The Iowa chapter of Christian Educators Fellowship has scholarship money for national and state trainings.  The following guidelines are used to determine scholarship awards.   

Continuing Education Fund Guidelines

Continuing Education Projects

This application is intended to enable lay professionals employed in Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Music Ministry, Evangelism, Spiritual Formation and Camping & Retreat Ministries of The United Methodist Church of the Iowa Conference to apply for a grant assisting the applicant in participation in the certification process, deacon’s orders originating with certification, and United Methodist National conferences. This application is also intended to enable volunteers and lay employees of United Methodist Churches to attend conference-sponsored trainings here in Iowa.

Principles to be considered in awarding grants for continuing education

1. The continuing education program must be designed to further the educator’s understanding of contemporary Christianity , and his/her personal and professional development and/or the relevant mission of The United Methodist Church. The program should in every case be a quality experience involving real learning and growth.

2. The application must be reviewed and approved prior to the beginning date of the educational program.

3. The applicant must demonstrate his/her personal concern for the program by his/her own financial involvement.

4. The applicant is to discuss his/her desire to participate in the education endeavor with the Staff/Parish Relations Committee. The Staff/Parish Relations Committee is then responsible to place before the people of the local church the need of supporting the continuing education of its Christian Education person, both in terms of time and money. (If a local church refuses this assistance, the decision of the scholarship committee will not be jeopardized in making a grant.)

5. Christian educators, youth ministers, music ministers, and those in evangelism enrolled in Certification Studies, or Deacons Orders originating in Certification Studies will receive up to a $400 grant per educational term, subject to the determination of the Scholarship Committee of the Iowa chapter of Christian Educators Fellowship (CEF) or up to $800 per year.

6. For United Methodist Church National Conferences, a maximum of $100 will be granted, subject to available funds. Diaconal Ministers may also apply for these funds.

7. Persons attending Iowa trainings may receive half the cost of the training event, up to $100 per calendar year. 

Application forms available from: Tim Gossett, Kathye Harrington-Taber, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Document approved November 2009