Transcript The Landscape of Continuing Education in The United

The Landscape of Continuing
Education in
The United Methodist Church
Research by Jenny Phillips
January, 2007
The General Board of Higher
Education and Ministry
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
Survey reached out to:
 Persons responsible for continuing education in
annual conferences
 Directors of continuing education at seminaries
 Directors of conference centers offering
continuing education programs
 Directors of camp and retreat centers
 Other affiliates of the GBHEM
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
Survey sent to approximately 100
continuing education contacts, plus camp
and retreat centers across the country
during the summer of 2006.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
Responses from:
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52 persons in annual conference, central conference,
academic and conference center settings
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Includes one response from Estonia Central Conference and
one from Central Conference of Central and Southern
Europe
Includes responses from annual conferences around the
United States, from California to Kansas to New York.
11 persons in camp and retreat settings
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
Common Themes:
 Affirmation of continuing education as a tool for
enriching and growing ministry, but a vagueness
as to how that transformation occurs
 Concern with limited funding
 Concern with increased competition among
seminaries and other continuing education
institutions
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
Variations:
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Mixed perceptions about the value of single-time events
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Multiple perspectives and many questions on how to better
quantify continuing education goals, activities and outcomes
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Camp/Retreat respondents generally perceived continuing
education as faith formation events and/or retreats sponsored
by the annual conferences and districts. They had limited
information regarding continuing education standards and
requirements.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
FINANCES
Sources of Financial Support Within Annual Conferences:
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Three-quarters depend on Ministerial Education Fund
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40% of Annual Conferences offer funding
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Nearly all supplement these sources with additional
funding from congregations
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A few find funds from other sources such as endowed
funds and foundation grants
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
FINANCES
Sources of Financial Support for Academic Institutions and
Conference Centers:
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Nearly all depend on program fees
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37% receive support from annual conferences and/or
local churches
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More than two-thirds receive support from foundations,
grants, donors and endowment funds
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
FINANCES
Concerns Around Funding:
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Competition for scarce resources
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Burden of personal funding often falls on clergy from small churches
with small salaries
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Costs of one-time events can be difficult to manage due to
inconsistent participation
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Longer-term, in-depth programs require greater funding
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
GOALS
Goals of Annual Conferences for Continuing Education Include:
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Increasing “effectiveness”
Spiritual formation
Deepen discipleship among laity and clergy
Nurturing leaders
Development of new skills
General growth
Clarity in preaching and mission
Vitality
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
GOALS
Goals of Academic Institutions and Conference Centers for Continuing
Education Include:
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90% said that a primary objective is to serve as a resource for clergy
and the church
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Other goals included:
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Income generation
Introducing potential donors to the institution
Furthering institutional objectives
Enhancing skills of clergy who were not trained in seminary
Resourcing lay leaders in various ministry settings
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Requirements for Continuing Education by Annual Conferences
The Book of Discipline para. 351.2 requires clergy to engage in continuing
education for at least one week per year, one month during one year of
every quadrennium, and and leaves and sabbaths as options every six
years.
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Over one third of annual conferences offer additional quantity definitions
beyond those listed above.
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Additional quantities included: ranges of 2-4 CEUs/year; and the
requirement that a certain number of CEUs be earned each quadrennium
for study on specific topics, such as poverty, marginalization, and diversity.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Annual Conference Standards of Quality and Accountability
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85% of annual conferences require clergy to report continuing education
activity to their charge conferences and district superintendents
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25% require clergy to pursue continuing education in accordance with
evaluations and goals set in conversation with pastor/parish relations
committees and district superintendents
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50% require clergy to participate in programs that offer CEUs
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20% require clergy to show proof of participation or study other than CEUs
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Three respondents noted inconsistent standards or no accountability
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Annual Conference Standards of Quality and Accountability
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57% of respondents said there were no significant repercussions to
failing to engage in continuing education
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43% of respondents said that failure to participate in continuing
education would be noted in reports to the district superintendent
and/or the board of ordained ministry. In some conferences, this had
possible implications for appointments.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Annual Conference Standards of Quality and Accountability
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Some annual conferences use tools for assessing and evaluating
continuing education planning strategies, including “The 360 Tool”
and “The Gallup Strengths Finders Inventory.”
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Other annual conferences expressed a desire to develop tools to
evaluate the effectiveness of continuing education and to provide
standards that meet the needs of clergy and congregations.
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Some annual conferences are developing new tools for measuring
clergy effectiveness. Those tools include evaluating continuing
education activity.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Annual Conference Standards of Quality and Accountability
