Application and Tuition
Eligibility and Admissions
All local pastors, deacons, and elders serving in North Carolina rural churches are eligible to apply for Courage to Serve. Applicants must be serving a Duke Endowment eligible church. Twenty-four participants are selected by the Admissions Committee following the completion and review of the application.
The Courage to Serve 2008-2010 is now closed. Applicants will be notified with the results by July 24, 2008. Please email Deanna Johnson at djohnson@div.duke.edu if you have any questions.
Participation Requirements
Courage to Serve includes a set of five three-day retreats beginning each Fall. Because the program makes a significant financial investment in its participants, it is necessary for participants to make the following commitments:
- Attendance at all sessions in their entirety
- Commitment to reading, reflection and spiritual disciplines between sessions
- Maintain an openness to learning and feedback, as well as to surprise
Tuition and Cost
The generous support of The Duke Endowment makes it possible to offer Courage to Serve to 24 United Methodist pastors serving rural churches in North Carolina at no cost except for travel expenses. The program absorbs the full cost of tuition, room and board, and instructional materials.