• ​The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church in ¶351.3 recognizes that clergy serving local churches need a time of refreshment which goes beyond the
  disciplinary requirements for continuing education and spiritual growth. Occasionally clergy need a time of renewal to be the best leader.  Renewal leave is a time for clergy to take a respite from the normal exercise of pastoral ministry. The Book of Discipline states that clergy “may request a formational and spiritual growth leave of up to six months while continuing to hold an appointment in the local church.”
• Based on the Gospel of Mark, where after returning from their missionary journey Jesus invited the disciples to “come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and
  rest a while,” Renewal Leave is not “empty” or unstructured or task oriented but is an intentional time of purposeful activity and rest promoting refreshment and renewal.
• The intent is for clergy to return refreshed with renewed energy for continued ministry, often with a fresh vision, as well. The congregation can engage in new ministry with lay leadership while the pastor is on Renewal Leave.  Often new leaders emerge in the local church as people step up to assume new responsibility.
• ¶ 351.2 of the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline states, “A clergy member’s continuing education and spiritual growth program shall include professional formation leaves at least one week each year and may include at least one month during one year of every quadrennium.”

Criteria for Approval:

• Applicants must be full members or associate members of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference or local pastors who have made satisfactory progress on the Course of Study, and who are currently in an appointment. Applicants must have served a minimum of six consecutive years under full-time appointment (or the part-time equivalent) prior to their application.
• Applicants who have been granted Renewal Time previously may apply additional times

The Book of Discipline gives provision for up to 6 months, but the most common practice is that Tennessee-Western Kentucky Clergy Renewal Leave spans up to 12 weeks, unless additional considerations are requested.

Steps for Approval:

• Meet jointly with the District Superintendent and the Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Committee of the local church/charge being served at the time of the request to describe the plan for the Renewal Leave.
• Secure the approval of the Administrative Council(s)/Church Council(s) and the Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee of the church/charge being served at the time of the request.
• Secure the written approval of their District Superintendent.

• When designing a Renewal Leave plan, the Pastor should—in consultation with SPRC and/or other congregational leaders—consider the Resources noted here.
• Starting in 2025, the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference began distributing Renewal leave Grants of up to $3,000 to cover the continuing education or formation experiences outlined for the clergy or for pulpit supply or other ministry needs while the clergy is on Renewal Leave.
• The following brief article gives an excellent overview of things for both a church and congregation to consider before, during and after a renewal leave. Read the article here.