Study Leave for Ministry Professionals

In-person For Church Staff For Clergy For Laity For UMC Clergy Credit Offered

Find time to read, reflect, research, or just relax with Study Leave for Ministry Professionals.

Over the span of five to seven days, participants can immerse themselves in learning and renewal through self-directed study, worship, and prayer on the Duke University campus.

Are you looking for a time and place for renewal and study? Have you been granted sabbatical time and are looking for a peaceful and inspiring location to spend it? Duke Divinity is pleased to offer opportunities to provide what you might be looking for with sessions in the fall, spring, and summer. Fall and spring sessions include opportunities to sit in on classes or meet with faculty/staff. Summer sessions include the same amenities and resources as our fall and spring sessions except for faculty engagement in classes or meetings. See the details below to learn more.

Designed for Christian institutional leaders, pastors, program staff, or laity, this flexible program can cost as little as $150. Participants select their topic and Duke Divinity School provides the resources needed for a relaxing and productive week.

Summer 2025 registration open March 1, 2025.

Fall 2025 registration open June 1, 2025.

Spring 2026 registration open October 1, 2025.

Some candidates for study leave have a clear idea of the topic they wish to explore and plan ahead to include many aspects of the campus experience. Others prefer a more relaxed, less planned experience. The goals and interests of each candidate determine the schedule for the week.

Participants will have the opportunity to name a study topic when registering, though they may change it at any time. The study leave staff will work with participants in advance to solidify their plan for the week and identify resources that might be useful during their time on campus. Many study leave participants come back year after year, building on their previous experiences.

The study leave experience includes the following amenities and resources:

Duke Divinity School Community Activities
Study leave participants are invited to join lectures*, meet with faculty*, take part in community worship, and attend other events taking place within the Divinity School or Duke University. (*Arranged by Divinity School staff. Not available for summer sessions).
Continuing Education Units
Each hour spent studying, worshipping, or researching is worth 0.1 Continuing Education Units (CEU). For a minimum award of 2.0 CEUs, twenty hours of study are expected during the week; for a maximum award of 4.0 CEUs, forty hours of study are expected.
Accommodations
Four nights lodging at the Homewood Suites are included in the program costs. Additional nights are available if participants wish to extend their stay.
Meals
A complimentary breakfast is provided each morning at the hotel. Participants also receive a $75 Duke dining gift card to purchase meals on campus.
Library Access
Participants have access to the Duke Divinity School library.
Parking
A complementary parking pass to park on campus is offered to all participants.

Full Tuition

Tuition covers a five-day experience, with early arrival and late departure options available. Accommodations are included during registration.

Full Tuition applies to those who are not appointed clergy of the NC/WNC Conferences of the United Methodist Church.

Program Cost: $750
Optional Early Arrival/Late Departure: $119.00/day

Local Resident

Local Resident applies to those who do not need hotel accommodations because they live nearby or are making their own arrangements.

Program Cost: $250

Scholarship Tuition

Because of the generosity of The Duke Endowment and the Parish Ministry Fund, certain individuals are eligible to receive a scholarship to offset the cost of study leave. Since scholarships are limited, early registration is encouraged.

Program Cost: $150
Optional Early Arrival/Late Departure: $119.00/day

Scholarship Tuition is available for:

Appointed clergy (elder, deacon, or licensed local pastor) serving rural United Methodist Churches in North Carolina through grants from The Duke Endowment.
Appointed clergy (elder, deacon, or licensed local pastor) in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church courtesy of the Parish Ministry Fund.
Not sure you are eligible? Please contact Rev. Ken Spencer, Director of the Office of Wesleyan Engagement.

Registration for Study Leave for Ministry Professionals

Summer 2025 sessions open March 1, 2025
Fall 2025 sessions open June 1, 2025
Spring 2026 sessions open October 1, 2025

Please note that study leave participants are welcome to attend more than once per year.

As needed, cancellations are accepted. However, $150 of the tuition cost is non-refundable.

If the session you would like to attend is past the registration deadline, please contact us or register and select "Waitlist." We will try to fit you in to that session.

Summer 2025 Program dates	Registration Deadline
June 2-6, 2025	May 4, 2025
July 14-18, 2025	June 15, 2025

Spring 2025 Program Dates	Registration Deadline
January 13-17, 2025	December 1, 2024
February 3-7, 2025	December 22, 2024
February 24-28, 2025	January 12, 2025
March 17-21, 2025	February 2, 2025
March 31-April 4, 2025	February 16, 2025

Study Leave for Ministry Professionals

Full Tuition

Local Resident

Scholarship Tuition

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Study Leave for Ministry Professionals

About the Progam

What's Included

Eligibility and Tuition Rates

Full Tuition

Local Resident

Scholarship Tuition

Dates and Registration

Sponsors

Questions?