Book study on ‘Flourishing in Ministry’

The Part-time Pastor; Full-time Church program of the Church of the Brethren Office of Ministry is offering a book study on Flourishing in Ministry: How to Cultivate Clergy Wellbeing by Matt Bloom. The online event is planned once a week from Jan. 4 to March 3, 2022, on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. (Eastern time). Continuing education units are available.

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” for the Part-Time Pastor/Full-Time Church program, is inviting pastors to join in this book discussion centered on Bloom’s research contained in his book. 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 for Ministerial leadership, continuing education credit will be offered. Register at www.brethren.org/webcasts.

— John Fillmore and Nancy Sollenberger Heishman contributed to this report.