If you haven’t heard, clergy communities of practice are a type of covenant group meant to support the development of Christian leaders by encouraging those who want to get to the next place in their ministry. They focus on engagement with peers and help to reverse trends of isolation among clergy. Meetings invite participants to share in prayer and fellowship, as well as a time of learning and application. Crucially, emphasis in these groups is on bringing learning into practice, not simply building up knowledge.
Meetings last four hours and include a meal. Each meeting is led by one of your clergy peers, a trained facilitator, who invites conversation and asks questions rather than acting as an expert. Learning is focused topically and participants can expect to read around 75-100 pages each month in preparation for gatherings. There will be 9 meetings over the course of the year; two months will be taken off at the discretion of the facilitator. It is expected that participants will engage in every meeting and come prepared to discuss readings. This year we are asking all participants to contribute $100 in order to help cover costs.
Additionally, we are offering two CCOPs with a specific area of focus. Two groups will meet for those in the first year of a new appointment. There is also a group for those interested in exploring navigating change using new ministry models. For more information about this particular group, please contact Amy Wagner. All other questions may be directed to Susan Moudry.
The cost is $100