United Methodist Connection
Eastern Mennonite Seminary shares a special relationship with The United Methodist
Church (UMC) in theological education. EMS is approved by the UMC University Senate
for the training of candidates pursuing ordination as elders and deacons. Approximately
20% of the EMS student body is composed of UM students, and dedicated scholarship
aid is available for United Methodist students. EMS maintains a thriving UM ethos
within its learning community, and shares the UMC’s strong commitments to peacebuilding
and principles of social justice.
The UMC maintains close contact with its students at EMS through classes in United
Methodist studies and by frequent on-campus visits from UMC representatives such as
the Harrisonburg District Superintendent, leaders from the Center for Clergy Excellence
of the Virginia United Methodist Conference, and leaders from the West Virginia Conference
and other conferences.
As part of seminary field education, UM students typically serve either as licensed
local pastors of UMC congregations or through internships in local UM churches as
seminarians or lay members. Virginia Conference students are encouraged to complete
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training while in seminary, conveniently fulfilling
this requirement through EMS’s own CPE program – as EMS is one of only 6 theological
seminaries in the U.S. with its own fully accredited CPE program.
UM faculty at EMS make significant contributions to the seminary curriculum and learning
community. Dr. David Evans, Associate Professor of History and Intercultural Studies,
provides visionary teaching and leadership, and his research areas include Wesleyan-Methodist
studies. Dr. Evans has taught UM history, doctrine and polity courses at EMS since
2012 and serves as the Director of Seminary Intercultural Programs. EMS also benefits
from the leadership of Rev. Courtney Joyner, a UMC-ordained deacon, who is the Director
of Mentored Ministry, Seminary Chapel Minister and Instructor of Worship, Preaching
and Formation at EMS. These faculty members advise and mentor students preparing for
ordination in the UMC. In addition to UM Studies courses, EMS regularly offers courses
taught by qualified faculty in evangelism, mission, and worship. This provides essential
training and continuing theological education for persons in the UMC orders of elder
and deacon.