United Methodist Communications

UMCom Training Center

The UMCom Training Center offers face-to-face training events and online learning opportunities
to informed, inspired and engaged the people of The United Methodist Church.

What Is Web Ministry?
NEW! online course

“What Is Web Ministry?” is a free, self-directed, five-part online course designed to provide foundational information and the biblical and theological basis for developing a Web ministry for the local church. This course is the first in a series of new Web Ministry online courses scheduled to launch in February–May 2009. Together, the Web Ministry series of online courses will prepare you to create and maintain a dynamic Web ministry.

This ongoing course opens January 7, 2009. To register, visit our Online Learning Center. Under "Web Ministry", select "What Is Web Ministry?". For more information about this online course, visit our Web Ministry website.

Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving
online course

This online course about how to turn our connectional living as United Methodists into connectional giving that supports the shared ministry and mission of The United Methodist Church is a four-part exploration of why we give, the connectional nature of the church, the Apportioned and Designated funds of the church, and how you can make a difference in the world.

The January 7-February 18, 2009 session is open for enrollment. To register, visit our Online Learning Center. Under "United Methodist Basics", select "Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving". You can register and access the current session throughout the course dates.

The next session will be March 4-April 15, 2009. Click here if you would like to receive an email reminder when registration begins.

Exploring General Conference
online course
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This online course about how General Conference operates and how it can affect the lives of United Methodists everywhere is perfect for anyone attending General Conference, including communicators and delegates, and United Methodists interested in learning more about how the denomination makes decisions.

Facilitated discussion forums are hosted throughout the course. The next session of the online course, with updates from General Conference 2008, will begin in February 2009. Click here if you would like to receive an email reminder when registration begins.

United Methodism 101
online course

Click here to learn more.

This basic course is an online class designed for new United Methodists and anyone wanting to know more about the denomination, as well as long-time United Methodists who would like to check their basic knowledge of the Church. This completely online course takes about 4 hours to complete at the participant's leisure and includes many interactive features, including: discussion forums, quizzes, Flash animation, video and audio clips.

The next session will be February 4-March 18, 2009. Click here if you would like to receive an email reminder when registration begins.

Rethink Church 101 Welcoming Training
online course
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The “Rethink Church 101 Welcoming Training” online course explores the basics of the Advertising and Welcoming Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Start or improve advertising and welcoming ministries and help your church live the promise of “Open hearts, open minds, open doors” by participating in this e-learning opportunity.

The January 21-March, 2009 session is open for enrollment. To register, visit our Online Learning Center. Under "Rethink Church", select "Rethink Church 101 Welcoming Training". You can register and access the current session throughout the course dates.

The next session will be May 13-June 24, 2009. Click here if you would like to receive an email reminder when registration begins.

Web Ministry Overview: A Self-Directed Exploration
online course
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Web Ministry Overview consists of four training modules with supporting guides and resources, with information from updating your church's online Find-A-Church listing to establishing a user-centered online ministry and web team. With this free, on-demand training, you register once and complete the training on your schedule. Pick up where you left off during interruptions. Return for additional modules as your schedule allows. To register, visit our Online Learning Center. Under "Web Ministry", select "Web Ministry Overview". You can register and access the online course at any time.

Weaving a Web of Connections: Using Internet Technology for Effective Ministry
Face-to-Face Training
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United Methodist Communications is pleased to announce this face-to-face training event that brings together local church, district, and conference staff, volunteers, and pastors to explore how to develop a Web ministry and use Internet technology effectively.

Events for 2009 include:

February 21, 2009: Little Rock, Arkansas. REGISTER NOW!

April 3-4, 2009: Kentucky Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

April 25, 2009: North and South Georgia Conferences. Let me know when registration opens.

May 16, 2009: Nebraksa Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

May 30, 2009: North Carolina Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

August 22, 2009: Indiana Area Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

September 12, 2009: Plano, Texas. REGISTER NOW!

October 3, 2009: Florida Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

October 17, 2009: Tennessee Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

November 7, 2009: Troy Conference. Let me know when registration opens.

For more information about these training events, email us at training@umcom.org.

Open Hearts Welcoming Training from Igniting Ministry
face-to-face training
Click here for more information about these training events.

The Igniting Ministry Team provides face-to-face training across the nation. Church participation leads to certification as a "Welcoming Congregation." Join us at one of these locations in 2009: