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
History of Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church
See Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church videos
Book discussion
Text: Healthy Churches, Faithful Pastors: Covenant Expectations for Thriving Together by David A. Keck
When: 10 Sessions beginning April 18, completing June 20, held on Tuesdays at 7 pm EST / 4 pm PST.
Facilitator: John Fillmore, Circuit Rider for the Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program
Zoom links will be sent after registrations are received. Space is limited to 10 persons and other names will be saved for further opportunities.
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/X3zTSsGJBjoyLjqe7
- Ministry Office offers events for equipping and renewal
Upcoming events include a virtual session March 27, "Music as a Gateway to the Sacred," an online book study beginning April 18, the Ministers' Association pre-conference event July 3-4 in Cincinnati, and the Clergywomen's Breakfast July 5.
- Taking a ‘balcony view’ of pastoral ministry and its challenges
With just under two years remaining for the grant, the Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry gathered a group of circuit riders, advisory team members, district executives, and others at the denominational offices in Elgin, Ill., Feb. 24-26, to take a “balcony view” of the program to date and consider possibilities and direction going forward.
- Virtual events focus on ‘sacred connections’ during Lent
The Part-time Pastor, Full-time Church program of the Church of the Brethren’s Office of Ministry is offering two virtual events under the umbrella, “Sacred Connections: Lenten Soul Tending for Spiritual Leaders.” They will be led by one of the program’s “circuit riders,” Erin Matteson, an ordained minister and spiritual director.
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 Jen Jensen, Program Manager, with questions: jjensen@brethren.org or 847-429-4365