Example: the Kentucky Annual Conference uses four basic core
competencies, subdivided by measurable aspects of each
competency, so that clergy can determine clear goals for continuing
education. The core competencies are:
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Centering in Christ
Preaching/Teaching
Equipping
Leading
Each core competency has measurable aspects of clergy
development - there are 17 aspects in all.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Annual Conference Standards of Quality and Accountability
Example: the Holston Conference requires clergy to report continuing
education activity to charge conferences and district superintendents
through its continuing education agency, The Wesley Leadership Institute.
 Clergy must earn three CEUs per year.
 All events offering CEUs must be approved by the Wesley Leadership
Institute in order to qualify.
 Clergy may earn up to one CEU per year through personal study and
one CEU per year through online learning.
 Clergy are encouraged to earn at least one CEU per year in a peerlearning context.
 Clergy must annually complete an extensive online reporting form
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
STANDARDS
Annual Conference Standards of Quality and Accountability
Such models reveal efforts to better quantify clergy needs for
continuing education, and assess how clergy are responding to their
own individual growth areas.
These types of models were generally “in development.” Annual
conference leaders say that there is a need for greater
accountability in continuing education.
However, they are still trying to figure out how to overcome resistance
to the imposition of more specific standards for continuing education
beyond the Discipline requirements.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAMS
Annual Conference Relationships
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30% do not partner with other institutions to offer programming
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Nearly 60% partner with seminaries to offer programming
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40% partner with conference/retreat centers to offer programming
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40% partner with other institutions to offer programming. Institutions
include:
 General boards and agencies of The United Methodist Church,
particularly the General Board of Discipleship
 Annual conference agencies
 The Alban Institute
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAMS
Guidance to Annual Conferences Provided by Boards of Ordained Ministry
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“We have a Clergy Development Program where for pre-selected programs, the BOM
will pay the entire cost, excluding travel. The clergy, SPRC, and DS must write and
submit learning goals and desired outcomes for approval by a committee prior to
receiving funds.”
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“Continuing Education Guidelines describe requirements, encouraging diverse
training and limiting credit online and for reading or videotape learning.”
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“We have formerly used a plan in terms of a balanced profile. This year we will be
using the 360 tool for evaluation by self and key people with whom we work, as well
as the DS. Both weaknesses and strengths will be a guide to where our growing
edges are for formulating a plan for continuing formation.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAMS
Guidance to Annual Conferences Provided by Boards of Ordained Ministry
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“BOOM has resources for candidates for ministry -- on Elder track -- called RIM.
Some special events are highlighted by BOOM and Orders”
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“Part of our Lilly Grant for Pastoral Excellence, involves Peer Group Learning. Those
covenants must be approved to get funding.”
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“We have developed a catalog of CE opportunities offered in a diversity of places.”
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“[The bishop] has a ‘Tending our Lives Together’ retreat for all persons under
appointment every two years. The BOM provides a preaching convocation every two
years. Thus we offer CEU events every year for our clergy in Louisiana. Various
groups within the conference also provide Continuing Education opportunities for
clergy and laity.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAMS
Programs at Academic Institutions and Conference Centers for Lay
People:
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Nearly three-quarters offer programs for lay people
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Types of programs include:
Hispanic leadership
Spirituality
Outdoor adventure
Arts
Peace and justice
Senior programs
Basic ministry studies
Music
and worship
Bible
Leadership
Theology
Pastoral
care
Preaching
Courses for United Methodist
Certification tracks
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAMS
Lay People Required by Annual Conferences to Participate
in Continuing Education
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7% Lay Leaders
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33% Christian Educators
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20% Music Leaders
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3% Worship Leaders
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Certified Persons also must do continuing education
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAMS
Factors for academic institutions and conference centers in
determining course listings (ranked in order):
1.
What clergy say they want
2.
What institutional leaders think clergy need & cost (tied)
3.
What annual conference leaders say clergy need
4.
What faculty are willing to teach
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
RACIAL/ETHNIC PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS
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68% of annual conferences provide continuing education
related to racial/ethnic inclusiveness or multicultural
learnings.
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55% of annual conferences encourage and support
clergy to participate in national continuing education
events for racial/ethnic clergy.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
RACIAL/ETHNIC PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS
Marvin Morgan of the Interdenominational Theological
Center in Atlanta, GA noted that African-American clergy
approach continuing education through unique contexts.
He said that in his experience, African-American clergy
are more likely to attend an established conference such
as The Hampton Minister’s Conference, featuring both
scholars and faith community leaders, rather than an
event at an academic institution that simply features a
scholar.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Annual Conferences
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Holston Conference: “Leave Well, Start Fresh” seminar that gives pastors
and staff parish representatives a time to work through leaving issues and
to help entering clergy and congregations start fresh by making plans for
communicating and working together.
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Louisiana Conference: The Tending our Lives Together retreat every two
years provides an opportunity for all persons under appointment to
fellowship, hear great presenters (brought in from around the US), worship
together, and meet in small groups to discuss various ministry needs and
issues that need to be addressed in a caring, and trusting environment.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Annual Conferences
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South Carolina Annual Conference: The 2006 Bishop's School of Ministry
collaborated with Cokesbury's Worship Connection to offer a national level
