Policy Number:  9

Title:  Continuing Education for Clergy, Lay Professionals & Ministry Teams

Applicability:  This policy applies to all parochial clergy, full time lay professionals, and all ministry teams engaged in Mutual Ministry in a congregation. 

1.      Continuing education is an important aspect of maintaining proficiency and competency in any field of endeavor, and no less so for those engaged in the ministry of the Church.  For many years this Diocese has encouraged continuing education for parochial clergy by the inclusion of a provision in Letters of Agreement (also known as Ministry Declarations) allowing two weeks of paid vacation, over and above the usual four weeks of leave, to allow time for participation in continuing education offerings.  In addition, the Niobrara School for Ministry Summer School has always been open to anyone in the Diocese as a way of encouraging continuing education.  However, similar provisions have not been part of the employment contract for lay professionals in our Diocese, nor did the Diocese have a stated policy amount or nature of the continuing education that was expected.  This policy clarifies that and also extends the expectations regarding continuing education to lay professionals and Ministry Teams.

2.      As part of their ongoing professional development, parochial clergy, full time lay professionals and ministry teams are expected to complete a minimum of twenty-four (24) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually.  Each CEU is generally defined as one contact hour. 

3.      Those covered by this policy are asked to submit an annual report of their completed continuing education.  Please use the attached form for reporting.  Reports are to be sent to the Bishop and are due by the end of January reporting on the previous year’s continuing education. Click Here for the Annual Reporting Form.

4.      Participants are encouraged to engage in a variety of educational endeavors in the following general categories:

a.       Religious Studies (workshops, classes, and independent study in areas in the seven canonical areas).

b.      Professional (workshops, classes, and independent study in areas that directly relate to the individual’s position).

c.       Personal (workshops, classes and independent study that are for personal enrichment, not necessarily directly related to their position).  Not more than eight CEUs (or 1/3 of the total) should be taken in this category in a given year.

5.      The following is a general guideline in determining the number of CEUs being completed.

Workshops, Seminars,   Mini- Courses	§         1 hour contact time = 1 CEU
Academic Credit (Community College or State University)	§         1 academic course = 12 CEUs
Independent Study & Retreats	§         Reading 1 book = 2 CEUs §         1 day on retreat = 2 CEUs §         Maximum of 12 CEUs credited by independent study & retreats
Niobrara School for Ministry Ministry Weekends	§         6 CEUs
Niobrara School for Ministry Summer Seminary	§         24 CEUs
Dakota Experience	§         12 CEUs

6.      For Mutual Ministry Teams, the expectation to complete 24 CEUs is considered an expectation to be shared by the Team as a whole.  In other words, each individual member’s CEUs are added together to meet the total of 24 CEUs.  Members of Mutual Ministry Teams are eligible to apply for continuing education grants.

7.      Diocesan Grants for Continuing Education.  Persons to which this policy pertains may apply for grants from the Diocese to assist in paying for continuing education. 

a.       Because funds are limited and vary from year to year, grants will be made on a first come first served basis within budget limitations.

b.      Grants may be awarded for tuition and expenses for religious studies and professional development workshops, seminars or courses.

c.       It is expected that grants will not exceed 1/3 the total amount with the participant and their congregation or mission each contributing 1/3 of the cost.

d.      Grants will not exceed $300.

e.       Grants will not be made retroactively.  Applications must be received in the Diocesan at least 30 days before the program or event begins.

f.        Use the attached form to request continuing education grants. Click Here