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Continuing Education

The Great Plains Conference is committed to having clergy who are life-long learners. We believe that the life of a clergyperson is a spiritual journey of renewal and excellence in Jesus Christ. The responsibility of a clergyperson is to continue in study beyond the educational requirements for his/her clergy status (¶323.1a, b; 334.2d) and to demonstrate growth in professional competence and effectiveness.

This life-long learning is twofold: spiritual formation and professional development.

• Spiritual formation is the intentional pursuit of the nourishment and renewal of one’s relationship with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the use of spiritual disciplines.
• Professional development is the intentional growth of professional identity and the skills utilized in ministry that will enhance the effectiveness and excellence of the clergyperson. 

Save the date for the following continuing education opportunities for 2022:

• For Your Life Retreat
  • March 6 (9 p.m.)-8 (3 p.m.), 2022—St. Benedict’s Center, Schuyler, NE
  • September 25 (9 p.m.)-27 (3 p.m.), 2022—Heartland Spirituality Center, Great Bend, KS
• Roots for Your Soul Retreat
  • March 21-23, 2022—Spiritual Life Center, Wichita, KS
  • August 29-31, 2022—St. Benedict’s Center, Schuyler, NE
  • October 24-26, 2022—St. Benedict’s Center, Schuyler, NE
• A Time Apart, sermon and worship planning Retreat
  • July 25-29, 2022—Heartland Spirituality Center, Great Bend, KS

The Clergy Excellence team hopes that you will take advantage of one of these retreats!

If you have questions about continuing education, contact the Rev. Dee Williamston, director of Clergy Excellence, at dwilliamston@greatplainsumc.org or 785-414-4213.

Read more about the Great Plains continuing education policy.

Continuing Education Report (fillable PDF)

View the new continuing education opportunity, Clergy Community of Practice groups.