While they were talking and discussing,
Jesus himself came near and went with them…
– Luke 24:15
Part Time Pastor; Full Time Church exists as a ministry of the Church of the Brethren to engage and empower Multi-Vocational Pastors (MVPs) throughout our denomination. We seek to empower MVPs to nurture strong Peer relationships with others and to develop healthy physical, emotional, and spiritual Practices to sustain them in their ministry. MVPs with strong peer relationships and healthy practices are intimately connected to God’s Purpose for their ministry, enabling both pastor and congregation to thrive in their neighborhood and beyond.
The Resilience Report – Center for Transforming Engagement
See Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church videos
From Weary to Wholehearted Book Study
May 15-June 26, 2024 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST
facilitated by Richard Wehrle, program manager of Thriving in Ministry for the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office. Author Callie Swanlund will participate in the first online session.
Find more information about the book study here.
Register for the book study here.
Soul Sisters
Multi-vocational clergywomen are invited to join Erin Matteson, spiritual director and Circuit Rider, for a monthly gathering during which Erin will facilitate various spiritual practices like lectio divina and visio divina. These gatherings, which will be held February to June, offer the opportunity to form sacred circles with others in hopes of nourishing your spiritual wellbeing. Join Erin on the second Monday of each month by registering for either the first (9am PST) or second (4pm PST) session using this link: https://forms.gle/ePk1UHuvkZoqW4Y19.
Registration closes on February 1.
Flourishing in Ministry
10-week discussion of Flourishing in Ministry by Matt Bloom, bginning January 16 at 7pm Eastern. Registration asap at https://forms.gle/JWi3m7pfAP6ZUCzL9
Fall 2023 book studies
Quietly Courageous: Leading the Church in a Changing World
Gil Rendle, in his book Quietly Courageous: Leading the Church in a Changing World, offers insight for church leaders who want to lead well, and respond to the unpredictable forces that shape our world with grace and courage.
Circuit Rider John Fillmore will facilitate a 10-week conversation on Rendle’s book. Sessions will begin Oct 3rd and will be held virtually from 7-8 pm EST (4-5 PST) on Tuesdays. CEUs will be available to pastors, and the Part-Time Pastor/Full-Time Church Program will provide participants a copy of the text.
Flyer about Quietly Courageous book study (PDF)
Register at https://forms.gle/8CcUvwma1PCYEMtC6
Positively Irritating
Have you ever asked yourself, “What might church look like in the midst of our postmodern & post Christian world?” Have you ever had a conversation with other pastors or leaders around this very question? Are you looking for a resource that can help facilitate this conversation?
Circuit Rider Ryan Braught will lead a book study on “Positively Irritating: Embracing a Post-Christian World to Form a More Faithful and Innovative Church” by Jon Ritner beginning on October 19. This monthly study will be held on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 8:30 EST/7:30 CST, and will also be available in an asynchronous format. Register for the book study.
There will be an online conversation with the author on Monday, September 18. Register for the Sept 18 webinar.
Flyer on the Positively Irritating book study and webinar (PDF – very large file)
- Book study of ‘From Weary to Wholehearted’ addresses clergy burnout
Part-time Pastor; Full-Time Church is beginning a book study of From Weary to Wholehearted: A Restorative Resource for overcoming Clergy Burnout by Callie Swanlund.
- ‘Brothers and Believers’ clergymen’s Zoom gathering to be led by Gabe Dodd
The Part-Time Pastor, Full-Time Church program of the Office of Ministry invites multi-vocational clergymen, as we wrap up our Easter celebrations, to make a simple yet vital commitment for setting aside intentional time to commune with God and peers. This is offered as you begin a journey of self-recognition and support of other clergy in the Church of the Brethren.
- ‘Soul Sisters’ for multi-vocational clergywomen, book study on flourishing in ministry
The Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program of the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Ministry is planning events for the next few months. Multi-vocational pastors are invited to a study of the book Flourishing in Ministry by Matt Bloom. Multi-vocational clergywomen are particularly invited to join Erin Matteson for “Soul Sisters…Connecting and Deepening Together.”
Intentional Relationships
At the foundation of Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church is relationship-building. Circuit Riders are the heart of the program who provide clergy-peer relationships that are mutually beneficial. They listen to and walk alongside pastors, meeting them where they are on their journey. Circuit Riders are encouragers and cheerleaders who freely give tangible grace as pastors learn and grow in ministry.
Pastors frequently feel they must rely on themselves, thus often feeling isolated. Circuit Riders provide intentional clergy-peer relationships as pastors discover what thriving in ministry means to them. Also offered by Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church this year are opportunities for Spiritual Direction and Professional Coaching. Click here to meet our Circuit Riders and for more information about how to connect with one of them.
Wisdom Sharing
Small group connections provide interactive participation on topics relevant to pastors’ work and well-being. Pastors have direct access to one another and can set their own direction by choosing options that appeal to them and are on their timetable. They provide a space to connect, support, learn and network as wisdom is shared. Small group opportunities include webinars, book studies, and open group spiritual support led by Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church Circuit Riders, nationally known speakers, denominational leaders, as well as peers sharing from their field of expertise. Many group connections include CEUs.
Why?
The post-resurrection appearance of Jesus on the Emmaus Road is powerful because it reminds us that Jesus’ presence is as important as his sermons and stories. Jesus was present as the two confessed what was weighing deep within each of them. Not only did they share with one another, Jesus walked alongside them hoping to sense where they were on their journey. Jesus then reminds them their story is not yet complete, that God’s plan is unfolding before them. His reassurance was simple and profound, so much so they invited him to stay. Around the fellowship of the table that evening – in a place of mutual discovery and exploration – Jesus reveals himself. Following events that left them questioning nearly everything, they found themselves in a space of genuine care and companionship with Jesus himself. It was there they knew their journey was valued and that, without a doubt, God’s plan would continue to unfold. With renewed faith for their journey, the two shared the hope and joy of the evening with their companions.
Have questions?
Contact Richard Wehrle, Program Manager, with questions: rwehrle@brethren.org or 847-429-4365