Each January the Free Methodist Church organizes two one-week class sessions for their pastors to take as part of their educational requirements for ordination. Each of these FM pastors, who are working toward ordination, can take up to six classes during J-Term, three during each of the two sessions, depending on how many credits they need. Pastors can also earn credits through some correspondence courses. Each session opens with a special dinner and orientation the evening before classes begin.
Weekdays consist of three two-hour class sessions, lunch, and an afternoon chapel service.
There is also one class session on Saturday mornings. Sylvia Fox, Coordinator of Ministry Credentialing for the Free Methodist Church is in charge of J-Term and she works with Becky Tracy, Greenville College's Secretary for Alumni Relations, to coordinate the whole event. She believes the chapel times are especially unique and important. The courses offered during the second session, January 10-17, include World Christian Movement taught by Bishop Emeriti Gerald Bates, Psalms taught by Frank Thompson, and History and Polity of the FM Church taught by Gerald Coates. Greenville College hosts J-Term every fifth year.