2026 Clergy Professional Development Days

This year's workshop will explore alternatives to the language of stewardship, inviting participants to reflect on how the church might talk about money in ways more deeply rooted in scripture and discipleship. Part of our time will be spent considering both historical and contemporary critiques of stewardship as a model, especially its ties to capitalism and managerial approaches to giving. We will also consider alternative frameworks such as sacrificial offering, women’s patronage, koinonia (economic fellowship), and the modern tithe as a spiritual practice. Together we will reflect on how these images can help us reimagine giving not simply as prudent management but as worship, gratitude, and participation in the costly self-offering of Christ.

Featuring the Rev. Miguel Escobar

Curate, San Andrés Episcopal Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, author of The Unjust Steward: Wealth, Poverty, and the Church Today

Miguel Escobar is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Long Island, serving a two-year curacy at San Andrés Episcopal Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. His ministry focuses on exploring the intersection of faith, justice, and economics, and his congregational ministry is rooted in Spanish-language, Latino contexts.

All clergy in the diocese are encouraged to attend the workshop portion of the Clergy Professional Development Day. Most clergy who are canonically resident or licensed to officiate in the Diocese of Massachusetts are required to attend a Clergy Professional Development Day every three years in order to maintain good standing (see the document here explaining required attendance and exemptions). Clergy who last completed requirements in 2023 or before are due to renew training this calendar year.

You may register for and attend the segments in any order and combination. Clergy attending both sessions in person will be offered lunch between 12-1pm. Those who register for virtual segments will receive detailed information to join by zoom in a reminder email at least 12 hours prior to the meeting.

Also, every three years, clergy will be required to complete online training (if you do not have an account, contact the safe church administrator at your church or, if non-parochial or retired, Jennifer Garrett at jgarrett@diomass.org), and authorize our diocese to conduct a nationwide public records check.