continuing education event focused on worship.
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Rio Grande Conference: Have worked closely with the Mexican American
program for continuing education events.
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New York Annual Conference: Have worked several times with Alban
Institute on programs aimed at helping clergy with specific programs.
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Others include: Annual Pastor’s School, Elders’ Orders gathering and
Bishop’s Convocation
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
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Candler School of Theology: “Covenant Colleagues” - a two-year colleague program
for clergywomen in their first 10 years of ministry
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Interdenominational Theological Center: “Certificate in Theology” - program designed
to enhance the level of theological competency among non-seminary-trained clergy
and lay people. Videotaped lectures and seminary-trained local instructors are used
to train students in satellite locations
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Christian Theological Seminary: The Indiana Clergy Peer Group Study Program
delivers resources to congregations via the formation of self selecting peer groups
that design their own three-year learning plans. The most important aspect of the
project has been that the participants decide what to learn and the resources to use
in learning it.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers (cont.)
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Wayne E. Oates Institute: Online seminars featuring a peer group
reflective learning approach
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United Theological Seminary: Integrated annual retreat-seminars for
those who preach, including clergy as well as masters and
occasional doctoral students. Expanding to worship arts/music
constituencies as well as "return" participation. Focus on spiritual
formation for leadership/daily worship framework, along with
learning sessions in peer colleague groups with both residential and
guest faculty presenters.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers (cont.)
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Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary: The Doctor of Ministry is seen
as Continuing Education for clergy in areas of preaching, evangelism and
administration. it is in ongoing development in relationship to the area
annual conferences to meet leadership needs. The Styberg Preaching
Institute is also successful in that it brings excellent, nationally known
preachers to conduct workshops for increasing effectiveness in sermon
development and delivery.
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Moxley and Associates LLC: The Reynolds Program in Church Leadership
is a year-long program that combines four workshop sessions, one-on-one
work with an executive coach between sessions, work in peer learning
communities between sessions, and individual application and study
between sessions.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers (cont.)
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60% of respondents to the question, “What is your most
interesting and effective program?” named a program
that involved peer group learning over an extended
period of time.
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Phone interviews revealed a real sense of mission and
purpose for such programs that was less present in
conversation around other types of programs.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS
Strong consensus among representatives of
academic institutions, conference centers and
annual conferences that long-term, peer-based
learning programs are by far the most effective
in helping clergy to learn new skills, work on
weaknesses, be accountable, and receive
much-needed vocational support.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAM CHALLENGES
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Lack of consistency in standards means that many types of
programs as well as personal pursuits are called continuing
education.
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Clergy in remote area have limited access to continuing
education opportunities, and fewer resources to seek them
out.
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There is a sense of increased competition for continuing
education resources. MEF funds are used for multiple
purposes, and more organizations are competing for
continuing education participants.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAM CHALLENGES
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Programs that are perceived as “theoretical” can be less
successful than programs that are perceived as
“practical.” Many respondents say it is easier to draw
participants to programming designed for immediate
application.
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One-time events can be expensive to produce and
promote. It can be risky to put on events without a builtin audience.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
PROGRAM TOPICS
Popular Topics According to Annual
Conference Respondents
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Congregational Development
Worship
Pastoral Care
Bible
Stewardship
Contemporary Worship
Youth Ministry
Evangelism
Spiritual Formation
Conflict Management
Counseling
Travel Seminars
Popular Topics According to Academic/CC
Respondents
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Congregational Development
Worship
Bible
Pastoral Care
Stewardship
Contemporary Worship
Spiritual Formation
Community Issues
Preaching
Church Administration
Self-Care
Leadership
Coaching
Theology
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
POPULAR BOOKS
Popular Books According to Annual Conference
Respondents
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Breaking the 200 Barrier
Companions in Christ Series
Purpose-Driven Life
Natural Church Development
The Emerging Church
Good to Great
Race to Reach Out
God’s Politics
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
Issues for Continuing Educators in Academic Institutions
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Competition for funding with other academic programs
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Perception that continuing education is an income generator rather
than resource, and is therefore expendable in times of budget
shortfall
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Faculty do not frame their work in terms that address the immediate
needs of the church
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
Issues for Continuing Educators in Academic Institutions
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A continuing education coordinator may teach, but is not necessarily a
member of the faculty - limited status.
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Some administrators and faculty are beginning to see the value of and need
for a strong continuing education program.
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Two respondents said they felt strong engagement with and appreciation for
continuing education by other members of the institution.
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Some United Methodist Seminaries, including Drew, Candler and United,
are making continuing education a higher priority.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CENTRAL CONFERENCE ISSUES
Responses from Patrick Streiff, Bishop of the Central Conference of
Central and Southern Europe (CCCSE), and Thea Kant, Continuing
Education Coordinator for the Estonian United Methodist Church
(EUMC)
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CCCSE requires minimum of 2-4 days/year for pastors’ retreats;
EUMC requires 2-3 academic credits/year
