Schools of Christian Mission

"the best educational experience I know,"

      "a university without walls,"

          "spiritually uplifting."

Schools of Christian Mission are an educational experience for United Methodist Women and others wishing to expand their concepts of mission in today’s world. They are held every year across the United States.

Varieties of Schools

Most schools provide separate sessions for adults, youth and children. Some schools are sponsored by the conference United Methodist Women and are planned for women only. Others are "cooperative" and are open to anyone wishing to register.

Schools last from 3 to 5 days. Many are Friday night through Sunday noon. They include classes around chosen study themes, worship, large group gatherings, eating together, meeting new people, sharing faith stories, singing, and other planned activities. Some conferences sponsor one-day sampler events to introduce the studies. Most schools are held during the summer, but there are a smattering of fall and winter schools across the country. Schools of Christian Mission are held in a variety of settings: hotels, church camps, college campuses, local churches.

Many who have come once to these gatherings return again.

Study Themes

For 2001, the adult study themes will be:

• Jesus and Courageous Women
• Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos
• Global Health and Christian Response-ability

For 2002:

• James
• Mexico
• Restorative Justice

For 2003:

• Exodus
• Mexico
• Public Education

For 2004:

• Prayer
• Cuba
• Public Education

Leadership for Schools

The Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries provides a basic plan, recommends resources for study and trains leadership for Schools of Christian Mission. A school committee in each conference is responsible for putting the plan into action.

For more specific information on your school of mission, look in your Annual Conference newspaper or contact your district/conference UMW.

Online Spiritual Growth Studies

Schools of Christian Mission resources are from:

The Women's Division of the General Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Church
Women's Division E-mail