Spiritual Directors And Retreat Centers For Clergy
Dear Clergy,
Understanding that clergy have needs both common to humanity and unique to their ministry, the Board of Ordained Ministries has a Spiritual Director and Retreat Center resource for your use. The brochure: “Tending the Holy” offers options for spiritual direction and for retreat. Those seeking spiritual direction due to unexpected life change, personal doubt or confusion, loss of purpose or meaning, vocational frustration, or simply curiosity about the future, may find the list of trained spiritual directors helpful. Those looking for a restful or quiet place to renew or find direction may want to consider the listed options for retreat. A hard copy of this brochure will be available at the clergy session of the Annual Conference. May God continue to bless you in your good work! The Board of Ordained Ministry holds you in their prayers. If you desire more information, or to talk to someone on the Board, please refer to the this website under: Ministries/Ordained Ministries/Board Contacts
BOARD OF ORDAINED MINISTRY
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FUNDS POLICY
The Board of Ordained Ministries (BOM) approved a Spiritual Direction Funds Policy, on May 19, 2005, to provide funding support for clergy persons wanting spiritual direction.
A list of Approved Spiritual Directors can be found on the West Michigan Conference Website and in the BOM publication, “Tending the Holy, A Directory of Spiritual Direction and Retreat Centers,” published in 2009. Spiritual Directors may also be approved or delegated by the BOM.
The clergy person will receive funding assistance of not more than 50% of approved Spiritual Director Fees, but not more than $20.00 per session and one session a month for a maximum of $240.00 per year.
The process is confidential between the clergy person, the BOM Liaison, and the Conference Treasure.
PROCEDURES:
1. The clergy person wanting financial assistance for Spiritual Direction contacts the BOM Liaison to make a request. The BOM Liaison explains the Spiritual Direction Policy and Procedures.
2. The BOM Liaison records the clergy person’s name, current appointment, and contact information.
3. The BOM Liaison contacts the West Michigan Conference Treasurer to verify that funds are available and alert the treasurer of the request.
4. The BOM Liaison contacts the requesting clergy person to inform them if funds are available for financial support for Spiritual Direction.
5. The clergy person sends paid receipts to the West Michigan Conference Treasurer for reimbursement.
Policy revised on 01-17-2011
Policy approved on 01-20-2011
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