PENN NORTHEAST CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
OVERSIGHT WORKING GROUP of the COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY
CLERGY CONTINUING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
Continuing Education is important for both the authorized minister and the local ministry setting. According to the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry (SACEM), continuing education focuses upon: enrichment of ministry, upgrading of skills, re-evaluating priorities, lifting morale, liberation and creativity, and/or personal autonomy. Because Penn Northeast Conference recognizes that formal continuing education is an aspect of life-long learning, monies have been invested providing interest that is allocated through three ways: 1) Individual Authorized Ministers participating in Programs and/or Events organized by Educational Institutions; 2) Groups of Authorized Ministers or Conference Committees organizing Educational Events or Enrichment Programs; and 3) Committee on Ministry of PNEC organizing Education or Enrichment Programs in which Authorized Ministers of PNEC are invited to participate. The Oversight Working Group of the Committee on Ministry will apportion the amount in the fund according to these areas at the beginning of each year based on requests made the previous year
The Longsdorf Fund provides the monies for Continuing Education based on the returns and interest accrued (usually 5%) through investments designated by Penn Northeast Conference. It is the PNEC’s expectation that the local congregation and the Authorized Minister share in the cost of continuing education as well.
Individual Authorized Ministers participating in Programs and/or Events organized by Educational Institutions may apply by one of the following opportunities:
Short Term Opportunity ~
- For seminars, workshops, retreats, etc. not exceeding four (4) days in length is normally granted up to the sum of $300 per event
- Application for assistance shall be made at least one (1) month prior to the start of the event
- A brief written description of the event is required with the application
- A maximum amount available for Short Term or Intermediate Term opportunities for an authorized minister is $1,000 in one year
Intermediate Term Opportunity ~
- For seminars, workshops, retreats, etc. not exceeding two (2) weeks in length is normally granted up to the sum of $400 per event
- Application for assistance shall be made at least one (1) month prior to the start of the event
- A brief written description of the event is required with the application
- A maximum amount available for Short Term or Intermediate Term opportunities for an authorized minister is $1,000 in one year
Degree Program Opportunity ~
- For a degree candidate the sum of $1,000 per academic year with a limit for the program of $4,000 will normally be granted
- Application for assistance shall be made at least three (3) months prior to the start of the program
- A brief written description of the program to be pursued and degree sought is required with the application and is assumed that the degree will be pursued in an accredited institution’
- An Authorized Minister receiving a grant for the Degree Program is not eligible for grants given under Short Term or Intermediate Term opportunities
- Upon completion of a year’s academic work, a written report of the year’s work shall be submitted to the Conference Minister
Groups of Authorized Ministers or Conference Committees organizing Educational Events or Enrichment Programs may request funds for continuing education goals in group settings.
- Because these events and/or programs most often fit into the category of Short Term Opportunities listed in section II, the amount of support for the group will be the amount of the individual authorized ministers participating up to the amount of $1,000
- Proposals should be submitted a few months before the event and should describe the purpose of the event, the names of authorized ministers participating, or the number anticipated
Committee on Ministry of PNEC organizing Education or Enrichment Programs in which Authorized Ministers of PNEC are invited to participate are called to sponsor continuing education events that address the perceived need of Authorized Ministers of PNEC. A portion of the annual income will fund these efforts. For the past few years the Committee on Ministry has succeeded in fully funding these events, so that authorized ministers and their settings of local ministry are not asked to contribute financially, only of their commitment of time and energy.
Application Process
- Applications may be requested from the PNEC Office
- The Oversight Working Group of the Committee on Ministry will consider requests for assistance and will have the discretion to make exceptions to the criteria mentioned above
Revised 5.14.19