COS 121 & 122 Prerequisite Course Policy

The GBHEM Board of Directors for the Division of Ordained Ministry have approved a new Course of Study Prerequisite policy as follows: “Effective June 1, 2019, COS 121 (Bible 1: Introduction) and COS 122 (Theological Heritage 1: Introduction) will be prerequisites for enrollment in any other Course of Study courses.”

POLICY RATIONALE

COS 121 and 122 are foundational courses that provide basic instruction and a shared language for Biblical interpretation and theological reflection in the United Methodist ethos. These courses help to prepare students for the upper level coursework that is required in the COS curriculum. A shared biblical and theological foundation is particularly important as many local pastors come from non-United Methodist traditions.

COS 121 (Bible 1: Introduction) provides an overview of the canon and instruction on how to exegete scripture for sermons, Bible study, and supports congregational care, spiritual formation and discipleship program preparation, etc.

COS 122 (Theological Heritage 1: Introduction) provides an understanding of our Wesleyan tradition and the terminology necessary for subsequent COS courses as well as for proclamation preparation during the preaching course. The course provides instruction for offering bible study, pastoral counseling, spiritual formation, and understanding and offering the sacraments. COS 122 provides an understanding of our distinctive Wesleyan Tradition and Methodist movement/UMC in terms of Theology of Ministry and Practice of Ministry and our Wesleyan Heritage.

HOW WILL THIS NEW POLICY AFFECT CURRENT LOCAL PASTORS?

ALL current local pastors should take (or should have already taken) COS 121 and 122 by June 1, 2019 if at all possible so they can make satisfactory progress in COS according to the Discipline.

HOW WILL THIS NEW POLICY AFFECT NEW LOCAL PASTORS?

Local pastors newly licensed in 2019 (and thereafter) will need to take COS 121 and 122 as first courses.

TRANSCRIPT REQUIREMENT FOR ALL LOCAL PASTORS REGISTERING FOR COS COURSES

The local pastor is responsible for checking their official transcript to be sure they meet the new COS Prerequisite policy before they submit COS course registration forms to their District Superintendent, Conference and COS Extension or Regional School. Official transcripts are available to the local pastor by contacting the COS Registrar at cosregistrar@gbhem.org. Extension and Regional Schools do not provide official transcripts.