Applicants must be United Methodist Clergywomen who are actively serving in a ministerial appointment within the United States. This includes local pastors, retired clergy, ordained elders and deacons as well as license to preach clergywomen. It is preferred that applicants c will have completed at least one year in their current appointment. Applicants will be placed in Peer groups that will:
Include groups of 8-12 clergy women. The Cohort will not exceed 36 members.
Consist entirely of United Methodist clergywomen actively serving in ministry in the United States.
Prioritize diversity among participants when forming a group.
What to expect:
Applicants must be willing to uphold the following commitments over the course of the 15-month cohort:
Regular peer group meetings. Groups will meet with a coach each month for 90 minutes with 90 minutes of prep work. In the months that do not have a coaching session, groups may determine when they will meet and whether the meetings will occur in-person or online, with approval from the Program Director.
Individual Coaching sessions. Each participant will attend five individual coaching sessions.
Attendance at and active participation in the Opening Cohort retreat. At the beginning of the cohort period, there will be a retreat coordinated by the Program Director. This will bring together all peer groups in the cohort. Location and dates will be determined before the start of the cohort.
Attendance at and active participation in the peer group-only retreat or conference. This activity will be designed and chosen by each peer group, with the approval of the program director. All financial support will be provided by the Thriving in Ministry program.
Ministry placement participation. Each participant will form a small wellbeing team at their place of ministry. The clergy women and the wellbeing team will participate in a 360-evaluation tool to set the agenda and identify areas needed for support and growth. The team should consist of 4-6 members. The TIM team will provide resources and training for set up, creation and support for this process.
Participation in ongoing work with the coach. During the duration of the cohort, each participant will be required to attend all coaching activities. Financial support will be provided from the Thriving in Ministry program.
Financial Support
Please note that participants will receive financial support for all required activities. This will include support for peer group meeting materials, retreats (including travel, lodging, meals, and registration costs), congregational training and materials, and ongoing work with the coach. Each participant will receive a budget for all activities at the beginning of the cohort. Any program-related costs incurred by participants beyond the budgeted amount will be the responsibility of participants.
Cost to Participants. Each participant will be required to pay $500 with a $500 match from their local church or place of ministry. There are a small number of scholarship funds available upon request. Contact Rev. Sally Bevill for more information. PROGRAM ELEMENTS FUNDED BY TIM
Large-Group Retreat
*Meals, lodging, programming, travel etc.
Peer Group-Specific Retreat
*Includes travel, lodging, meals, and programming selected by peer group
Peer Group Meeting Materials & Support
Peer group coaching sessions and individual coaching calls.
Congregational Training
*Budget is subject to change based on number of participants and costs
