Competence
Pastoral Arts
Remaining sharp in pastoral ministry requires one to be a lifelong learner. By providing resources to those in ministry for development in preaching, leading, teaching, and caring we aim to encourage Covenant pastors, missionaries, and chaplains on this journey.
Personal Learning Experiences
- Up to $500 is available to participate in self-selected opportunities to enhance growth in the pastoral arts of preaching, leading, teaching, and caring.
- Receipts for approved expenses associated with learning experiences should be submitted following the conclusion of the event; all grants are funded on a reimbursement basis.
- Application submissions are considered as they are received.
Sabbatical Grants
Covenant pastors, missionaries, and chaplains can now apply for an SPE grant for their sabbatical. These grants of up to $1,000 are available matching the amount offered by your church or ministry context (for a total of up to $2,000).
Living Forward: Revisioning Your Call
This is a three-retreat experience spanning eight months which will lead participants in an exploration of the third formational stage of ministry life. Ministers in this cohort are over 55 years of age and have spent 15+ years in ministry in either a congregational setting, on the mission field, or as a chaplain, educator or administrator caring for and speaking into people’s lives and faith journeys. As they look toward the future, questions of gift, transition, change and choices are of paramount importance. What might call look like for the next 15 to 20 years? What legacy will plant the seeds of ministry call for others?
Along with required reading and a final reflection paper, participants will come together for personal contemplative exercises, presentations for thought and discussion, group processing, spiritual direction and discernment. Major topics for the cohort include: Identity (fall emphasis), Reality (winter emphasis), and Possibility (spring emphasis). There is a nominal registration fee which will be refunded if the applicant is not chosen as a participant. In addition to meeting standard SPE program requirements, a commitment to all three events is necessary.
There are no cohorts schedules at this time.
