We are seeking your input on how to best engage clergy appointed to Extension Ministry in the Higher Ground experience offered by the Dakotas Annual Conference.

Higher Ground is a deep and robust exploration of your personal and professional well-being and is offered to clergy at eight-year junctures in ministry. The United Methodist Book of Discipline outlines the requirement that conferences provide processes for engagement with clergy every eight years. The Higher Ground Recharge-Refocus retreat track was born out of this requirement, along with the Conference's desire to provide support for the total well-being of our Dakotas clergy.

We know the rhythms of extension ministry are different from local church pastoral leadership. The Higher Ground experience may need adjusting in recognition of these rhythms. It is our hope to provide the full Higher Ground experience for a cohort of clergy serving in extension ministry for the 2024-2025 program season. Your help is needed to make the necessary adaptions. Please respond to the questions below by July 1.

Currently, the Higher Ground Recharge-Refocus year includes nine virtual 90-minute sessions held monthly during normal business hours to connect, nurture, and provide education around well-being.

Also included is a five-night, six-day retreat during the summer 2025 (late July, early August usually from Saturday to Thursday) to deepen the learning, provide rest and renewal, and increase connection.

Thank you for completing the survey!