STUDY/TRAVEL LEAVE

Permanent Deacons/Diaconal Ministers who meet the following criteria are eligible for study/travel leave:

Ordained clergy who have been serving a full time appointment for six consecutive years from being received in full connection, or for eight years from the time of their reception into associate membership, are eligible to apply for a study/travel leave, not to exceed three months, one of which shall be considered the clergyperson's vacation.  The purpose of the study/travel leave is to benefit the clergy person's ministry.  Permanent Deacons who meet the above criteria will be eligible for study/travel leave.  (Mission trips to third world countries for immersion experiences may qualify under this category). 

BASIC FUNDING INFORMATION

The full salary of the candidate for the three-month period shall be paid by the local church or institution being served.  MEF funds shall provide the candidate a stipend for tuition or travel in the amount of $1,000.  MEF funds may also pay the cost of supplying an interim minister in the clergyperson's absence, up to a maximum of $1,000 permonth for two months, based on the local need.  The third month is considered vacation and the responsibility of the local church.  The selection of an interim minister and hoising is the responsibility of the clergyperson, local congregation and the District Superintendent.  (The Board of Ordained Ministry has guidelines for the use of the parsonage or the pastor's own home.)

HOW TO APPLY FOR STUDY/TRAVEL LEAVE

1.  Make written application to BOM through its Scholarship Officer, which includes a description of the study or travel program and your goals.  Grants will be made on a first come, first served basis.

2.  Obtain written approval of the Cabinet through the candidate's Superintendent.  Also obtain written approval of the local church through action by the Church Council.

3.  The education and renewal value of the programs and years of service in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference will be considered in approving application.  Higher priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received MEF assistance.

TRANSITIONAL LEAVE

Transitional Leave for Deacons in Full Connections Who Are In-between Appointments - The status of a deacon in full connection who is in good standing and who is in-between appointments shall be transitional leave.  The purpose of transitional leave is to provide time for the deacon in full connection to seek and secure an appointable position - compensated or volunteer.

1. Upon the approval of the bishop and with approval of BOM Executive Committee, transitional leave may be granted for up to one year.
2. During transitional leave, the deacon shall provide quarterly substantiation of his or her efforts to obtain such an appointable position to the bishop and to the Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Committee.
3. Between sessions of the annual conference, transitional leave may be extended, renewed, granted or terminated, with the approval of the bishop and district superintendents, by the executive committee of the board of ordained ministry.  This interim action shall be subject to the approval of the clergy session of members in full connection with the annual conference at its next session.
4. Deacons on transitional leave shall be eligible for membership on conference committees, commissions, or boards.  If applicable, they may continue participation in the conference health program through their own contributions.   The Book of Discipline, 2004, Paragraph 357.