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Goals for CCCSE include: increasing knowledge on praxis issues,
theology, social change, and basic theology for lay people
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Both conferences offer continuing education through schools and
seminaries and through the conference. CCCSE also works in
ecumenical cooperation with other churches.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
UNMET NEEDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Unmet Needs According to Academic Institution Coordinators and
Conference Center Directors:
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Additional funding and fundraisers so that program administrators
can focus on the program
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A course of study that builds on a curriculum and offers credit other
than a D.Min.
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Congregational support for clergy participation in continuing
education
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Life Coaching
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
UNMET NEEDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Unmet Needs According to Academic Institution Coordinators and
Conference Center Directors (cont.):
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Tools for accountability
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Better programs for key clergy transition points: clergy formation
after seminary, clergy moving into a new church, and clergy entering
retirement
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Organization and communication among continuing educators
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Programs based in Wesleyan theology
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
UNMET NEEDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Unmet Needs According to Annual Conferences:
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Support in helping clergy develop plans rather than simply fulfill
requirements
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Continuing education requirements for Lay Persons Assigned
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Conflict-resolution programs
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Interpersonal relationship programs
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
UNMET NEEDS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
Unmet Needs According to Annual Conferences (cont.):
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Mentoring and support group programs
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Long-term training opportunities
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Middle-leadership development
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Additional funding
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Free programs from United Methodist seminaries
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFICACY OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Responses to: “Are available continuing education
programs in The United Methodist Church effective?”
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37% yes
40% neutral
9% no
14% don’t know
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFICACY OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Responses to: “Do continuing education programs in The
United Methodist Church respond to the needs of the
church?”
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26% yes
47% neutral
14% no
14% don’t know
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
EFFICACY OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Responses to: “Do continuing education programs in The
United Methodist Church provide resources that help
people fruitfully engage with the most challenging issues
in the church?”
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32% yes
37% neutral
24% no
7% don’t know
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Desire for the GBHEM to Provide More Continuing
Education Resources and Guidelines
 81% yes
 19% no
Visited the GBHEM Website
 85% yes
 15% no
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Further Insights for the GBHEM
“The paradigm of continuing education needs to shift from
event-based offerings to longer-term covenantal group,
peer-based learning in order to provide sustained,
intentional growth in ministry opportunities… Connecting
conference and local church vision with intentional
training is also a great need.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Further Insights for the GBHEM
“Relevance, listening - these are most important. So often
the events that are led by the general church boards and
agencies are facilitated by people who are not serving in
areas like the Northeast. We are a different culture - and
leaders, facilitators from the South or Midwest simply
don’t recognize the challenges faced in a largely Roman
Catholic or unchurched culture.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Further Insights for the GBHEM (cont.)
“I think although some of the events offered by the larger
denomination have been helpful, (School of
Congregational Development has been consistently of
value), many are weak compared to events offered by
other organizations.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Further Insights for the GBHEM (cont.)
“We need to push continuing education not only with our
clergy but also with our churches. Both parties must ‘buy
in’ to the need in order for it to be effective.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Further Insights for the GBHEM (cont.)
“There is little collaboration and conversation around
continuing education for United Methodist clergy and
laity. As a result, there is much redundancy, and
competition for resources and participants.”
“The restricted funding available to make continuing
education opportunities accessible and available to
clergy and laity does not fund programs that meet the
expressed needs of those constituencies.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE GBHEM
Further Insights for the GBHEM (cont.)
“As a non-United Methodist, you appear to have better
continuing education programs than most other
denominations. I admire what you already do and your
constant attempts to improve on that.”
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Snapshots in Continuing Education:
Further program details revealed through
phone and in-person interviews conducted
between September 2006 and January
2007.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Rev. Don Neal, Executive Director, Office of Superannuate Homes and Ordained
Ministry
North Alabama Annual Conference, Birmingham, AL
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Clergy and local pastors are required to meet the Discipline standards for continuing education in
the North Alabama Annual Conference, though there are no real repercussions for failing to
participate in continuing education. Don says that they know the conference is in need of pastors,
so failing to participate will have no real impact on their ability to get an appointment.
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The conference does not provide funding for continuing education. All Ministerial Education Fund
monies go to seminarians. However, it does give funds to the Institute for Clergy Excellence, an
organization that provides structure for group-directed continuing education.
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The Institute for Clergy Excellence (ICE), and its predecessor organization, the Methodist
Education Leave Society (MELS), invite clergy to work in self-selected groups to develop study
proposals and plans, then provides group facilitation and funding to execute their plans.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Rev. Don Neal, Executive Director, Office of Superannuate Homes and Ordained
Ministry
North Alabama Annual Conference, Birmingham, AL
(cont.)

