CPG/ECF holds fifth regional “Success after Seminary” Meeting
Success After Seminary was informative and timely, especially as I prepare for graduation and ordination. The sessions on employment trends in the Episcopal Church and on clergy finances were especially helpful. I am glad that my spouse attended the sessions, as well, and was able to learn new things and to meet other future clergy spouses. Having our expenses paid made this trip especially easy.
Rebecca Roberts, seminarian at GTS
As part of ECF’s Lilly Endowment National Initiative to address the economic challenges facing pastoral leaders, the Church Pension Group (CPG), in collaboration with the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF), hosted its fifth Success After Seminary conference in Philadelphia on September 28-29.
Designed for those preparing for ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, the Success After Seminary meetings are proving to be a timely program to supplement seminary studies with financial and leadership tools and to empower future clergy for transformational leadership in the Episcopal Church.
CPG and ECF welcomed seminarians and their spouses/partners from over 29 dioceses and 4 seminaries. CPG shared information on pension and future benefits and personal financial management. ECF discussed strategies to move from seminary to parish life, the deployment process (resumes, interviewing, and Letters of Agreement) and strategic, leadership, and financial resources for the Church. Brad Roberts, spouse of Rebecca Roberts quoted above, shared this about his experience at the meeting:
As a (soon-to-be) clergy spouse, I found the spouse' break-out group very helpful and supportive of the ways in which our lives will change in the coming years. We are thankful for the opportunity to learn about what CPG and ECF offer together.
Attendees gained a greater understanding of what to expect in the coming years, where they can turn for support with CPG, ECF and the Church, and starting to build networks with colleagues.
For more on the ECF Lilly Endowment National Initiative, visit our website here.