CHICAGO, IL (July 7, 2015) — Applications through the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program are now being accepted from clergy who seek to be part of a nine-month cohort learning experience. The application deadline is August 6.

The cohort will gather for retreats in the fall and spring as well as meet prior to the Midwinter Conference. The cohort will involve up to five hours of work a week and run from September 2015 to May 2016.

Pastors, missionaries, administrators, and chaplains who are interested in attending must apply directly to Ordered Ministry. Applicants must submit a refundable $299 fee with their applications.

Acceptance includes an SPE grant that will cover most of the cost of the retreats and a travel stipend.

The retreat dates are:

October 26-28, 2015, at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin

January 25-26, 2016, at Covenant Offices in Chicago, Illinois

April 18-20, 2016, at the Siena Retreat Center

To qualify, clergy must be currently active for at least two years in a ministry field, hold active ECC credentials, and be current on their ministerial dues.

For more information or to apply, click here or here or contact Ordered Ministry by phone (773) 442-6581 or by email.