Upcoming Training Opportunities 2026
Mission Rivers District is pleased to extend an invitation to all laity and clergy who are interested in taking classes with us during the coming year. Below you will find our schedule for the calendar year. Registration will open as each season approaches; registration links will be available on the district website. Clergy who are seeking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are encouraged to reach out to Jenn Robinson-O’Brien for assistance with that process.
Lay Servant Training (In Person)
Mission Rivers is pleased to offer this in person Lay Servant training opportunity. Participants are expected to obtain their own course materials and complete the assigned reading according to the schedule provided by the instructor prior to the training day.
DATE: Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
LOCATION: Ebenezer UMC, Stafford
TIMES: 8:00 – check in; 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Class
COST: $30.00 (Lunch and light snacks included)
If you need assistance filling this out, please reach out to either Lynn or Lisa at missionriversdistrict@
COURSES OFFERED
- Basic Course
- Advanced Course: God’s Mission…Our Journey
- Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
- Advanced Course: From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an effective Sermon
Virtual Classes — Fall 2026
Leading Public Prayer
Dates: August 31, September 7, September 14
Times: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Jennifer Robinson O’Brien, CLM
Book: Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey
Description: This course provides an opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading public prayer. Using Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey, participants will be challenged to examine their assumptions, expand their understanding, and deepen their prayer life. Designed for those in the lay speaker track of study, this course encourages thoughtful reflection and practical skill development in leading prayer within the church community. REGISTER
Accountable Discipleship
Date: Evenings in the fall – September 8, 15, 22 and 29
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Rev David Hindman
Book: Accountable Discipleship: Living in God’s Household by Steven W. Manskar
Description: This course focuses on the concept of the household of God, Scripture as divine revelation, Wesleyan understandings of grace, and the importance of the class leader in the development of the Methodist movement. REGISTER
Justice in Everyday Life
Dates: September 17, 24, October 1, 8 and 15
Times: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Instructor: Martha Stokes, Conference Lay Leader
Book: Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church by Neal Christie
Description: From the Upper Room: Justice in Everyday Life, a Lay Servant Ministries advanced course, takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church — the church’s attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which it is confronted today. The book covers topics such as the following: Natural World, Social Community, Economic Community, Political Community, Biblical Foundations of the Social Principles, and Teaching the Social Principles. It is not only for Lay Servants but is for anyone interested in studying the Social Principles in greater detail. REGISTER
Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition
Date: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Instructor: Carol Merante, CLM
Book: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper
Description: Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition is an Advanced Studies course that explores the heart of John Wesley’s vision for the Christian life through intentional, grace-centered spiritual practices. Using Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition by Steve Harper, participants will examine how practices such as prayer, Scripture reading, the means of grace, fasting, conferencing, and accountability shape discipleship and nurture holiness of heart and life. The course emphasizes the dynamic connection between personal devotion, Christian community, and faithful living in the world, inviting participants to reflect on their own spiritual practices while gaining tools to model and lead devotional life within their congregations and ministries. REGISTER