Community Pastor Ministry

LENN ZELLER, DIRECTOR OF CONFERENCE CARE

We continue to progress in the development of the Community Pastor ministry in the Conference. Pastors around the country are being trained to lead small groups in their location where sacred workers can find helpful fellowship, wise peer counsel, and prayer.

“I really enjoyed the fellowship with other CCCC Pastors and the prayer time when we prayed for each other. The presentations on how to be a Community Pastor were excellent. The time in western PA was refreshing spiritually and physically.”
—Rev. Bill West

“The time together at the community pastor training was a great refreshment. It reminds us of the need to be connected, to be intentional about our time of being connected and having that time of face to face relationships. Upon returning home, I had opportunity to share with some area pastors and it looks like a fellowship for the purpose of growth, renewal and retreat will be quickly organizing as pastors and priests are in need of safe places to share, be cared for and encouraged in the walk of spiritual leadership of our kingdom-Christ-centered communities. Thanks for the invitation and the time in organizing and working toward the Kingdom goals.”
—Rev. Ed Rinehart

“I always knew pastoral ministry had its challenges, but I never imagined it was the most unhealthy profession today, based on a Duke University study. Quite a contrast from the 1950’s when pastoral ministry was the most healthy of degreed professions. This makes the CCCC value for healthy pastors all the more imperative. I was impressed how quickly I was able to connect meaningfully with pastors I just met. I realize that despite my busy calendar, making time to connect meaningfully with other clergy is essential, not only for my health and ministry vitality, but for these other pastors as well. I am grateful for this practical equipping and appreciate continued prayer as we each seek to implement what we have learned as we do our part to develop healthy pastors– which are a key ingredient for healthy churches.” —Rev. David Meckley

These were some of the reactions to our latest Community Pastor training event, this one in late April, at Sequanota Camp and Conference Center in Boswell, PA. The setting was lovely, the facilities were wonderful and the fellowship was sweet. It was a smaller group than the previous retreat in New England, but that just made the setting more personal and intimate. Some friendships were made quickly and others renewed. All in all, it was another positive and helpful step in developing the ministry of Community Pastors. My thanks to Dr. Ron Hamilton and Dr. Bob Barber for their excellent teaching and leadership.
Please pray for the last scheduled training retreat coming up in Bertrum, Minnesota at the end of May. We look forward to one more gathering for refreshment, prayer, connection and encouragement!