Appendix D

Learning Experiences for Clergy Development 2010

Life long learning is critical to continued effectiveness in ministry and includes both transformational learning and development of basic ministry skills. The New England Conference Continuing Formation Policystates the following persons are required to receive a minimum of one CEU per year and at least 8 CEU’s per quadrennium.

  • Full-time local pastors who have completed the Course of Study
  • Elders under appointment
  • Deacons in full connection under appointment
  • Provisional members under appointment
  • Diaconal Ministers under appointment
  • Associate Members under appointment
  • Retired pastors under appointment

The Continuing Education Committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry has compiled the following learning experiences that support growth and development.

Deepening the Practice of Ministry

  • The Alban Institute Contact: Alban Institute, 2121 Cooperative Way, Suite 100, Herndon, VA20171, 1-800-486-1318, or email .
    Alban offers a variety of outstanding seminars throughout the year at locations throughout the country to enhance leadership effectiveness. The Clergy Development Program includes any Alban Institute Seminar in the United States.
  • AndoverNewtonTheologicalSchool Contact: 210 Herrick Rd.NewtonCentre, MA02459, 1-800-964-ANTS, AndoverNewton offers a number of programs including the LEARN Seminars (Local Education and Renewal Network) which provides education and renewal for both laity and clergy.
  • BishopRuebenJobCenter for Leadership Development Contact: 1200 West University Avenue, Mitchell, SD57301, 605-995-2166, 605-996-1766 fax, or email . Offers a variety of opportunities, some transformational, some skill development, including Church By Size Seminars, Church Development Seminars, Interim Ministry Seminars, The Stewardship Academy, and Seminars on Staff Development, Conflict Transformation Theory, Leading Change, and Good to Great Churches.
  • BostonCollege. Contact: IREPM, Boston College, 31 Lawrence Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3931, 617-552-8444, Colleen Griffith,
    The Post-Master’s Certificate in the Practice of Spirituality is designed to enable ministerial leaders to become spiritual mentors for persons and for Christian communities of faith. This program is for persons who are experienced in ministry and who have an earned Master’s level degree or the equivalent in a theological discipline.
  • BostonUniversitySchool of Theology Contact: 745 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts02215, 617-353-3050, B. U. School of Theology has a variety of continuing education programs including the Pastors’ Scholar Program that allows eligible clergy to take seminary courses at reduced rates for continuing education credit.
  • The Congress on Evangelism. Contact: The General Board of Discipleship, Congress on Evangelism, P O Box34003, NashvilleTN37203. Or go to the website: wwwcongressonevangelism.com

Sponsored by the GBOD and The Foundation for Evangelism, the four-day Congress includes speakers from around the nation, excellent worship, and workshops. It will be held the first week of January in 2010 in New Orleans LA.

  • Festival of Homiletics, Contact: P O Box 1866, MidlothianVA23113-1866, 800-866-8631,
    This preaching conference is held annually, usually in May. It is hosted by “Lectionary Homiletics” and sponsored by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Speakers have included Barbara Brown Taylor, Walter Brueggeman, Fred Craddock, Jim Wallis and many others. More information can be found through the web page.
  • Leadership Institute of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Kansas City, MO Contact: UMC of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, DS 66224, 913-897-0120, or email: .
    Held annually in the fall, this three-day conference is designed to help mainline churches strengthen their leadership – both lay and clergy, staff and volunteers. The focus of the Leadership Institute is to help these church leaders reawaken the vitality and relevancy of their churches. Includes plenary sessions and hands-on workshops. Leadership is provided by the staff of the church, including senior pastor, Rev. Adam Hamilton, and other selected consultants.
  • The LewisCenter for Church Leadership of Wesley Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Ave., NW

Washington , DC20016, 202-885-8757,

Today's pastors face many leadership challenges. But the LewisCenter can help! It offers resources

