P.o.p.

[Barb Bouldrey]

When the General Assembly passed the resolution that all pastors needed 2 continuing education credits each year, our former district superintendent immediately set up 4 workshop days a year. He brings in speakers on different topics, often related to a book on theology or some area of pastoral ministry.

Our new district superintendent is continuing this program but has named it P.O.P....Preparing on Purpose.

Today the pastors are in St. Louis hearing Dr. Larry Fine.

In May the pastors (only, not spouses) will meet at the campgrounds for 2 nights. They are to have read,Our Iceberg is Melting before they arrive.

Just sharing how our district is meeting that requirement.

barb

[Joanne Vergin]

Great idea! Sounds like what teachers have to do. As long as the pastors have some inexpensive options open to fulfill the requirement I am for it.
Gee Barb, I was hoping my No Pop thread made it into the mainstream. :basic05

[Doris Grant]

Am I reading between the lines and thinking you would like to go with him to the campground. I would if I were you. Our district has the same program where they offer pre-arranged classes.

Doris

[Cindi Hammons]

Barb,

I'm curious...when you say 2 continuing ed hours per year, how much "class time" does that include? I think it is a fantastic and needed thing to do. For my social work license, I need 30 hours every 2 years. Mark's nursing license is the same. Other professions require as much as 40 hours every two years. I will say that some of those hours are wasted on crazy topics that are meant to get you your hours with minimum discomfort, however, many are also top-notch and really informative. I hope the ministerial ones are like the top-notch hours I've been to.

The reason I'm asking about what is meant by 2 hours per year, is because I may be comparing apples to oranges when I compare it to other professionals...and I sincerly do consider ministers as professionals. I think it is very important for the district to offer hours to pastors since it is a required item. This also would be a good time to educate on global religious trends. It seems like I have seen so many pastors (out in the boonies) who seem so disconnected from the larger "world" of Nazarenedom and go off on their own path. I'm glad your district is sponsoring this.

[Barb Bouldrey]

Cindy,

It is 2 continuing education CREDITS, not hours.

I would have to ask John about the topics and speakers, because I do not remember much of what he has gone to these past years. But he always comes home challenged, educated and encouraged.

I do not know how they set up the guidelines for the CEU credits. Maybe a pastor here knows (John is not home yet for me to ask). I think they get 1/2 credit for these days that run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

We have a pastor's and spouse fun retreat every fall where we go to Branson for 3 nights. I don't miss that often! The meeting in May is workshops and speakers for our pastors. I am not interested in that. Give me Branson with shopping and shows any day over campgrounds.

Actually, our Board of Credentials meet all morning and afternoon with license and ordination applicants and then the retreat/seminar begins with supper.(at the campground meeting)

Our former and current district superintendents have tried to bring creative, innovative and up-to-date speakers and books on many areas of ministry.

John also attend the School of Leadership Developement for 3 years and the last one was during M7 with the closing banquet giving 2 CEU credits for taking this program. That gave John a lot of new education on demographics, worship, leadership.

There are several options where a pastor can attain these credits on his/her own. If our district did not have a plan in motion most of our pastors would keep putting it off and "forget" to accomplish this.

It is asked on their annual report, but I do not know if there is any reprimand if they fail to meet this.

Barb

[Cindi Hammons]

Thanks. I was curious because I have completed our annual report for the last...garblegarble...years and I have had to complete the response to that question. It sounds like it is much more labor intensive than it sounds. See, I was comparing apples to oranges!

Again, I think it is a great idea for the districts to provide...er, uh...strongly suggest pastors comply! Ha! Thanks Barb.

[Kevin Bockus]

I believe 1 CEU = 10 hours of instruction time.

The Pittsburgh District offers Continuing Ed at our campgrounds once per month beginning in September and ending in May. They choose topics relevant to what we face as pastors and we meet from 9:30am - 12:30pm. After the training a lunch is made available with the hopes of pastors taking time to just fellowship for a while. Also offered for CEU's are workshops and such at Sunday School Convention. It is very easy to earn your 2 credits through the district, although they do recommend that each pastor attend at least one training off district.