Background:
The church is changing. Pastors need support and tools to lead congregations into a new context and into the changing world. Knowing that congregations and pastors have different context and histories, this project is to assist pastors in their development and leadership skills in the changing context of their church.
The more pastors who can adapt to the changing situation and have a purpose for their ministry the more likely the congregation will be led to a healthy position and focused on God’s mission. Healthy and Mission focused congregations lead to stronger presbytery organizations and the church as a whole.
Purpose:
- To assist pastors to fashion Christian Community and shape attention to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
- To encourage skill and resource development of pastors
- to engage pastors in dialogue and action around Missional Leadership and around adaptive/Missional challenges
- to provide support to pastors through peers and Presbytery staff
- to stay focused and attentive at the same time.
- to develop spiritual practices for both self and community.
- to be a pilot project that can be duplicated in other context and settings.
Structure of Project:
Each Partner Presbytery will establish a Missional Pastor Development Peer group. The topics of peer group will be decided by each peer group but will follow the themes of the 8 Missional Patterns (see attached) The Peer groups will meet mostly monthly between 12 to 24 months. Twice a year the peer groups will gather with other Partner Presbyteries in a retreat setting around topics to be established by the Partnership leadership. Judicatory staff will meet quarterly for planning, conversation and leadership development.
Monthly Peer Group Structure
- Dwelling in the Word
- Teaching/discussion on Topic/issues
- Reporting by participants
- Challenge for next month work
- Action steps for next couple of months
New Missional Pastor Group beginning in January 2012 please contact Jeanne Radak for more information – jradak@presbyphl.org