for fruitful ministryand congregational vitality

  • LombardMennonitePeaceCenter Contact: 101 West 22nd St. Suite 206, LombardIL60148, , Phone: 630-627-0507,
    LMPC works to encourage the nonviolent transformation of conflict in relationships in homes, workplaces, schools, churches, and throughout our world. Their programs and resources address ways of resolving conflicts and building healthier relationships in all of these various settings. Check their web page for workshops in this area.
  • New England Conference Pastors’ Assembly.
    For decades New England pastors have for study, fellowship and recreation. The topic and speakers change annually. The Assembly is currently going through a transformation and this year will be held January 18-20, 2011. Information is available on the conference web page listed above. (ONE CEU)
  • New EnglandSchool of Congregational Development. Sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development, New England Annual Conference. Contact: Curtis Brown, Director of Congregational Development, New England Annual Conference, P.O. Box 249, Lawrence, MA 01842, (978) 682-7676 x. 210, .
    Offered annually. In 2010: November 5-6. Outstanding speakers and workshops provide important information and training for clergy.
  • School for Congregational Development sponsored by the General Boards of Discipleship and Global Ministries, held annually in August. Contact: Craig Miller, General Board of Discipleship, P.O. Box 340003, NashvilleTN37203-0003, 1-877-899-2780 x. 7081 (toll free), or e-mail .
    Starting new churches and revitalizing existing congregations are high priorities for the New England Conference. The website listed provides information on NaturalChurch Development.
  • Tending the Fire Contact: Preachers’ Aid Society, 13 Bentley St., SpringfieldMA01108, 413-736-5840,
    Offers an experience of family systems process that can be applied to one’s personal and professional life. In the company of colleagues clergy explore and renew their call to ministry as they also learn leadership skills. A nine-month process, it begins with a 4-day intensive and ends with 4-day retreat. During the winter months participants meet in one day sessions in smaller groups divided geographically. Leadership is provided by Barbara Lemmel and Alan Delamater (who started Tending the Fire in the Troy Conference) and the Consultant Network of the New England Conference. (8 CEUs)
  • United Methodist Foundation of New England 10 Bricketts Mill Road, Suite 5, P O Box 370, Hampstead NH 03841-0370, 603-329-4444, 800-595-4347, 866-231-5921, email: , web site:
    The Foundation offers numerous educational opportunities throughout the year including Stewardship programs, information on Clergy Taxes, Planning for a Lifetime of Ministry Seminars and the Pre-Retirement Seminar. Check their web page for dates and more information.

Spiritual Formation, Self-Assessment & Self-Care

  • The Academy for Spiritual Formation, sponsored by the Upper Room. Contact: The Upper Room, 615-340-7200 or or email .
    The Academy for Spiritual Formation is an experience of disciplined Christian community emphasizing holistic spirituality -- nurturing body, mind, and spirit. The program is meant for all those who hunger for deep spiritual experiences, both lay and clergy persons. Each Academy fosters new spiritual rhythms -- of study and prayer, rest and exercise, solitude and relationship. Includes 8 five-day sessions over two years.
  • The Alban Institute Contact: Alban Institute, 2121 Cooperative Way, Suite 100, Herndon, VA20171, 1-800-486-1318, or email .
    Alban offers a variety of outstanding seminars throughout the year including some that attend to the care of the pastor’s soul. Two offered in 2007 are “Finishing Strong, Ending Well” looking at the last years of ministry before retirement) and “Balancing Your Ministry, Renewing Your Life”.
  • Clergy Spiritual Formation Retreat Contact: Wanda Stahl, Director of Christian Formation, New England Annual Conference, P.O. Box 249, Lawrence, MA 01842, (978) 682-7676 x. 221 or .
    The Board of Ordained Ministry sponsors 48-hour retreats for the spiritual nurture of clergy in our conference. It is held each year the week after Easter. Leaders and topics vary from year to year.
  • Five Day and Three-DayAcademies for Spiritual Formation. The Upper Room, 615-340-7200 or or email .
    The Five Dayand three-day Academies for Spiritual Formation™ are like the two year academy (see above), but it consists of a single five-day or three-day session. The leadership team is chosen from alumnae of the two-year Academies. Academies are offered each year in locations around the world. The cost varies according to the location. The New England Annual Conference hosts a three or five Day Academy in the fall of even numbered years (check the conference web site). Other upcoming academies are listed on the Upper Room website.
  • The Guild for Spiritual Guidance. Contact: Mac Legerton,P O Box 9, Pembroke NC 28372-0009, 910-736-5573 or email:
    The Guild for Spiritual Guidance is an ecumenical certificate program designed to prepare participants for a ministry of assisting others to discern God's presence in their lives, and in the diverse contexts of contemporary society. It consists of a two-year apprenticeship program of study, prayer, and reflection focused on spiritual formation.
  • KairosSpiritualLifeCenter Contact: The Kairos Center, c/o All Saints Church, 10 Irving Street, Worcester, MA 01609, 508-752-3766, or e-mail .
    The KairosSpiritualLifeCenter is a sacred place for all who seek to explore and deepen their spiritual life. It offers opportunities for spiritual growth and stillness through quiet days of prayer, retreats, and programs of spiritual sustenance. An 8-month program entitled “Grounding in God: An Opportunity for Spiritual Deepening” is also offered.
  • Northeast Guild for Spiritual Formation Contact: Joan Jordan Grant, P .O . Box 1379, Ellsworth ME 04605-1379, phone: 207-667-4394, or .
    This Guild offers spiritual direction and sponsors quiet days in various locations throughout northern and central Maine each month. Private retreat space is available at their retreat center in Seal Cove from late spring through fall.
  • Retreat Centers in the New England Area. A number of retreat centers supported by various denominations offer spiritual formation programming, spiritual direction, and/or private retreat space. Contact each individually for offerings. Following are a few utilized by clergy members of our conference:
  • Living Water Spiritual Center, 93 Halifax Street, Winslow, ME 04901, (207) 872-2370, , e-mail
  • Emery House, 21 Emery Lane, West Newbury, MA 978-462-7940, e-mail .
  • Evensong by the Sea. Address is 326 Lower County Rd., Harwich Port, MA02646; 508-432-0027, website
  • Genesis Spiritual Life Center, 53 Mill St., WestfieldMA01085-4253, 413-562-3627 Web site: genesiscenter.us
  • The Passionists Calvary Retreat Center, 59 South St, ShrewsburyMA01545-0219, 508-842-8821, web site:
  • MarieJosephSpiritualCenter, 10 Evans Road, BiddefordME04005, 207-284-5671
  • Rolling Ridge Retreat and ConferenceCenter Contact: 660 Great Pond Road, North Andover, MA 10845, (978) 682-8815 or .
    Rolling Ridge offers a variety of programming, including monthly Days Apart, Oasis: A Spiritual Spa, and other retreats. The Merton Room is also available for private retreat space.
  • Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Contact: 301-897-7334, or email: .
  • Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership: Going Deeper. This 16-month program offers a dedicated time for nurturing one's own soul and for deepening one's contemplative orientation as a congregational spiritual leader.
  • Personal Spiritual Deepening Program. Program components include the support of a praying community, regular contact with a mentor from Shalem to supplement or complement one's ongoing spiritual guidance, a selection of readings in the contemplative tradition, and on-location Shalem offerings.
  • Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats. The program is designed to equip, encourage, and support those called and gifted to assist the Holy One in nourishing spiritual seekers.
  • Spiritual Guidance Program: An ecumenical, experiential spiritual formation program to strengthen the ministry of one-to-one spiritual direction.

