Program Content

• FALL MODULE – BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER

  Cultivating Conditions That Bring Well-Being
  This module will address the major ingredients necessary for personal and spiritual flourishing in effective pastoral ministry. Pastors will learn to create the conditions for their own well-being which includes such things as fostering healthy relationships, building and sustaining relational bonding, mentors, peer groups, and creating authenticity. Pastors will explore their understanding of their core identity in relation to their calling. Focused attention will be given to the practical skills necessary for planning, problem definition, and problem-solving. Interaction and implementation in the cohort will be integrated with the pastor’s work in peer groups.

  Experience-Based Learning
  This learning experience is designed to assist participants to integrate content with practical experience within the context of ministry. An action-reflection method will be employed, under the supervision of a mentor, focused on consultation of a ministry project or responsibilities. Analysis of the project will be built upon the experience gleaned from presentations, team projects, or case studies. Pastors will focus on solving ministry-related problems, building consensus in decision-making, and working within the context of community. experience-based learning is focused on the completion of a group project, forming a critical foundation for the Winter Module of experience-based learning

• WINTER MODULE – BEGINNING IN JANUARY

  Effective Ministry in Practice
  In this module, pastors will address the connection between well-being and effectiveness in leading a congregation. Pastors will create capacity by developing a plan of continuing education, networking, and spiritual formation. Pastors will explore their passions, gifts and strengths while seeking to integrate them with practices within their specific ministries.

  Experience-Based Learning
  This learning experience is built upon the Fall Module and is designed to guide the pastors as they examine conditions within their lives and ministry that affect their ability to thrive. While the Fall Module addresses common issues that pastors have identified with their ministries, experience-based learning during the Winter Module addresses those personal, relational, and spiritual issues that help and hinder them in their quest to find meaning and satisfaction within their pastoral calling. The action-reflection method employed during the Fall Module will be continued with a greater emphasis on the pastor’s ability to employ self-reflection within their lives and ministries, as they seek a greater sense of well-being.

• SPRING MODULE – BEGINNING IN MARCH

  Spiritual Well-Being and Pastoral Leadership
  This final module is focused upon equipping the pastor to further develop their philosophy of leadership, based upon new understanding of their spiritual well-being. The focus will include how to balance character and competency issues that leaders must know, develop and apply within their context of ministry. It will also consider healthy congregational structures, administration, and stewardship in light of the pastor’s spiritual well-being.