The conference is considering a plan which will allow clergy who have been in an
appointment for six or more years to take a four-week renewal leave. This could
provide an opportunity for in-depth continuing education.

Don says it could be helpful for the GBHEM to provide guidelines for continuing
education that will jumpstart annual conferences and help them see the possibilities
for continuing education. They need models that can help conferences use continuing
education standards in an uncomplicated way. They also need help teaching clergy
that continuing education is a lifelong endeavor.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Rev. Doug McKinney, Chair of Continuing Education
Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, Parker, CO

The Rocky Mountain Annual Conference goal for continuing education is to
help clergy grow their minds, hearts and skill for ministry.

The conference is working to reestablish continuing education standards of
accountability through a reporting form system. The forms will also be used
to develop a spreadsheet that tracks the kinds of continuing education being
used in the conference, as well as resources being used such as books,
videos, music and websites.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Rev. Doug McKinney, Chair of Continuing Education
Rocky Mountain Annual Conference, Parker, CO
(cont.)

The Board of Ordained Ministry provides stipends through the Ministerial
Education Fund. The annual conference and local churches provide
additional funding.

Doug believes that continuing education is the best way to be proactive in
developing congregations, in keeping pastors/staff healthy and vital. He
recommends more online opportunities, as well as a strong, central source
for continuing education based on a cluster group model that helps pastors
to get together to develop honest and open relationships, providing mutual
support and accountability.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Rev. Lucinda Holmes, Coordinator of the Kansas East Annual Conference Task
Force on Continuing Education
Kansas East Annual Conference, Shawnee, KS

The Kansas East Annual Conference has developed a task force on continuing
education at the recommendation of the conference’s Revitalization Task Force.
Members are working to develop standards for continuing education, to act as a
coordinating body for continuing education resources, and to assess what has been
done in the past and what might be done in the future for continuing education.

In the past, continuing education has been an “every person for him/herself”
endeavor. The conference has not had a process in place for approving continuing
education events, though lots of events are available in their area. Clergy are
required to report continuing education work to their charge conferences and district
superintendents. The conference funds continuing education through the Ministerial
Education Fund and local church funding.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Caryl Griffin, former Director, Wesley Leadership Institute
Holston Conference, Knoxville, TN

The Holston Conference requires clergy to report continuing education
activity to charge conferences and district superintendents. They must earn
three CEUs per year. All events offering CEUs must be approved by the
conference’s Wesley Leadership Institute in order to qualify. Clergy may
earn up to one CEU per year through personal study and one CEU per year
through online learning. Clergy are encouraged to earn at least one CEU
per year in a peer-learning context. Clergy must complete an extensive
online reporting form annually.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Caryl Griffin, former Director, Wesley Leadership Institute
Holston Conference, Knoxville, TN
(cont.)

The cabinet utilizes a “master worksheet” in making appointments. CEUs
are listed on this sheet, and could influence appointment decisions.

The Wesley Leadership Institute is working to develop small group learning
and leadership development opportunities across the conference. They are
seeking to measure “fruitfulness in ministry” as a result of conference
continuing education opportunities, and they encourage events that facilitate
congregations living into the vision of the Holston conference for disciple
formation.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Thomas Smith, Director of Ministerial Services
Kentucky Annual Conference, Crestwood, KY

Continuing education in the Kentucky Annual Conference is funded through
Board of Ordained Ministry stipends through the Ministerial Education Fund,
additional annual conference funding, local church funding, and endowed
scholarship funds.

