Ministry Resources
- Ministerial Leadership Manual documents
- 2022 salary table for pastors (with guidelines)
- Congregational vacancies
- District vacancies
- 2021 Ministerial Statistics
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.
Brethren Ministers’ Association 2021 Pre-Annual Conference Event
The Church in 1 Corinthians: Challenges for Today
June 29 –30, 2021, Virtual conference with Dr. Michael J Gorman
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
- ‘Pathways for Effective Leadership’ course is offered by SVMC
The Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) is offering the TRIM (Training in Ministry) course “Pathways for Effective Leadership, Part 1,” with Randy Yoder as the instructor. This is scheduled as an intensive course to be held online over two weekends, March 25‐26 and April 29‐30.
- Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership updates course listing
The following English-language courses are offered by the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, a joint program of the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Ministry and Bethany Theological Seminary. Courses may be taken for personal enrichment, for continuing education (two continuing education units per course are available to Church of the Brethren credentialed ministers), or
- Making webinars count: announcing new policy for clergy continuing education credit
Recognizing that live participation is becoming increasingly difficult for mulitivocational ministers and given the growing library of recorded webinars available from denominational agencies, the Brethren Academy is offering clergy the opportunity to view and report on prerecorded webinars and other educational events for CEUs. A standardized reporting process will provide the necessary accountability.
- Kevin Kessler resigns from leadership of Illinois and Wisconsin District
Kevin Kessler has resigned as district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Illinois and Wisconsin District, effective Dec. 31. He has filled the half-time role for 14 years while also serving as pastor of Canton (Ill.) Church of the Brethren, a role he will continue to maintain.