New Vision for a Long Pastorate

The seminar is scheduled to begin on April 28th with lunch at noon and end after lunch on April 30th.

LONGER PASTORATES MAY MAKE FOR HEALTHIER MINISTRIES, BUT THE PRACTICAL SKILLS NEEDED BY CLERGY TO CONTINUE IN MINISTRY AT THE SAME LOCATION FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS ARE OFTEN LACKING. As a result, the gift of a longer pastorate is often viewed negatively by both clergy and congregations.

This seminar is based on research by the Alban Institute that indicated that long pastorates lose their vision because of the burnout of clergy and lay leaders, the gap between pastoral effectiveness and congregational expectations, and erosion in democratic decision-making.

Participants will learn how to

• Assess your own self care, nourishment, and vitality
• Assess your long-range plan for staying healthy, vital, and fresh
• Discern how your spiritual journey affects your leadership
• Discern the identity, character, and purpose of your congregation
• Address the gap between a pastor’s and people’s  expectations, needs, and realities
• Discover the importance of conflict in a long pastorate
• Explore ways to develop democratic decision-making in your governing board

Come and join others who like you are in the midst of, or facing the prospects of, an extended pastorate.  You will have the opportunity to test several proven theories and instruments within the context of your own personal and congregational insights; to review your prospects for growth through either staying in or leaving your pastorate; to examine the support systems needed for a vital longer pastorate, including the critical role of the spouse and family; begin the process of outlining your personal and professional goals for upcoming years.

You will appreciate this seminar for years to come!

About Ed White

An avuncular and encouraging presence, Ed White has spent his own long career as a consultant, giving him deep knowledge of congregations and their leaders that benefits all who work with him.

Photo by Amigadave on Flickr