The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan has been supporting clergy in the last few years to participate in the Practical Church Leadership (PCL) program at Dakota Wesleyan University. This program addresses the practical parts of leadership in the church that are sometimes overlooked in seminary training, specifically focusing on financial development, talent management, project management, governance, and communications.
Last year, I was honored to participate in the program. My project focused on addressing burnout among Michigan Conference clergy. Through conversations with clergy members, I identified two key needs: first, funding for clergy renewal leave and wellness initiatives; second, educating local congregations on the importance of clergy health and work-life balance, and setting realistic expectations for their workload.
I am still working with the Conference leadership to address the second issue, but I’m excited to announce two new initiatives beginning July 1, 2026, to address clergy renewal leave and wellness. The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has agreed to fund two grant programs for clergy, totaling $300,000 for 2026. The two grant programs are:
- A Clergy Renewal Grant Program – Clergy may receive up to $5000 for renewal leave. Clergy may apply for this grant, starting July 1, 2026, every 7 years, per the Book of Discipline’s expectation of when clergy are eligible for Renewal Leave. These funds can be used to help support funding needs at the church(es) they serve, so they can take renewal leave and/or to support the clergy person’s actual renewal leave expenses (i.e., educational or travel costs).
- Clergy Wellness Grants – Clergy may receive up to $4000 per quadrennium for wellness support. The purpose of this grant is intentionally meant to be broad. Perhaps you need money to take a retreat with colleagues- you can apply for that. Planning a trip to the gym and want support with those costs? Apply for this grant. This is an opportunity to get creative. What does wellness look like for you? Applications for this grant will open on July 1, 2026.
More details will be coming about how a clergy person can apply for these grants. I do want to point out the “up to” wording. If clergy only ask for what they truly need, our funds will go further to support more clergy as we begin this granting program. The funding should be available into the future, so please consider asking only for what you need right now, particularly knowing that the Wellness grants are available per quadrennium.
As I mentioned, more details will follow, but I’m excited to share these two new programs from the Benefits Office. In the meantime, if you have questions (and why wouldn’t you!?), feel free to reach out to MI Benefits Guy, and I’ll do my best to answer or follow up once I have more information.
Last Updated on January 30, 2026