Pastoral Leadership Professional Development
Adopted January 27, 2010
Rationale
For continued growth and effectiveness in ministry, it is essential that clergy participate in a wide variety of professional development and personal spiritual growth opportunities. Intentional study is necessary if pastors are to grow in their effectiveness in church leadership and nurture their individual spiritual development.
Responsibility of the Church
It is the responsibility of the church to provide both resources and time for continuous Professional Development (PD). The Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) is in a role to work with the pastor in the development of a Continuous Professional Development plan and to encourage the implementation of this mutually agreed upon plan.
Guidelines:
- Provide for two weeks free of pastoral duties for professional development time annually
- Establish a budget line item for professional development equivalent to 3% of annual compensation
- Disbursement of PD funds to be matched by the pastor
- Professional development time and financial resources may be cumulative for up to three years with prior approval of the PRC
- Encourage the pastor to participate in a variety of professional development activities including, but not limited to, denominationally sponsored programs.
- The church may pay the fees for the pastor’s membership in the American Baptist Churches Regional and National Ministers Council.
Responsibility of the Pastor
The pastor shall be intentional about allocating time for professional development and personal spiritual growth. The pastor will work with the Pastoral Relations Committee in the development of a plan appropriate to the experience and the needs of the pastor and the ministry of the church.
The pastor will demonstrate to the PRC and/or church body evidence of participation in activities contributing to professional development and personal spiritual growth.
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