Clergy Development & Continuing Education
"Throughout their careers, clergy shall engage in continuing education for ministry, professional development and spiritual formation and growth in order to lead the church in fulfilling the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ."
Who is Required to Complete Continuing Education
The following persons are required to receive a minimum of 1.0 CEU per year and at least 8.0 CEU’s per quadrennium.
- Full-time local pastors who have completed the Course of Study or an M.Div. degree
- Associate Members under appointment
- Full Members (Deacons and Elders) under appointment
- Certified Lay Professionals
The following persons are required to receive a minimum of 0.5 CEU per year and at least 2.0 CEU’s per quadrennium.
- Part-time local pastors who have completed the Course of Study or an M.Div. degree
Persons in the above relationships involved in ongoing theological education (including enrollment in Course of Study, seminary, CPE, D.Min. and Ph.D. programs) are fulfilling their CEU requirements by their participation in these programs.
Provisional Elders and Deacons are fulfilling their CEU requirements by their participation in the Provisional Membership curriculum.
Clergy on Honorable Location, Administrative Location, Leave of Absence, and Medical Leave do not have a CEU requirement.
What is Clergy Development?
The Board of Ordained Ministry is tasked by The Book of Discipline to provide support services for those in ministerial leadership in the areas of development, continuing education, formation in servant leadership and continuing spiritual growth in Christ (paragraph 635.o).
Continuing Education Funds
Continuing Education funds are provided through local churches’ contributions to the Ministerial Education Fund apportionment. Clergy members can apply annually (July 1 to July 1) for funds. A minimum of 0.5 C. E. U. or its equivalent must be available from the event, pilgrimage, DMin class, etc. in order for clergy to be eligible to receive these funds.
There are two tiers of funding: $200 (if you make more than $50,000 a year) or $400 (if you make less than $50,000 a year).
Receive CEUs
If you are looking to receive Continuing Education Credit (C.E.U.’S) for an event you are having, or a class you have attended apply here.
Sometimes, clergy have a need of funds over Continuing Education funds to pursue additional education and clergy development opportunities. In these situations, clergy are eligible to apply for a Clergy Development Grant. It is possible to apply for both Continuing Education funds and Clergy Development funds, but the two different applications will need to be completed.
Clergy Development Grants
Clergy Development Grants are funds for clergy pursuing continued development in their ministry setting. These grants can be used to fund the following: 1. Coaching, 2. Spiritual Direction, 3. Continuing Education beyond what is available through CEU funds. This grant does not support degrees, certification beyond seminary, pilgrimages, or UMVIM grants.
To complete the application, you will need:
- a statement of learning goals
- letter of recommendation from S/PPRC Chair (or immediate supervisor if serving in extension ministry)
- letter of recommendation from District Superintendent
- information regarding the learning opportunity, coach, or spiritual director
The deadline to request funds is: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
Reporting and Accountability
Clergy will make an annual report to the district superintendent on continuing education completed during the year. The district superintendent shall review the clergyperson’s continuing education in light of the annual evaluation by the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee or supervisor if in an extension/beyond the local church appointment. In their annual meeting, the district superintendent and clergyperson shall discuss improvements made toward effectiveness in ministry and future needs for continuing education.
If you are awarded funding for a clergy development grant, upon completion of your educational opportunity you are required to fill out the evaluation of learning form before you are eligible to apply for additional funding.
Resources
Learning Experiences Brochure (pdf)
Characteristics of Effective Clergy (Word)
For counseling and spiritual-direction services, please also consider the Ministerial Family Counseling Program
Moving Resources
Thrival Kit (PDF)
For more information Check Out the Links Below