Clergy Continuing Education Policy

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In accordance with National Church Canons (Title III, Canon 7, Section 5 and Title III, Canon 9, Section 1) the Bishop and Commission on Ministry are charged with the responsibility of developing standards and providing opportunities for the continuing education of deacons and priests in their respective dioceses. In an effort to meet these requirements, a Clergy Continuing Education Committee has been established, which will be
coordinated by The Rev. David McDowell-Fleming. This committee will endeavor
to provide you various opportunities for continuing education.

In the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast the following standard will apply, effective I Advent 2006, with the first reporting due I Advent 2007. All active priests and deacons shall take 24 Contact Hours of Continuing Education annually. A Contact Hour is defined as each hour the student and instructor are together or the student is actively involved in a learning situation, as distinguished from a Continuing Education Unit (CEU).

Much of this requirement can be accomplished at minimal cost within the Diocese itself. For example, each Clergy Conference (Fall & Spring) will typically provide five (5) Contact Hours each, for a total of ten (10) Contact Hours, if attended. The remainder of Contact Hours will be the individual responsibility of the Clergy.

Continuing Education may include Theological Studies such as Scripture, Ethics, Theology, Church History, and Liturgy; Professional Studies such as Leadership Development, Congregational Development, Communications and Finance; and Personal Studies such as Wellness Classes and Directed Retreats.

Accountability
A form is provided by the Diocese to list Continuing Education activities of the previous calendar year, and is due in the Diocesan office by Advent I of each year. Vestries will be notified of this commitment to a healthy ministry with a clear expectation of their partnership in the development and nurture of their leadership.

Download the continuing education form