Eligibility

Because space is limited, participation in CREDO is by invitation only to eligible plan members. The 2025 Benefits Plan, effective Jan. 1, 2025, expanded CREDO eligibility to more PC(USA) ministers, including those in all validated ministries and all PC(USA) ministers enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan.

Note: Invitations for 2025 CREDO conferences were sent in September 2024 based on CREDO eligibility in place at that time. Invitations for 2026 CREDO conference reflect the expanded CREDO eligibility.

CREDO conferences are scheduled in coordination with site availability and the Church liturgical calendar. At least 12 CREDO conferences are offered each year throughout the spring and fall. Each CREDO cohort is limited to 29 participants to foster the flourishing of small cohort communities.

Invitation process

All eligible plan members are invited to the conference type for which they are eligible. Due to high demand, at this time, ministers may only attend CREDO once. Previous attendees are not currently eligible for future CREDO conferences.

Every summer, the Board creates invitation lists for each conference type based on age, PC(USA) ordination year, and plan participation.

By mid-August, eligible invitees receive a save the date for registration (including the next year’s conference dates and locations) at their primary email address on file with the Board. By mid-September, at the same email address, invitees receive an invitation with the registration link. Invitees are encouraged to register right away, as seats are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registration is full, invitees will have the opportunity to sign up for a waitlist.

In unique circumstances, such as transfer of ordination from another denomination, someone may be invited to a conference that does not reflect their lived ministry experience. They are encouraged to reach out to the CREDO office as soon as possible to request an invitation to a more appropriate conference type.

Recently ordained ministers

Recently ordained CREDO conferences are for plan members ordained in the PC(USA) fewer than five years.

Recently ordained registrants commit to a unique two-year program. The same cohort completes both a Year A and Year B conference week scheduled one year apart. Both years’ conference dates are provided upon registration. Participants are encouraged to connect with their small groups and faculty team during the bridge year between the two conferences.

Recently ordained CREDO invitations are sent to those:

• enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  
• age 25–63
  
• ordained in the PC(USA) fewer than five years
  

Mid-career ministers

Mid-career CREDO conferences are for plan members ordained for five or more years.

Mid-career CREDO invitations are sent to those:

• enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  
• age 30-63
  
• ordained in the PC(USA) five or more years ago
  
• currently serving a congregation or in another PC(USA) validated ministry

Late-career ministers

Late-career CREDO conferences are for those who have been ordained for 10 or more years and are over age 55.

Late-career CREDO is not intended to prepare attendees for retirement. Lifelong Learning has a number of online and in-person offerings for those actively discerning retirement. Due to limited space, we ask those within two years of retirement to pursue other Board of Pensions education offerings.

Late-career CREDO invitations are sent to those:

• enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  
• age 55-63
  
• ordained in the PC(USA) 10 or more years ago
  
• currently serving a congregation or in another PC(USA) validated ministry