Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church

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.

Connect with our Circuit Riders

The Resilience Report – Center for Transforming Engagement

Peers, Practice, Purpose

Peers: Peer relationships are vital to thriving ministers. Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church offers many ways to connect with other ministering persons, both locally and throughout the Church of the Brethren.

Practice: Participation in healthy spiritual, emotional, and physical practices must be a priority for ministering persons. Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church offers a diverse array of opportunities for ministering persons to engage in these practices, so they are able to thrive in their ministry settings.

Purpose: Through peer connections and healthy practices, ministering persons are more equipped to be connected to God’s purpose for their ministries; which enables pastors and congregations the opportunity to thrive in their neighborhood and beyond.

Peers, Practice, Purpose; adapted from McNeil, J. D., Kate R. Davis, and Andrea Sielaff. “Resilience.” Center for Transforming Engagement. https://transformingengagement.org/resources/the-resilience-report

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.

Previous events

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.

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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

Have questions?

Contact Richard Wehrle, Program Manager, with questions: rwehrle@brethren.org or 847-429-4365