The Kentucky AC requires clergy to earn four CEUs (40 contact hours of
continuing education) per year. Clergy must report continuing education
activity to their charge conferences and district superintendents. Each
clergy person must also develop a continuing education plan each year that
demonstrates it has been influenced by evaluations with the Pastor/Staff
Parish Relations Committee, the ministry setting, and the district
superintendent. Starting in 2007, failure to complete required CEUs could
result in complaints of unwillingness or ineffectiveness.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Thomas Smith, Director of Ministerial Services
Kentucky Annual Conference, Crestwood, KY
(cont.)

The conference offers a catalog of continuing education opportunities at
institutions including seminaries, United Methodist colleges, and camp and
retreat centers.

The Kentucky Board of Ordained Ministry has deemed four core
competencies vital to effective clergy, which are further broken out into 17
dimensions. All continuing education activities must address at least one of
the dimensions of competency.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Annual Conferences
Jerry Schronce, District Continuing Education Coordinator
Rockingham District, North Carolina Annual Conference

The Rockingham District of the North Carolina Annual Conference partners
with Duke to develop an annual continuing education event. Jerry polls
clergy and leaders to assess needs and wants. He takes ideas to Duke, and
Duke executes them. Participants and their spouses pay $75 for a three-day
gathering, and Duke’s endowment pays for the remainder of the expenses.

Clergy required to earn 1 CEU/year, tracked by District Superintendent.

Jerry says that between one-third and one-half of clergy in his district see
continuing education as a burden; the rest see it as an opportunity.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Elizabeth Luton, Director, Office of Church Ministries Education
Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA

Candler seeks to serve as a resource for the church through continuing education.
The program is funded half through program fees and half through grant or
foundation support. 10% of the programs are structured for self-directed study, 40%
for colleague groups, and half for leader-directed study.

Candler provides continuing education for lay people through the Bill Mallard Lay
Theology Institute, a program which offers six-week courses and weekend seminars
for lay people. Candler faculty and local professionals in the Atlanta area teach, and
Candler and Atlanta-area churches host the classes. The goal is to provide
theological study to people regardless of their religious or academic background. It is
geared toward people seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and the faith of
the ecumenical community.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Elizabeth Luton, Director, Office of Church Ministries Education
Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA
(cont.)

The seminary offers several programs for clergy. Covenant Colleagues is an
ecumenical program for clergywomen in their first 10 years of ministry focused
on active learning, theological reflection, relational issues, spiritual formation,
and peer group learning and support.

Another program is the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land for Pastoral Renewal and
Spiritual Formation. Clergy participants gather for a week of learning and
reflection with faculty, travel to the Holy Land together, and then meet again six
months later for further study, as well as reflection on how they have and will
integrate the experience into their ministries. Pilgrims participate in small groups
for reflection and support before, during and after the journey. Groups are
ecumenical.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Elizabeth Luton, Director, Office of Church Ministries Education
Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, GA
(cont.)

Candler also offers a variety of one-time events, Course of Study School for
Local Pastors, the National Institute in Church Finance and Administration,
the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries
Institute, and an auditing program.

Elizabeth notes that it is important for institutions offering continuing
education to stop competing with one another; they should work to define
their own niches rather than struggling to compete against other local
organizations.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Bruce Roberts, Director of Indiana Clergy Peer Group Study Program and
Professor of Congregational Education and Leadership
Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN

The purpose of the Indiana Clergy Peer Group Study Program (PGSP) is to
provide leadership consultation and to furnish resources for local
congregations through the formation of clergy peer groups that focus on
leadership in ministry. Groups involve eight persons meeting over three
years giving primary attention to leadership in congregational life. The range
of topics selected for study, reflection and action are broad in scope.
Participants determine their own learning goals and strategies for meeting
those goals. Group facilitators help clergy explore and refine their goals and
learning programs.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Bruce Roberts, Director of Indiana Clergy Peer Group Study Program and
Professor of Congregational Education and Leadership
Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN
(cont.)

Reflections and learnings:
 Trusting clergy to develop their own learning goals is difficult, but it is also
extremely important because it energizes and provides a sense of
ownership.
 The peer-group process is key to helping clergy feel supported and fulfilled
in ministry.
 The facilitator in the peer group played a key role in modeling conflictresolution and examining group dynamics.
 When participants identify learning directions, plan learning activities, and
sustain work and evaluation over time, they develop valuable leadership
competencies.
 Congregations can see the difference in their clergy. A clergy person who
participates in the program is more motivated, creative and happy, and
congregants report this making a positive impact on the life of the church.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Bruce Roberts, Director of Indiana Clergy Peer Group Study Program and
Professor of Congregational Education and Leadership
Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN
(cont.)

