Information and eligibility

Presbyterian CREDO conferences are scheduled in coordination with site availability and the Church liturgical calendar. In 2027, 11 CREDO conferences will be offered throughout the spring and fall. CREDO conferences are capped at 30 participants to foster the flourishing of small cohort communities. 

Participation in CREDO is by invitation-only to eligible plan members who are ordained in the PC(USA) as Ministers of Word and Sacrament; enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan; and actively serving in ministry. All eligible plan members are invited to the conference type for which they are eligible.

Beginning in 2027, eligible plan members who attended a recently ordained CREDO more than 10 years ago will be invited to return to a mid-career CREDO conference. As CREDO continues its Arc of Ministry expansion, future years will see eligible plan members invited to attend late-career CREDO.

Recently ordained ministers

Recently ordained CREDO conferences are for newer ministers to examine significant areas of their lives and to discern prayerfully the future direction of their vocation as they develop rhythms for beginning ministry well by responding to God’s call in a lifelong process of practice and transformation.

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,
• actively serving in ministry, and
• ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) more than one and fewer than five years ago.

Mid-career ministers

Mid-career CREDO conferences are for mid-career ministers to examine significant areas of their lives and to discern prayerfully the future direction of their vocation as they develop rhythms for thriving in sustained ministry by responding to God’s call in a lifelong process of practice and transformation.

Mid-career CREDO invitations are sent to those: 

• enrolled in the Medical Plan and/or Defined Benefit Pension Plan,
• age 30-63,
• ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) five or more years ago,
• actively serving in ministry, and
• have not previously attended CREDO or attended a recently ordained CREDO conference more than 10 years ago.

Late-career ministers

Late-career CREDO conferences are for late-career ministers to examine significant areas of their lives and to discern prayerfully the future direction of their vocation as they develop rhythms for thriving in a final season of ministry by responding to God’s call in a lifelong process of practice and transformation.

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. To help plan members pursue what is best for them, 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 as Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) 10 or more years ago,
• actively serving in ministry, and
• have not previously attended CREDO.

Invitation process

Every summer, the Board creates invitation lists for each conference type based on age, PC(USA) ordination year, CREDO attendance history, 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, as well as a mailed postcard to the primary mailing 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.