Native American Course of Study
Spiritual Healing
For Ourselves
For Our Churches
For Our Communities
For A Modern World
Birchwood UMC Camp
Anchorage, Alaska
Now more than ever, Native American tradition and spirituality leads a reconnection with the earth, our communities and each other—in service and love.
NACOS is a United Methodist Course of Study, preparing candidates to serve as Licensed Local Pastors. NACOS creates a space where we encounter the teachings of Christ in a context of Nature and Turtle Island indigenous wisdom. Together we connect with deeply meaningful experiences—gaining a new perspective and commitment to share with a modern world.
Blackfeet United Methodist Parish
Browning, Montana
Just What Is NACOS?
Rev. Dr. Jerry DeVine, NACOS Director tells the story of how NACOS began out of a calling to embrace indigenous wisdom together with the teachings of Jesus. The result is the creation of a sacred circle that manifests a unique and transformational spiritual experience, bringing healing in its wake.
FROM OUR MOST RECENT GATHERING
An Indigenous Lullaby
This morning, I was struggling with our circle coming to an end. So I thought of it more as a hybernation—laying our time down to rest until we awaken the circle again. So I thought I would bring a lullaby, written by an indigenous sister to close our circle until next time. This is Grandma Easter’s Lullaby.
Sarah Shaeffer
NACOS Student
NACOS 2025 Graduates
NACOS students come into the program knowing that they will one day graduate. And when that day comes, it’s a bittersweet moment, in the words of B.J. Ash and Jill Bunker. Listen to each of them reflect on their time and journey in the NACOS circle.