Office of Ministry – Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry

Ministry Resources

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

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

Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church to host virtual speaking events in May
As we continue through a time of reflection, discernment, and hope for what the future holds, we have invited Melissa Florer-Bixler and Peter Chin to reflect on their recent respective articles addressing the challenging times as they speak openly and honestly, but with hope and gratitude.
Annual Conference agenda will include one item of unfinished business and seven items of new business
The business items for the Church of the Brethren’s Annual Conference on July 10-14 in Omaha, Neb., are now posted online. The Conference is returning to a full business agenda complete with queries and other new business after several years in which the compelling vision took precedence.
Next in ‘Nurturing Ministry Skills’ series to address ‘Leadership in Times of Crisis’
The online event on May 3 at 7-8:30 p.m. (Eastern time) will be on the topic, “Leadership in Times of Crisis” led by Paul Mundey.
Joe Vecchio to retire from the Pacific Southwest District staff
For the past 29 years, the Church of the Brethren’s Pacific Southwest District has come to count on Joe Vecchio to answer the phones, send letters and emails, build databases and websites, and be a friendly and helpful presence as the district’s administrative assistant.
David Shumate to retire from leadership of Virlina District
The Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren has announced the retirement of district executive minister David Shumate, as of Dec. 31. He has led the district for almost 30 years, since Jan. 1, 1993.