amazing opportunity for learning, development and discernment of one’s call to leadership in the church,” said the Rev. Dr. Juel Nelson, who helps coordinate the LLP program.
“Following one’s call is a lifetime journey. It is a gift to witness our laity answering a call to pastoral ministry by attending licensing school. I give thanks for all those in both conferences who mentor and equip our candidates for ministry. These candidates are a blessing, and the church’s future is bright!
Main photo. Front Row: Isaac Minkah, Chantel Makarawa, Chungmi Kang, Jacqualine Chipongo, Rutendo Mahachi and Brenda Sclafford. Second Row: Israel Gwatana, Pyoungkang Kim, Natalie Palacio, Yeeun Kim, and Daekyoung Ko, Third Row: Jonathan Johnson, David Gaitain Rivera, Shan Gao, Jun Gyu Park, Sean Lee, and Kwangil Kim