This program is expensive – each group receives about $10,000. Costs
include not only fees and expenses related to the learning projects,
but also administration of the program and training and providing
stipends for facilitators. A next step in research is to look at how much
(or little) money it would take to create a program with similar results
to this one.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Nathan Kirkpatrick, Director of Continuing Education Programs
Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC

Duke’s programs are funded 40% by program fees and 60% by grants. Programs are
determined primarily by what institutional leaders think clergy need.

Effective programs include:
 “Courage to Serve” an 18-month retreat-based program for rural church
pastors
 “Study Leave for Ministry Professionals” a program of self-directed study
 “Laity Weekend” an annual event featuring a plenary lecture and multiple
class opportunities
 “Lay Academy of Religion” offers eight topical classes each year that meet
for four two-hour sessions over three to four consecutive weeks.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Nathan Kirkpatrick, Director of Continuing Education Programs
Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC
(cont.)

Partnering relationships with:
 Parish Ministry Board of North Carolina conference
 Pastors School for North Carolina and Western North Carolina
conferences
 Various North Carolina districts
 Various other conferences
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Nathan Kirkpatrick, Director of Continuing Education Programs
Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC
(cont.)

Duke emphasizes programs that place clergy into long-term peer groups where
participants offer accountability, point out God for one another, and provide
companionship that is affirming and equipping. Leaders believe continuing education
functions not only as a source for intellectual growth, but also as an antidote to
burnout. Leaders affirm the validity of both one-time and long-term programs because
they meet the needs of different people in different places, reminding people to think
theologically.

Challenge: figure out the distinctiveness of the institution in the face of increasing
competition in a market saturated with continuing education providers. There are 16
seminaries within 100 miles of Duke.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Rev. Larry Ousley, Director of the Intentional Growth Center
Intentional Growth Center, Lake Junaluska, NC

The Intentional Growth Center is an independent center for continuing education,
serving as a resource for the Southeast Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church,
as well as clergy and lay people across the country and internationally. The mission
of the Intentional Growth Center is to transform leaders for shared Christ-centered
ministry.

Funding comes primarily through program fees, with limited additional support from
grants, an endowment fund, and from the Southeast Jurisdiction. Balancing the
budget is challenging because covering the costs of events and the infrastructure to
support the center requires high program fees and/or high levels of participation. Two
highly successful programs – interim pastor training and youth confirmation – provide
resources to help subsidize less lucrative programs and new innovations. Elderhostel
programming also provides a steady source of revenue. Overall, there has been a
decrease in participation for stand-alone events.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Rev. Larry Ousley, Director of the Intentional Growth Center
Intentional Growth Center, Lake Junaluska, NC
(cont.)

The center emphasizes the personal development of clergy and laity
through coaching. According to Larry, coaches work with an individual,
group, or organization to:
1. Clarify their purpose/passion/calling based in their core values;
2. focus on what is really important for them;
3. discover and create more ease and flow in their life;
4. and ultimately move into a state of grace.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Rev. Larry Ousley, Director of the Intentional Growth Center
Intentional Growth Center, Lake Junaluska, NC
(cont.)

In addition to coaching programs, IGC offers programming in:
 Biblical Studies
 Church Leadership
 Spiritual Growth
 Confirmation Retreats
 Older Adult Ministries
 Interim Ministry Training
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Marvin Morgan, Director of Continuing Education and Certification Programs
The Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) seeks to enhance the professional
skills of both non-seminary trained clergy and seminary-trained clergy.

ITC runs a Certificate in Theology Program. It is comprised of satellite teaching
locations in rural areas that use a combination of seminary-trained local instructors
and videotaped lectures by professors. Bishops in the CME church have adopted this
program as an alternative to seminary. The program was originally funded by a grant
from the Pew Foundation, but the grant ran out, and now the program relies fully on
program fees. There is concern that they have educated so many of the people in the
area who needed it, that the market has been saturated. ITC has issued 2000
Certificates in Theology.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Marvin Morgan, Director of Continuing Education and Certification
Programs
The Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA
(cont.)

