Clergy Resources Overview

This is the go-to place for clergy wanting to explore learning and growth opportunities; find information and tools related to benefits; apply for continuing education and other grants; and access forms. Click on a link below to find what you're looking for.

Featured Tools and Resources

Competency Model

This is a tool we’ve developed to create a common language around the knowledge, skills, and abilities churches and leaders need to thrive. Use this Competency Model to help chart your course of growth in faith and in leadership.

Clergy Learning Resource Guide

We have accumulated a wealth of resources designed to help churches and individuals reach their growth goals within each of the nine areas outlined by the Competency Model. These books, websites, and podcasts represent a variety of perspectives and approaches so that you can find just what you need to take your next steps as a follower of Jesus and leader of the church.

Clergy Total Well-Being

A pastor's ability to provide effective leadership depends greatly on your own total well-being. On this page, you will find the resources and support you need to make positive changes in each of these well-being dimensions: financial, mental/emotional, physical, spiritual, and total well-being.

Clergy Grants

A variety of grants are available to Minnesota clergy.

Featured Trainings and Programs

Building Beloved Community Anti-Racism Training

All Minnesota Conference clergy are encouraged to take part in one of these four-session anti-racism trainings. Check out the conference events calendar to register for upcoming cohorts.

Clergy Leadership Academy

This three-year program focuses on equipping clergy with skills needed to be effective leaders in today’s world. All new provisional elders are required to participate during their first three years of ministry, and licensed local pastors are highly encouraged to participate. Since 2014, the academy has also been open to seasoned clergy seeking to hone their leadership skills.

Clergy Peer Learning

How can we flourish in ministry, not just for the short-term, but over the long run? Learn more about peer covenant groups and peer coaching circles.

Practical Church Leadership Certificate

This year-long graduate program, created in partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University, provides active clergy an opportunity to deepen and strengthen competencies essential to leading our churches in stewarding finances, human resources, vision, and communications, and outreach. Applications for the 2023-2024 program are now being accepted. Apply by May 1, 2023. Applicants will need to ask the Leadership Team of their church to complete this Endorsement of Participation. 85 percent of the $7500 tuition cost is funded. The pastor and the church work together to cover the remaining $1000.