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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 $50, led by Rev. Ashlee Alley Crawford and Rev. Dr. Shelly Petz
  • September 25 (9 p.m.)-27 (3 p.m.), 2022—Heartland Spirituality Center, Great Bend, KS
• Roots for Your Soul Retreat $50
  • August 29-31, 2022—St. Benedict’s Center, Schuyler, NE, led by Rev. Dr. Charlotte Abram
  • October 24-26, 2022—St. Benedict’s Center, Schuyler, NE, led by Seanne Emmerton
• A Time Apart, Sermon and Worship Planning Retreat ($150 if you register by April 1)
  • July 25-29, 2022—Heartland Spirituality Center, Great Bend, KS, led by Rev. Dr. Theresa Mason

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.