Within the institution, faculty have a positive perception of continuing
education, in part because it is an additional source of work and income for
them. Administrators see continuing education as an income producer that
is expendable. There is little sense of the need to provide continuing
education as a service to the community.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Elise Eslinger, Director of the Institute for Applied Theology
United Theological Seminary, Trotwood, OH

United has developed a unified curriculum plan that places equal emphasis on
masters degree programs, the Doctor of Ministry program, and non-degree
programs/continuing education. The Institute for Applied Theology is building a
program called Roots and Wings. It is grounded in tradition while also meeting the
needs of the emerging church.
 “Roots” ground participants in strong scholarship in traditional areas of Bible,
theology, history and polity.
 “Wings” help participants explore and experience contemporary trends in
worship, ministry, and the life of faith, from new worship styles to emerging
church management strategies.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Elise Eslinger, Director of the Institute for Applied Theology
United Theological Seminary, Trotwood, OH
(cont.)

Institute programs seek to complement and enhance the seminary's masters and
doctoral programs by offering courses, workshops, and special events open to
students, clergy and lay ministers, and the community. Special areas of interest
include urban ministry, rural and town & country ministry, district superintendent
training, and new media.

The institute has three centers: The Center for Urban Ministry, The Heinrich Center
for Wellness Ministry and Education, and The Center for Worship, Preaching and the
Arts.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Lovett Weems, Executive Director and Ann Michel, Associate Director of
the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

The leaders of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership don’t see the center
as a continuing education provider, and they say Wesley doesn’t have a
centralized continuing education program or director.

Lovett and Ann recently conducted a landmark study on clergy age trends in
The United Methodist Church indicating that there has been a dramatic drop
in the number and percentage of United Methodist elders in the last twenty
years.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Lovett Weems, Executive Director and Ann Michel, Associate Director of the Lewis
Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
(cont.)


The center also worked with Saint Paul School of Theology to conduct a study of the
probationary process in The United Methodist Church titled “The Journey from
Readiness to Effectiveness.” Some of the survey questions to probationers centered
around continuing education:
How often did you participate in continuing theological education?
 Once a week – 9.9%
 Every other week – 1.3%
 Once a month – 8.6%
 Every other month – 9.9%
 Quarterly – 31.3%
 Less often – 39.1%
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Lovett Weems, Executive Director and Ann Michel, Associate Director of
the Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.
(cont.)


The time spent in continuing education was…
 Too much – 5.1%
 Too little – 16.1%
 About right – 78.9%
There are also questions around who decided for probationers what
continuing education topics should be covered, who sponsored continuing
education for probationers, and who paid for continuing education. The
report on the survey is available at the Lewis Center website,
www.churchleadership.com.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Tim Dolan, Assistant Director for the Institute of Lay and Clergy Leadership
Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning, Whitworth College,
Spokane, WA

Tim did his dissertation on clergy cluster groups.
 Three clusters of 6-12 clergy in a group
 Pastors and lay pastors
 Interdenominational
 Groups met eight times over 3-4 months
 Used an organizational leadership curriculum that covered congregational
culture, congregations as a system, and change
 Had various presenters
 Prayed, engaged in fellowship and engaged in personal sharing
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Tim Dolan, Assistant Director for the Institute of Lay and Clergy Leadership
Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning, Whitworth College,
Spokane, WA
(cont.)

Findings:
 Pastoral leaders are leaving ministry due to organizational leadership issues,
conflict and relationship issues
 Many pastors had no training around these issues
 Ongoing support and learning in a small group was very important to the success
of the program. When they learned something, they could go home and try it out,
then come back and debrief.
 The personal support that the group provided helped the learning be deeper and
more meaningful.
 Sharing is easier in an ecumenical group.
 Clergy and churches are willing to support such projects when they understand
them, and it doesn’t take a lot of money. The program was funded with $500 from
each clergy person.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in The
United Methodist Church
SNAPSHOTS IN CONTINUING EDUCATION
Academic Institutions and Conference Centers
Tim Dolan, Assistant Director for the Institute of Lay and Clergy Leadership
Weyerhaeuser Center for Christian Faith and Learning, Whitworth College,
Spokane, WA
(cont.)

Concerns with long-term learning groups:




Money is perceived as an obstacle. It is a question of priorities. People feel overwhelmed by
the number of conferences and workshops available, and feel like they don’t have the time
and money even for short-term experiences.
Educational institutions need to create priorities for ongoing continuing education.
Denominational leaders need to encourage clergy to see the value in long-term learning
groups.
Tim says we need to change the way we think and develop a culture that says
investing in learning takes time and energy – and that it is very important. His vision
is that every church leader be in a support network, sharing and learning new things
in an ongoing capacity, and decreasing isolation.
The Landscape of Continuing Education in
The United Methodist Church
Research by