Sabbaticals and Study Leaves

  • Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program Visit the web page, for an application and more information
    Recognizing the importance and necessity for busy pastors to have an opportunity to take an extended break for renewal and refreshment, Lilly Endowment in 2000introduced a new competitive grants program.The program awards grants to congregations that offer a program for the renewal of their pastor and, at the same time, give the congregations themselves an opportunity to better themselves as vital places of worship and mission.
  • Study Leave for Ministry Professionals, DukeDivinitySchool, Durham, NC. Contact: Center for Continuing Education, Box 90966, Durham, NC27708, 888-845-4216, or email .
    This Study Leave is a one week self-directed time for refilling the spiritual well through study, worship, prayer, and conversations with faculty on the DukeUniversity campus. Choose your topic – church history, Christian traditions, Scripture, worship, ethics, preaching, etc.
  • Time Away: A Personal Retreat for Rest, Spiritual Growth and/or Life Planning, Lake Junaluska, NC Contact: The Intentional Growth Center at LakeJunaluska, P. O. Box 546, Lake Junaluska, NC28745, 800-482-1442, or email .
    Scheduled as you wish or as a one-month renewal, this time away for rest and renewal leave can be tailored to your specific needs. It is centered on individual spiritual/life coaching, colleague group sharing, and if you desire, participation in seminars being offered at LakeJunaluska.

Small Groups and One-on-One

  • Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Directors International website:
    Spiritual direction is the process of accompanying people on a spiritual journey. It helps people tell their sacred stories everyday.Spiritual direction exists in a context that emphasizes growing closer to God (or the holy or a higher power) and invites a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. It is not psychotherapy, counseling, or financial planning. Information on how to choose a Spiritual Director along with a directory of Spiritual Directors is available at the website indicated.
  • Counseling, United Behavioral Health, UM Board of Pensions & Healthcare, 1201 Davis St., EvanstonIL60201-4118, 800,788-5614,

The Conference health insurance includes an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through which clergy can receive eight visits with a mental health counselor at 100% reimbursement with pre-certification. Clergy can deal with issues right away with this benefit.

  • The Consultant Network, Contact: Evelyn Johnson Moore, 978-263-1059,

Consultants are available to facilitate small groups of clergy choosing to meet regularly to work on particular areas. Coaches are also available to work one-on-one with clergy.

Transitions

  • The Center for Career Development and Ministry Contact: 30 Milton St., Suite 107, DedhamMA02026, 781-329-2100,

The Center for Career Development and Ministry works with men and women in all vocations who want to explore if God is calling them into new areas of ministry or confirming their current ministry. Each staff member at the Center has a doctoral-level degree, many years of experience, and an extraordinary degree of skill and compassion.

Funding

  • Ministerial Education Fund

Funds for many of the continuing education opportunities listed above are available through the short term grants offered through the Ministerial Education Fund. You can find more information and an application by going to the Conference web page, click on “Leadership and Growth”, then click on “Board of Ordained Ministry”. Scroll down and click on “Continuing Formation and Spiritual Growth.”

Click on “MEF Grants – short term.”

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