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Annual Conference

Formational & Spiritual Growth Leave (Renewal Leave) for Clergy

Under Paragraph 351.3 of the Book of Discipline, 2020/2024, “a clergy member may request a formational and spiritual growth leave
of up to six months while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church.”

Such leaves are available to clergy members who have held full-time appointments for at least six years. A Renewal Leave shall be made with the approval of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, the Church Council/Board, and the District Superintendent.

Examples of Leave

  • Spiritual retreats, guided or solitary.
  • Pilgrimage to Biblical or historical sites.
  • Study of spirituality.
  • Practice of the contemplative prayer life.
  • Guided home study involving specific reading, use of media or online classes, etc. related to ministry.
  • Participation in short-term classes, study programs, seminars, and workshops designed to enhance skill development and/or spiritual growth.
  • Language training.
  • Supervised experiences such as degree programs, credit classes, pastor’s schools, clinical training, etc.
  • Cluster of persons in ministry meeting for specific training to increase their skills and/or enhance their personal intellectual and spiritual growth.

Funding

The salary and benefits compensation level of the present appointment will be maintained by the local church or agency.

For applicants who are ordained in full connection, an application may be made to the Orders Executive Committee –Continuing Education Chairperson, for renewal leave funds of up to $1,000 per month for pulpit supply/pastoral needs to the local church for a period not to exceed three months. (Total of $3,000.00) These funds are sent to the local church at the time of the leave.


All funding will be granted subject to availability and ranking according to:

  1. Number of years since last leave/sabbatical.
  2. Need. Small membership church clergy are particularly encouraged to apply.
  3. Merit of written leave-plan.

In addition, the clergy member can apply for a Continuing Education Grant to cover expenses of a class/event taken during the Renewal Leave.

Apply

To learn about the application steps, or apply for funding, please view the resources below: