Does Your Church Budget for Pastoral Growth? How to Ask for Conferences, Coaching, and Continuing Ed

When was the last time your church invested in your growth?

Not your salary. Not office supplies. Not curriculum.
Your growth.

Conferences. Coaching. Continuing ed.
If it’s not in the budget, it probably won’t happen. And if it doesn’t happen, burnout isn’t far behind.

Most churches aren’t trying to hold their pastor back. They’re just busy budgeting for buildings, programs, staff, and events. And they never stop to ask, "What are we doing to invest in our pastor’s development?"

If that sounds like your situation, here’s how to start the conversation with clarity and confidence.

1. Understand that growth isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship.

It’s easy for pastors to feel awkward asking for help with conferences or coaching. Ministry leaders are wired to serve others, not draw attention to their own needs.

But here’s the truth.
When you grow, your church grows.
When you stay healthy, your leadership deepens.
When you’re exposed to new tools, ideas, and relationships, your church benefits.

Pastoral growth is not about luxury. It’s about longevity.

2. Don’t just ask for a one-off. Ask for a line item.

If your church budget has a line for toilet paper and tech subscriptions, it can have a line for pastoral development.

A healthy leadership budget might include things like conferences or retreats, books or digital resources, personal or leadership coaching, ministry-related continuing education, and denominational training or events.

When it's a recurring part of the budget, it’s not an exception. It’s a plan.

3. Make the ask with vision, not guilt.

You don’t need to make a dramatic case for why you’re tired or burning out.

Instead, frame your request around things like staying sharp as a leader, bringing value back to your team, modeling a culture of growth, and investing in long-term sustainability.

Try language like this:
"I’ve found a few opportunities that would help me grow as a leader and pastor. I'd love for us to consider budgeting for one or two development opportunities per year as part of our long-term investment in the health of the church."

4. Prepare a simple estimate and recommendation.

Be specific when possible.

Instead of saying, "Can I go to a conference sometime?" try, "There’s a leadership conference in September that costs $595 plus travel. If we budget $1,200 this year for development, that would cover it and one or two books or digital trainings."

Show that you’re not asking for a blank check. You’re planning wisely.

5. Don’t wait for the perfect budget year.

You might think, "We’ll bring this up when there’s more room."
But that year rarely comes.

Start small. Even $500 toward a coaching session or a local retreat is a win.

Once it’s in the budget, it’s easier to build on next year.

Final Word

You’re not just an employee. You’re a spiritual leader. And leaders need regular investment to lead well.

It’s not unspiritual to grow. It’s not selfish to ask. It’s good stewardship to be poured into so you can keep pouring out.

If you’ve been waiting for permission, here it is.

Ask with wisdom. Advocate with vision.
And keep growing into the leader God has called you to be.