Pastoral Excellence
Communities of Practice Peer Support Groups to Begin

Fall 2012

We're excited about an important new ministry to be offered in our Conference beginning this fall – peer support groups organized on the Pastoral Excellence Program model pioneered by the Lilly Endowment.

"The lesson emerging from every peer group project is that when clergy meet regularly in a 'community of practice' for intentional reflection on their ministry, they find that trust develops, anxieties diminish, and challenges turn into occasions for learning.... Pastors are helping one another stay connected to the joy of ministry," writes Christina Braudaway-Bauman in a recent issue of the Christian Century ("Peer Power," January 11, 2012).

Pastoral Excellence Program groups will:

• Be facilitated by a seasoned pastor or experienced therapist
• Meet monthly for a two and a half hour session, October through May
• Include eight to ten participants
• Focus on the practice of ministry and the pastor's vocation as leader
• Encourage peer support, care, and reflection

FAQ's about the Clergy Excellence Program

An informational meeting will be held at the Conference Center on Thursday, October 11, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Susan Dickerman, Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Mass Conference has a wonderful ten year history of offering Pastoral Excellence Program groups, and Sue will share the encouraging story of their experience.

RSVP for the open house (free)

The Conference's program is being organized by Associate Conference Minister Joanne Thomson. Cathy Wille, a trained therapist and active, experienced church leader, is providing program support for the facilitators and the groups.

Important Things to Know:

• The deadline for signing up for a group is Friday, October 12
• You'll learn which group you'll meet with by Friday, October 19
• Fee for participants is $250
• Scholarship funds may be available; please fill out a scholarship application
• Let us know that you want to participate by registering online or mailing in the peer group form.

Special Notes for Existing Groups:

If you are part of an existing group that has been meeting with a trained facilitator during the past year...

• All existing facilitated groups will be able to continue
• Existing groups may add new members; some members may not want to continue with the group
• Members of existing groups should register online or fill out and return a "peer group form"

If you are a self-organizing existing group that has not had a facilitator in the past, but would like to add a trained facilitator through the Pastoral Excellence Program....

• We welcome requests from self-organizing groups to become part of the program
• Members should fill out and return the "peer group form"
• The group should designate one member to contact Joanne or Cathy to talk about their plans

For more information, or if you have questions, please contact Joanne Thomson at jthomson@wcucc.org or Cathy Wille at cwille@samaritan-counseling.com.