Rev. Fred Shaw speaks during the Native American Course of Study recently held at Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

The Native American Course of Study, affiliated with the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, was hosted at Spirit Lake Ministry Center on Spirit Lake Nation, North Dakota, May 1-8, 2018.

The Native American Course of Study (NACoS) was developed for Native American pastors, and pastors who serve Native American communities. The Course of Study integrates Native American spirituality with United Methodist theology to better care for our Native American brothers and sisters in worship, learning and fellowship. The dream of United Methodist elders Fred Shaw and Jerome Devine, the course of study has seen great success in training pastors throughout the country.

Pastor Mike Flowers was awarded a special shepherd's staff for completing the course of study. He took a moment to speak to those in attendance at the Native American Course of Study at Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

Several active and alumni students have received annual conference and national recognition for evangelism and outstanding ministries. One of our own Dakotas Conference pastors, Mike Flowers, graduated from the NACoS on May 6, 2018 during a worship service at the Spirit Lake Ministry Center.

Pastor Mike and Libby Flowers, co-directors of Spirit Lake Ministry Center stand in front of participants at the Native American Course of Study. Mike completed his work at this gathering at Spirit Lake.

“The program taught me to relate better with our community and congregation here on the reservation. Our unique worship has seen growth in attendance from 8 to 27 over the last two years.” Flowers said.

He further stated, “As students, we not only have the same requirements of the other course of study programs and seminaries but have the added elements of Native American culture and spirituality. It makes for interesting discussion in our classes.”

Flowers, along with his wife are co-directors at Spirit Lake Ministry Center. The Flowers received the Streams of Justice and the Denman Evangelism award from the Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for their work on the Spirit Lake Nation.

Flowers was the first non-native pastor invited to attend and the first non-native to complete all required courses in this specialized course of study. Pastors with Native American populations or interested in learning more about NACoS can contact Pastor Mike Flowers for more information.