Study Leave FAQ

Questions the Auckland Presbytery Education Committee is frequently asked regarding Study Leave:

What is the purpose of Study Leave?

The purpose of Study Leave is to maintain a vital and educated ministry to resource the mission of the church.

Study leave can achieve this by:

1. enabling ministers to gain time and distance from their routines for refreshment and reflection,
2. encouraging ministers to strengthen and enrich their ministry through focused study,
3. enabling ministers to undertake study or research that can be made available for the benefit of the wider church

How do I work out my Study Leave entitlement and how many days I will use?

Study Leave entitlement is accumulated at the rate of one day for each month of consecutive service to a maximum of 12 weeks, but may be used for shorter periods of time, normally not less than two consecutive weeks. Each week of study leave is seen to include seven days: six days of work (or five days and two evenings) and one rest day (two if taking a five day work week), as in a minister's working week. (See CSM 2.6.3.1 and decision of GA 2007 regarding working week). The number of days applied for should include the rest day (s).

e.g. a three-week course might include fifteen days of attendance at lectures, one day per week of processing/writing and one rest day per week: Days applied for = 21. (This time could also be used as 5 work days, 2 evenings writing and 2 rest days per week)

e.g. a 28-day intensive (seven-day week) tour of the Holy Land might be followed by six days of report writing and a four-day rest period: Days applied for = 38.

What if I work part-time?

This should have been negotiated in your terms of call, but normally the leave is prorated i.e., if you work half time you accumulate SL at the rate of half a day per month.

Who decides the topic of my Study Leave?

Ultimately its your own choice, but since you will need approval from both your local eiders and the Presbytery Education Committee, it is a good idea to get some advice and input before you make any definite arrangements.

Since there is now no compulsory retirement age, can I take study leave after I turn 65?

Yes, provided you are still in active ministry, intend to continue working on your return, and your Church Council agrees.

Does the parish have to pay my travel costs?

No, only the stipend and allowances continue over the weeks of Study Leave. There are grants available to help with airfares (see Bill Best form). If your Study Leave is at a library in Auckland, your Church Council may agree to continue paying your mileage allowance. Some churches are willing to reimburse course costs. Any major grant directly from the parish would be seen as a Fringe Benefit.

Can I take a holiday during the time of my overseas Study Leave?

Yes, but you need to be very clear with your leaders, and the Presbytery, which days are being taken as holiday. These would then be applied as part of your Annual Leave entitlement. Two exceptions apply; if your leaders agree that your study leave needs to contain some downtime for refreshment, or if your overseas course is a seven days a week commitment, with no rest days. In the second case, you can accumulate the rest days (up to 2 a week) and use them for a short holiday.

Do I have to take Study Leave?

No. The provision is there as part of your terms of call, but normally Study Leave cannot be enforced. However, your elders do have the right, as part of your Annual Review, to strongly encourage you to plan some Study Leave. Both you and the parish will gain much from the experience. Remember too, that Study Leave ceases to be accumulated after 84 days, so you should "use it or lose it."

Can I take extra Study Leave to complete postgraduate studies?

Only if your parish leaders agree, and even then, it would probably be Leave Without Pay. Some ministers have used their "day off" to undertake Masters papers.

Do I have to write a report?

Yes, under normal circumstances. Your study leave supervisor will help you decide the appropriate format. A rule of thumb applied in Auckland Presbytery is for a report of at least one page per day of study leave. A pass in a University paper is usually acceptable to the Presbytery in lieu of a report, though you may still submit one of your essays for the interest of the Committee, which may then ask you to present it at a Presbytery meeting.

What if the parish can't afford for me to be away?

This argument is frequently used by ministers in small parishes who have not taken Study Leave. However interestingly some ministers in small parishes seem to be able to do so. Study Leave is included in the terms of call and if you are being discouraged from taking Study Leave because the parish cannot manage without you, you can bring your concern to the Education Committee of Presbytery who will advocate for you to your leaders.

What if I can't afford to go overseas?

Some ministers find they can do a very rewarding Study Leave based at home and using the excellent theological libraries in Auckland. in that case, you need to be very clear about staying away from church and congregation.