About The IECCD
Who We Are
The IECCD is a place of ministerial support for early career clergy of all denominations, a place where they can consult with pastors who are in a similar ministry and missional setting. It is a place that seeks to be bold by educating clergy about LGBTQI persons, #BlackLivesMatter, systemic racism, and immigration rights. It is a place for clergy who want to be change agents in their communities, but who don’t quite have the tools to do so. It is a place for clergy who serve congregations whose membership reflects the vast political spectrum of American politics. It is a place where clergy who want to learn how to address these issues within their congregations can turn. It is also a place where we recognize a person’s call to ministry and we help them understand what that call means in the 21st century.
Cohort
The Early Career and Senior Career Clergy Cohort brings together early career clergy (second through seventh year) with senior career clergy (more than ten years in ministry). The cohorts will consist of three to four early career clergy paired with one senior career clergy.
Spring Retreat
The Spring Retreat is a two-day event which addresses questions in 21st century ministry. Spring 2020: Rural Ministry.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education opportunities are offered throughout the year. Check out our three offerings for Summer 2019.
Our Team
Dr. Ashley B. Dreff
DIRECTOR
Director of the IECCD
Director of United Methodist Studies
Assistant Professor of Christianity.
Lay member, Arkansas Conference, UMC
PhD in American Religious History
(Drew Theological School)
Kimberly Clarke
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
BA in Urban Health Policy (Tufts University)
Duke Divinity School (coursework toward M.A.C.P. — Youth Ministry concentration)
Current Master of Divinity student @ Hood Theological Seminary
Certified Candidate, Western North Carolina Conference, United Methodist Church