Office of Ministry – Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry

Ministry Resources

NEW! 2023 information and resources
Pastoral Compensation

Ministers’ Association 2022 event

"Tempered Resilience" Pre-Annual Conference 2022 event

July 9-10, Omaha Nebraska
“Tempered Resilience” with Dr. Tod Bolsinger; download the flier

“Resiliencia atemperada” con Dr. Tod Bolsinger; descargue el folleto

“Rezilyans Tanpere” ak Dr. Tod Bolsinger; telechaje feyè a

Registration for this event has closed.

Book study on Flourishing in Ministry

January 4-March 8, 2022
CEU available

Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program offers book study on Flourishing in Ministry

As inspiring as the Advent Season is, it can also be a reminder of the challenges faced by many pastors. While congregational members enter a time of celebration and expectation, pastors may be stretched thin, finding it difficult to attend to their own spiritual and physical health. If the idea of thriving in ministry seems like a distant hope, John Fillmore, a Circuit Rider from the Part-Time Pastor/Full-Time Church program, is inviting you to join in a book discussion centered on Matt Bloom’s research contained in his book Flourishing in Ministry: How to Cultivate Clergy Wellbeing. Bloom is the principal researcher for the Flourishing in Ministry project and the Faith and Flourishing at Work project. Fillmore will lead weekly conversations for reflection, discussion, and mutual support to explore the principles Bloom outlines in his book. In cooperation with the Brethren Academy, CEU credits will be offered. We hope you can join!

Sacred Connections: Advent Soul Tending for Spiritual Leaders

The Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program is offering two virtual events entitled “Sacred Connections: Advent Soul Tending for Spiritual Leaders” led by one of the program’s Circuit Riders, Erin Matteson, an ordained minister and spiritual director. Matteson extends the invitation to all ministers on Friday, December 3^rd and Monday, December 13^th to “come enjoy a pot of creative contemplative worship to warm your spirit and nourish your soul this advent season. Scripture and sharing, silence and song, poetry and prayer, imagery and other ingredients will be blended together and served up in a savory dish to not only provide ministers sustenance but promote vitality for the advent season.”

Two different virtual sessions at two different times are offered on each of two dates to help accommodate the varied schedules of ministers. It is hoped that ministers will set aside this brief time to be ministered to and refill as they care for others. Register for the free virtual events by November 30th at Sacred Connections. Contact officeofministry@brethren.org with questions about the event.

Click the image below to read it!

Clergywomen’s Brunch

The Office of Ministry sponsored a virtual version of the traditional in-person Annual Conference event in the form of a July 22^nd brunch featuring Dr. Joelle Hathaway as speaker. The event took place at noon Eastern time and offered an opportunity for clergywomen (and friends) to gather virtually for fellowship and also earn 0.1 CEUs. Se ofrecerá interpretación en español.

Click above for brochure.
Dr. Joelle A. Hathaway is assistant professor of theological studies at Bethany Theological Seminary. She received both her masters and doctorate from Duke Divinity School and is currently developing new courses for Bethany in Theology and the Arts and Ecotheology. Her research is interdisciplinary; of particular interest is what insights the arts and artistic practice can offer to practices of theological, liturgical, and ecological formation. Her current book project puts the Sabbath poetry of Wendell Berry in conversation with the Christian doctrine of creation. Joelle lives in Greenfield, IN with her husband Brent Smith and their two daughters.

Pastoral Letter

January 2021 Message of encouragement from the Office of Ministry

This Sabbath rest-themed sermon prepared by 2021 Annual Conference moderator Paul Mundey is designed to provide a resource to congregations to enable them to support their pastor taking time away from the responsibilities of preaching.
At the invitation of the Office of Ministry, this sermon focuses on words from Jeremiah 31:25, “I will satisfy the weary, and all who are faint I will replenish,” which assure us that God accompanies us in upheaval, offering sanctuary amid stormy anxiety, doubt, and fear. Congregations and their ministers are encouraged to partner together to find rest and refreshment in the midst of these days.
To view subtitles in English or Spanish, click the CC symbol and choose the language desired. To download the video, click the “Vimeo” logo; beneath the video on that site is a link to download.

Sermon transcripts: Finding Rest Amid Restless Living
Encontrar descanso en medio de una vida inquietada

Office of Ministry launches new webpage with compensation resources
The Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry has issued its annual e-packet of compensation documents to the 24 district offices. In addition, a new webpage offers the new annual compensation documents.
Delegates adopt new documents to guide pastors’ salaries and benefits, set COLA commensurate with rate of inflation
The Annual Conference on Tuesday, July 12, adopted a new “Integrated Annual Ministry Agreement and Revised Guidelines for Pastors’ Salaries and Benefits” (new business item 5) and a “Revised Minimum Cash Salary Table for Pastors” (new business item 6) as presented by the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee (PCBAC).
Andrew Hamilton to lead Southeastern District
The Southeastern District of the Church of the Brethren has called Andrew (Andy) Hamilton to serve as half-time district executive minister beginning July 23. He will be installed at the district conference to be held on that date at Peak Creek Church of the Brethren in Laurel Springs, N.C.
At the foundation of Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church is relationship-building
Continuing the work of Jesus, the Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program exists in the Church of the Brethren to walk with, listen to, and advocate for part-time, multi-vocational, and not-paid-to-scale pastors. The program empowers them to live and lead well by enriching their journey through intentional relationships and thoughtful wisdom sharing.
Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church webinars are now available
Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church is making the May webinars on clergy burnout and “the great resignation” available to view, share, and download.