FAQ
What is CREDO?
CREDO is a conference-driven wellness program and a benefit of the Church Pension Fund for clergy (currently serving or retired) and lay employees who are active participants in the Fund or who are receiving a pension.
CREDO conference facts:
- CREDO has grown from one conference in 1997 to 28 in 2010.
- More than 4,600 clergy, 127 bishops and more than 350 lay employees have attended a CREDO conference.
- The CREDO faculty is made up of 118 clergy and laity from across the country, with each team conducting two conferences a year.
- CREDO II was introduced in 2006, with a goal of eligible clergy attending a conference every five years, after the completion of a CREDO I conference.
- CREDO for clergy for whom Spanish is their first language was introduced in 2006 and will resume in 2012.
- CREDO I conferences are tailored to specific age categories (i.e., 39 and under, 40 to 54, 55 and over, all ages). CREDO II has under 54 and 55 and over. Retired CREDO is for people 55-67 and 68 and over. CREDO also uses vocation categories (deacons and priests, bishops, and lay employees).
Who may attend a CREDO conference?
Participation in a CREDO conference is by invitation only. Using age, vocation, and work status as criteria, invitations are sent to randomly selected active members from the Church Pension Fund’s database. Invitees can be deferred to the following year, but participation is always on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who may attend a CREDO conference?
Ordained clergy and lay employees invited to CREDO must have a minimum of one year credited service and are chosen randomly from the Pension Fund’s database. You are invited to attend a conference that is tailored to your specific needs at this stage in your life.
How do I apply?
When you receive your invitation, follow the instructions given to apply through our secure Web site by the date listed on the form. If you do not have access to the Internet, please contact the CREDO office and we will mail or fax you the information needed to apply.
Is enrollment limited?
Yes, space is limited to 27-32 participants per conference. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is a $500 participant fee which covers ALL conference related expenses including airfare, lodging, meals, materials, and other direct conference costs. If this creates a hardship, scholarship assistance may be available and information may be obtained by contacting the CREDO office.
When is my participant fee due?
When you receive your confirmation of enrollment (the date you are sent this will be listed on your response form), invoice information will be included. Your fee is due upon receipt of this invoice.
What is your refund policy?
Because of financial and time commitments, it is difficult to fill vacated slots without substantial lead-time. Your fee will be refunded in full if you cancel at least 60 days prior to the beginning of the conference. If you cancel after the 60-day deadline, there will be no refund.
What other expenses might I expect?
There will be one night out during the conference. You may want to bring a small amount of spending money for gifts or souvenirs. Massage therapists are also available on-site for therapeutic massages; costs range between $55 and $65 (cash or check only). You may also wish to leave a small gratuity for the conference center staff (if permitted by the conference center).
Can my spouse or partner attend with me?
No, CREDO conferences are a benefit for active members of the Church Pension Fund only. We provide conference materials to facilitate involvement with your spouse or partner before, during, and after the conference. If your spouse or partner is an active member of the Church Pension Fund and also receives an invitation, we ask that you attend separate conferences in order to get the maximum benefit from your CREDO experience.
Do I have to stay all eight days of the conference?
Yes, in order to create community and to have the best experience possible, we ask that you stay for the entire eight days and fully participate in all sessions. If you wish to see local sites or visit family or friends, we ask that you do so before or after the conference.
Can I go to a conference near my home?
Yes, however, we have found it is beneficial for participants to attend a conference away from their home and/or work location. This allows them to fully engage in the process with a minimum number of outside distractions.
Is there any pre-conference work that I will have to do?
Yes, approximately 90 days prior to your conference, you will receive materials that will be due six weeks prior to the conference, as well as materials you will complete and bring with you. Some of the work will be done via the Internet and some will be paper-based. Individuals vary, but this work should take between 10-15 hours to complete. All work must be completed in order to attend a conference. Detailed travel information will also be sent to you.
When will I make travel arrangements for the conference?
Once you receive your pre-conference materials approximately 90 days prior to the conference, detailed travel information and instructions will be included so that you can contact our travel agent who will book your flight or make other arrangements for you. Flight travel arrangements will be done through CREDO. Instructions will also be included in regard to other travel methods such as driving to the conference.
Does CREDO sell or share any information I give them?
No, all information given to CREDO is kept strictly confidential and is not given to any outside parties.
Do I need Internet or e-mail access to participate in a CREDO conference?
Though the majority of CREDO’s pre-conference work and communications are done via the Internet and e-mail, provisions are made for those who do not have access to this technology. Information may be obtained by contacting us.