By Kendra Flory
The February offering from Ventures in Christian Discipleship will be “The Ecology of Vitality: Mutuality in Pastoral and Congregational Well-Being.” Presented by John Fillmore, pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren and district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Idaho/Western Montana District, the course will be held online on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (central time).
Congregations and ministers inhabit a shared system, in which the vitality of one impacts the spiritual and emotional well-being of the other. Often, we compartmentalize pastoral vitality, approaching it as if it were disconnected from the influence of the congregation. Pastors do have personal responsibility for their well-being, but since their ministry is so embedded within the congregational system, it is impossible to care for a pastor’s well-being without attending to the contribution of the congregation.
Congregations thrive when pastors thrive. Congregations and pastors that share in creating a mutually supportive system can find increased vitality and effectiveness in the life God has led them into.
This webinar will introduce a variety of factors that impact pastoral vitality and suggest ways in which both pastor and congregation can contribute to a system that fosters mutual well-being and sustainable shared ministry. Pastors and congregational leaders will have the opportunity to examine ways in which they undermine their own well-being and identify practices and resources that can contribute to a more healthy system.
Continuing education credit is available for $10 per course. During the registration process, you will have the opportunity to pay for CEUs and give an optional donation to the Ventures program. Register and learn more at www.mcpherson.edu/ventures.
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- ‘What got us here won’t get us there’: Learnings from the L.E.A.D. Conference
- World Friendship Center in Hiroshima seeks volunteer co-directors through Brethren Volunteer Service
- Annual Conference officers to host virtual delegate briefing on May 27
- Brethren Press publishes children’s book about feetwashing written by Gimbiya Kettering
- A new Brethren Rapid Response Network is organized