Applications for the Alford-Cantlin Fellowship program are now available for West Ohio clergy. In partnership with Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and with financial support from the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio, the West Ohio Conference Office of Ministry is offering this special cohort with the Methodist Theological School in Ohio Doctor of Ministry program beginning in July 2024.

This partnership between West Ohio and MTSO is designed to support United Methodist clergy who are seeking next-level leadership opportunities and academic training focused on transformational change.

The 2024 cohort will be the second diverse cohort of ordained West Ohio clergy participating in the Alford-Cantlin Fellowship at MTSO.  Ordained West Ohio clergy who have completed the Reflecting, Equipping, And Flourishing Process (REF) and who meet the criteria for admission to the MTSO D.Min. program  may apply. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Known as Alford-Cantlin Fellows, participants will receive additional support from the Office of Ministry beyond that provided by their academic program at MTSO, including:

• peer support;
• one-on-one clergy mentoring;
• and scholarship funding. 

The length of the program is three to four academic years. The West Ohio Conference will work with each potential cohort participant to determine what financial aid they may qualify for, including local church funding, the Ministerial Education Fund, outside grants,  and aid from MTSO. West Ohio will offer last-dollar support for up to half of the cost of the program to eligible applicants. from the Alford-Cantlin Family Endowment of the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio. The West Ohio Conference is grateful for this financial support toward the continued formation of pastoral leaders.

Interested clergy should contact Donnetta Peaks at dpeaks@wocumc.org or April Casperson at MTSO at acasperson@mtso.edu. Applications are available here and due by May 1. Courses begin the week of July 22, 2024.