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June 2009 |
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Ministry Mentors® |
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Regional Clusters
Illinois
Dr. Arthur A. R. Nelson,
Leader Rev. Jo Ann Deasy Rev. Marc Eix Rev. Herbert Hedstrom Dr. Everett Jackson Rev. José La Luz
Rev. Virgil A. Robinson, Jr., Leader
Dr. Gessel Berry, Jr. Rev. Sheri Delvin Rev. Peter J. Hawkinson Dr. Emery Percell Dr. Kirk Reed
Dr. James E. Roghair Thomas Ventura, Leader
Dr. Donald Dempsey Rev. Howard Roberts Rev. Kory Wilcoxson
Dr. D.
Darrell Griffin,
Leader Colorado Dr. Ralph D. Anderson, Leader Dr. John Bengston Rev. Philip N. Erlander Rev. Jerry Jordan Rev. Hank Maertens Rev. Linda Patzke Rev. Kenneth C. Stenman Dr. Rodney Schofield, Consultant
Florida Dr. Frank S. Lee, Leader Rev. Michael Basden Dr. Ronald M. Patterson
Dr. Ted Sauter
North Carolina Rev. Linda Foster Momsen, Leader
Rev. Joseph Harvard Rev. Ruth Harper Stevens Dr. Gates Vrooman
Wisconsin Dr. Richard H. Jones, Leader
Rev. Bruce Bartel Rev. David Busker Rev. Frank Gaylord
Rev. Sandra Gaylord
Rev. Lynn Kollath
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Ministry Mentors
Enhances
the professional effectiveness of active clergy,
Several months ago, the Ministry Mentors Board of Directors approved our new mission statement. Our objective was to tell about the RESULTS that are possible when pastors choose an experienced and caring Mentor to walk with them on the unique journey of those in the ordained ministry. You will notice that each result involves a strong action word: enhances, strengthens, and affirms.
either remembering the “Good Old Days” and wondering why their pastor cannot seem to bring those days back, or dreaming about being the next BIG church in the neighborhood and wondering why their pastor cannot make that happen.
Pastors find that congregational expectations are greater that ever. Sometimes pastors are overwhelmed by the many options available to enhance their ministry. There are courses, seminars, retreats, books, DVDs, trips to mega-churches, consulting services and the like. Although there is merit in every one of those options, what is missing may be the most important ingredient to enhance professional effectiveness: a one-on-one relationship, a one-on-one MENTORING relationship that can relate to the pastor’s specific issues that often change week-to-week. For a pastor to be effective, he or she must be attuned to the needs of the congregation being served, as well as open to new insights that can lead the congregation to achieve its God-intended purposes. understands the
challenges facing pastors and can ask the questions: “Where are you
finding success, and where are you finding difficulties? What are the
resources that you need to make your ministry more effective?” Rather
than follow a current fad, a Mentor can assist in helping the pastor
make better choices based on the pastor’s own unique skills and
circumstances. When resources are being employed, the Mentor can assist
the pastor objectively analyze the results. Experienced Mentors can
review proposed courses of action and offer insights before the pastor
takes actions that may be misunderstood. Mentors can discuss subjects
that parishioners may be too timid to share. Mentors can discuss
pastoral joys and concerns that can lead to a greater potential for
success. One pastor recently told his Mentor, “I feel as if I have a co-pilot with me, someone I trust who will help me become a more effective pastor in various aspects of my ministry.” He described one of our goals: to enhance the professional effectiveness of active clergy.
Donald H. Fagerberg _____________________________________________________________
To all of our donors: You are our co-pilots! We could not be enhancing the ministries of pastors if you did not enhance our ability to offer our ministry through your partnership. Through your gifts and prayers you are the unseen yet powerful force that allows us to continue to Serve Those Who Serve. Thank you and God bless you.
©Ministry Mentors, June 2009 |
