What is peer learning?
What is the peer learning program?
Who is the program for?
Why peer learning?
How does the funding work?
What kind of proposal is required?
What do I have to do to submit a proposal?
How long does a peer learning grant last?
How often is the peer group required to meet?
What size grant will be given?
Are any in-kind or other matching contributions required?
What will the grant money cover?
What happens when a proposal is approved?
Is there a deadline for submitting proposals?
Are there any reporting requirements?
What else do I need to know?
What is peer learning?
Peer learning occurs when people in similar life circumstances share common or related experiences, then reflect on them together over a period of time.
What is the peer learning program?
It’s a program to encourage groups of four to eight Christian Reformed Church (CRC) pastors to grow in ministry together. The Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program has funds available to support peer learning among groups of four to eight pastors who share something in common, such as a geographic region, type of pastor, type of ministry, stage in ministry, or area of interest.
Who is the program for?
It’s intended to assist pastors serving in congregational ministry in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA). A pastor is understood to be an individual who is ordained as a minister of the word and sacraments or a ministry associate, and pastoring a congregation. Pastors from other denominations may be a part of a peer learning group if the majority of pastors are CRC. Ordinarily, a person may not be a part of two different peer learning groups that begin at the same time. The groups must be made up of peers, with no one person acting as a coach or mentor for the group. Spousal involvement is encouraged. Pastors in specialized ministry, such as chaplains or counselors, may be considered for membership in a peer learning group but the focus of the group must be on parish ministry, so as to conform to the program guidelines of Lilly Endowment Inc.
Why peer learning?
We believe that learning with peers can reinforce lessons, increase accountability, and minimize isolation among pastors.
How does the funding work?
The SPE program is made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. In turn, SPE offers grants to groups of pastors who covenant to learn together. These pastors submit proposals to support that learning which are then reviewed and approved by the SPE Implementation Team. Because funds are limited, some proposals may not receive funding.
What kind of proposal is required?
We encourage a variety of proposals. A one-size-fits-all approach to peer learning would be inappropriate. Plans can include prayer, worship, Bible study, joint conference attendance, visits to churches of different cultural make-up than the group members, and joint participation in a seminary course or other continuing education event. Proposals that focus on learning through reflection and analysis will be preferred over those which request funding for a series of episodic events.
What do I have to do to submit a proposal?
- Carefully read this entire overview document as it contains valuable information needed when completing the peer learning grant application form.
- Complete the application form – answering all of the questions as requested.
- Designate one group member as the coordinator – The coordinator must be either an ordained CRC
pastor or an ordained CRC ministry associate.
- Designate one group member as the treasurer (may not be the same person as the group coordinator).
- Include a statement of expected outcomes.
- Confirm that group members have been involved in developing the plans;
- Confirm that group members will establish goals for personal and spiritual development as well as
ministry effectiveness, for which they will be held accountable by the group.
- Peer Learning Grant Application Form
- Sample of completed application
How long does a peer learning grant last?
The grant period is one year - understood as either as a ten month “school year” or a full twelve months. Our hope is that groups can be self-sustaining after this amount of time. However, applications for renewal will be considered. Ordinarily, first and second year applications will be given priority over third year applications. At this point in time, requests for a fourth year of funding will not be considered.
How often is the peer group required to meet?
Peer groups are required to meet a minimum of four times but are encouraged to meet more often if possible. Groups with members who are geographically spread out are encouraged to include conference calls as a way to meet without having to travel.
What size grant will be given?
We choose not to specify how much a group can request in grant funds; however, we encourage moderation. If proposals are thoughtful, creative, and responsible they will be given careful consideration. The implementation team may, in some cases, suggest that a proposal be modified and resubmitted. Please note the following two policies regarding attending continuing education events/retreats:
1) Attending a regional (within reasonable driving distance) continuing education event/retreat is
encouraged. Ordinarily attendance at such events will be given funding priority over other events.
2) Ordinarily the funds requested for a continuing education event/retreat will account for 50% or less of
the total amount requested. However, we will entertain exceptions. SPE may request a rationale as to
why the costs are higher than 50% of the budget.
Are any in-kind or other matching contributions required?
No. However, peer learning groups are encouraged to make such contributions when they can, as a way of enhancing their ability to continue beyond the term of the grant. These may come from peer group members, the churches involved, or other sources.
What will the grant money cover?
Peer learning grants are intended to cover a range of possible expenses, including learning resources (books, videos, etc.), travel, conference registration, refreshments for meeting times, and the cost of pulpit supply in local congregations with financial needs. Grant money may not be used to: offset other organizational or personal expenses; cover activities initiated prior to the grant; cover the purchase of any equipment; pay for items not listed in the grant proposal or compensate either the coordinator or the treasurer for their work with the grant nor any other administrative expenses associated with the peer group.
What happens when a proposal is approved?
A proposal agreement and instructions will be sent to the coordinator. The agreement must be signed by group members. The coordinator is responsible for implementation of the agreement. The signed agreement, and revised proposal if required, are to be returned to the SPE office within 90 days. Failure to do so results in the grant being reversed.
One half of the grant amount will be sent to the church of the group treasurer. (An amount greater than one half may be sent, but only if warranted by the nature of the proposal.) The other half will be sent after six months, pending receipt of the group’s first written and financial reports. At the end of the proposal year, unused funds must be returned.
Is there a deadline for submitting proposals?
Yes. Peer learning proposals are considered twice a year. The deadlines for submitting them are May 1 and November 1. Receipt of proposal will be acknowledged with an email to the coordinator.
The SPE program will send notice to applicants by June 1 and December 1 about grants awarded.
Are there any reporting requirements?
The group coordinator is asked to submit a simple six month report that describes the group’s experiences. The group treasurer is asked to submit a financial report, including receipts, which accounts for use of the grant funds. On receipt of both reports, the remainder of the funds will be sent. At the end of a group’s year of peer learning, the coordinator provides a short final report of activities, outcomes, and learning. The group treasurer provides a final financial report with receipts.
Note: Upon approval of a peer learning proposal, specific reporting information and forms will be sent to the coordinator.
What else do I need to know?
In each calendar year the SPE program will convene the coordinating pastors of the peer learning groups for discussion and mutual learning. The coordinators will also meet with the implementation team for a discussion of the progress of the pastoral excellence initiative in the CRCNA. These meetings will allow best practices and success stories to be shared, and the benefits of learning to reach beyond the peer groups themselves.
Information in peer learning proposals and in reports to SPE may be used by SPE on its web site, in its promotional materials, or in its reporting to Lilly Endowment Inc.
For further information please contact:
Lis Van Harten
SPE Director
at 877.279.9994 X0805 ( toll free)
pastoralexcellence@crcna.org or lvanharten@crcna.org
