Ministry Resources
NEW! 2023 information and resources
Pastoral Compensation
- Ministerial Leadership Manual documents
- Congregational vacancies
- District vacancies
- 2022 Ministerial Statistics
Pastoral Compensation Workshops
Beginning on September 26 and concluding on October 6, members of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee will offer an introductory workshop on four different occasions to introduce the new pastoral compensation tools recently approved by the Annual Conference. The workshop is open to all and will be particularly helpful to church board chairs, pastors, and treasurers. Register to attend and receive a Zoom link by completing the Google form: https://forms.gle/9hLDdACeMK8jurya7
If you have questions, contact officeofministry@brethren.org Members of the committee include Deb Oskin, chair, Bob McMinn, Art Fourman, Angela Finet, and Andy Hamilton, representative of the Council of District Executives.
Talleres de compensación pastoral
Comenzando el 26 de septiembre y concluyendo el 6 de octubre, los miembros del Comité Asesor de Beneficios y Compensación Pastoral ofrecerán un taller introductorio en cuatro ocasiones diferentes para presentar las nuevas herramientas de compensación pastoral aprobadas recientemente por la Conferencia Anual. El taller está abierto a todos y será particularmente útil para los presidentes de las juntas de la iglesia, los pastores y los tesoreros.
Los materiales de compensación se publicarán en español en breve. Se proporcionará traducción al español para el taller si se solicita con anticipación a través del formulario de registro.
Regístrese para asistir y recibir un enlace de Zoom completando el formulario de Google: https://forms.gle/9hLDdACeMK8jurya7
Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con officeofministry@brethren.org. Los miembros del comité incluyen a Deb Oskin, presidente, Bob McMinn, Art Fourman, Angela Finet y Andy Hamilton, representante del Consejo de Ejecutivos del Distrito.
Ministers’ Association 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 3rd and Monday, December 13th 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.
Newsletter – August 27, 2021
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 22nd 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.
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
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
Related News
- Byrl Shaver named to interim post leading Michigan District
The Church of the Brethren’s Michigan District has called Byrl Shaver as quarter-time interim district executive minister beginning Jan. 1, 2023.
- Daniel Rudy to serve as executive minister for Virlina District
The Church of the Brethren’s Virlina District has called Daniel L. Rudy as district executive minister beginning on Feb. 6, 2023. The district has called Emma Jean Franklin Woodard to serve a five-week interim role between the retirement of David Shumate on Dec. 31 and the beginning of Rudy’s service. Rudy has pastored Ninth Street
- Beth Sollenberger concludes service as interim executive for Michigan District
Beth Sollenberger is concluding her service as interim district executive minister and member of the Michigan District Executive Leadership Team over the past several years. She has served in an interim role for the last several years, specifically during the calendar year of 2018 and then beginning again in May 2020. In January 2022, she was called to another interim term. She will conclude her service on Dec. 31.
- Marie Willoughby to serve as co-interim executive for South Central Indiana District
South Central Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren has called Marie Willoughby as co-interim district executive minister, as of Oct. 15, serving alongside Anna Lisa Gross. She replaces Kay Gaier, who served in the position from Jan. 15, 2022.
- Upcoming book studies from Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church
Two upcoming book studies are offered through the Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program of the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Ministry.