Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church

While they were talking and discussing,
Jesus himself came near and went with them…

– Luke 24:15

Continuing the work of Jesus, Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church exists in the Church of the Brethren to walk with, listen to and advocate for part-time, multi-vocational and not-paid-to-scale pastors empowering them to live and lead well by enriching their journey through intentional relationships and thoughtful wisdom sharing.

Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church Inquiry Form

Meet our Circuit Riders

Resources for Pastors

History of Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church

See Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church videos

 

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

Flourishing in Ministry book discussion

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)

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