From the first peer group meeting to the final retreat, this program lasts approximately 15 months for each cohort.
Will participation in this program count as continuing education credit?
Yes. Full participation in all retreats, peer group meetings, and other elements of this program will count as 6 continuing education credits. The Center for Ministry at Millsaps College can provide a transcript of your participation and the credits earned to your denominational offices as needed upon completion of the program.
Will childcare be covered by grant funds?
Grant funds cannot be used to pay for childcare directly. However, grant funds will cover the costs of travel, retreats, peer group meetings, and other aspects of the program, in an effort to free participants to use personal funding in whatever ways are most helpful to them without the burden of paying for any grant related activities.
Peer Groups
Who will form the peer groups?
The Program director will form the peer groups with an effort to create diverse peer groups with geographic accessibility.
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Do peer group meetings have to happen in person?
No. While we do have funds available for travel to facilitate peer groups meeting in person, online meetings via Zoom or similar programs are perfectly acceptable. We recognize that not all clergywomen have female colleagues within easy driving distance, so meeting digitally allows groups to span multiple cities and even states. As long as groups meet the specific regulations, these meetings may occur in person, online, or in some combination of the two.
Congregational Involvement
Why do we have to have congregational training?
While clergy will receive resources and support to establish patterns that promote thriving in their ministry via retreats and peer group meetings, they can only effectively put these to use in their churches with congregational support. A pastor whose congregation does not share their vision of promoting clergy thriving will be extremely limited in their ability to create a culture of thriving. Therefore, congregational training is needed to provide research, context, and practical tools for congregations to recognize both why and how they can promote clergy well-being in their context. This training will serve both the clergywoman and the congregation in the short term and for years to come.
What is my congregation committing to with my participation in this program?
Congregations are asked to participate in the application process to ensure they understand the commitments they and their pastor are making to participate in this program. Congregations are asked to support their pastor by respecting the time needed to attend peer group meetings and retreats, and receive spiritual direction/coaching.
Retreats
What if I have to miss a retreat or peer group meeting?
In an effort to steward the space and resources of this grant well, we expect all participants to honor their commitments to full participation in all program activities, including retreats and peer group meetings. As part of their application process, applicants are given retreat dates to ensure that they can be present for the entirety of each. However, we understand that sometimes unforeseen absences will occur. Participants may miss only one retreat and up to 20% of peer group meetings due to unavoidable emergencies, and they must notify the program director as soon as possible should this be necessary. Any participant with additional absences or who fails to notify the program director of absences will be dismissed from the program.
What will the retreats be like?
Each retreat will be a little bit different based upon the size and needs of the particular cohort, but in general, participants can expect the following. The first retreat will focus on sharing the research which informs the program, providing opportunities for individual peer groups and for the broader cohort to bond and plan their time together, leadership development lessons from experienced clergywomen who will serve as both retreat leaders and ministry role models. This retreat will include large group workshops, peer group reflection, and time for fellowship and relaxation.
The peer group-specific retreat or conference will be selected by members of each peer group and may take a variety of forms. Groups may opt to attend a pre-existing event or curate their own with the funds provided for this purpose. A worksheet will be provided to assist groups in planning their peer group-specific retreat.
At all retreats participants should expect to share a room with one other person. However, participants will be able to select their roommates, and we will seek to offer the option for a private room at a minimal cost to participants when possible.
Eligibility
Are trans women eligible for this program?
Yes! Trans women are women and therefore fully eligible to apply to this program. Non-binary clergy who identify as women are also invited to apply.
IS THERE IS A COST FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROGRAM?
Each participant will be asked to pay a fee of $500. Their local church or vocational setting will be asked to match this $500 bringing the total cost to $1000. The cost of this program is expensive, and we believe a commitment for each participant as well as their ministry setting is important. This will be the only cost to the participant. All other cost are covered by the TIM program. There are a small number of scholarships available.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IF I AM A CLERGYWOMAN IN MINISTRY OUTSIDE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH (SUCH AS AT A NON-PROFIT, UNIVERSITY, ETC.)?
Yes!
DO I HAVE TO BE CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE UNITED METHODSIT CHURCH?
Yes, all participants must be currently serving in a ministry setting in the United Methodsit Church to apply and participate in the program.
