Continuing Education

The Board of Ordained Ministry administers the conference's program for continuing education of all pastors. A major part of the Continuing Education program is the annual Gathering of the Orders. Additional programs occur throughout the year. Ministerial Education Funds (which come from local church apportionments) are used to promote these programs and provide scholarship assistance.

Two types of scholarship assistance are available to members of our Conference:

Seminary Scholarships
For certified candidates from the Desert Southwest Annual Conference seeking a master of divinity degree at an approved seminary, and for local pastors attending Licensing and Course Of Study schools. (Download an application by clicking here)

Seminary scholarships are considered loans until the candidate has successfully served three years under appointment in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference. Current scholarship amounts may be as much as $4,000 annually for three years.

Clergy Professional Development
To clergy members and certified lay personnel of the Desert Southwest Annual Conference for ongoing continuing education. (Download an application by clicking here)

Scholarship funds are available to assist pastors in fulfilling the requirement to be involved in continuing education as well as spiritual renewal.

The following persons are eligible for funding: Elders, Deacons, Probationary Elders, Probationary Deacons, Local Pastors, Diaconal Ministers and Associate Members (above categories must be under appointment at the time of application), and lay persons seeking professional certification through GBHEM programs.

Clergy persons are eligible for up to $500 per calendar year, not to exceed $1000 in any given four year quadrennial. If a clergy person is serving a congregation at minimum conference salary, an additional $250 per year is available, not to exceed $1000 in any given four year period. Scholarships for professional certification are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Bill Scobie is the Board coordinator for Continuing Education. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about continuing education for clergy in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference, you should contact Bill.