United Methodist Connection

Eastern Mennonite Seminary shares a special relationship with the United Methodist Church (UMC) in theological education, having been approved by the church’s University Senate for the training of candidates for ordination. A significant number of United Methodist students are enrolled at EMS and will seek to be ordained.

The United Methodist church maintains close contact with its students at EMS, through classes in United Methodist studies, and by frequent on-campus visits from United Methodist representatives such as the Harrisonburg District Superintendent, the Director of Ministerial Services of the Virginia Conference, and the Bishop of the Virginia Conference.

To strengthen these relationships, EMS established a part-time position of United Methodist advisor. The United Methodist advisor provides liaison to both the Virginia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the Office of Ministerial Services as follows:

A. Educational and training needs of the board of ordained ministry

  • Oversight or provision of courses related to United Methodist history, doctrine, polity evangelism, mission and worship;
  • Support for persons preparing for ordination in the UMC;
  • Training and continuing theological education for the orders of elder and deacon.

B. Relational ties with office of ministerial services of the Virginia Conference

  • Develop lines of communication and support for persons seeking ordination in the UMC
  • Provide linkage with Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for information and interpretation of the EMS program with UMC students.

Dr. Dan Garrett is retiring after the 2011-12 school year. To honor his many years of distinguished service, he has been asked to be the class of 2012 commencement speaker. Through the 2011-12 academic year Dr. Daniel L.Garrett is the United Methodist advisor.(Proactive planning is underway for advising arrangements thereafter.) Dr. Garrett has been:

  • Teaching or arranging for provision of UMC classes required by the January 27, 2011 policy approved by the United Methodist Senate;
  • Relating to UMC students
  • Consulting with EMS faculty and staff on issues relating to UMC students
  • Consulting with other part-time faculty who teach UMC History.
  • John Wesley Partners: a giving opportunity to support Methodist students at EMU.

Contact information for Dan Garrett:
Cell phone: 540-560-9539
Email: teachumc@yahoo.com