Trust in the Lord and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
–Psalm 37:3 (NASB)
What?
The Cultivating Faithfulness Clergy Cohort (CFCC) is a year-long group experience for the purpose of making space to listen to God, within community, for the sustaining and renewing of one’s call. Evidence shows that participating in regular practices, regular retreats, and regular groups creates the relationships and rhythms that sustain healthy, flourishing lives, even amidst challenges. As shepherds called to guide and care for God’s people in an increasingly complex world and culture, clergy are often hard-pressed to find places where they can be fed and led. The goal of these cohorts is to provide safe, shared experiences that will offer clergy the opportunity for rest, as well as space to hear anew the passion and call for ministry. The staff of the Pacific Northwest Conference believes that a healthy, connected, and thriving pastor is a gift to the local church or ministry context in which they serve.
Participation includes:
- Quarterly scheduled times away for rest, listening, and shared life with peers.
- Opportunities to experience anew, or recommit to, monthly spiritual practices that nurture relational, emotional and spiritual health.
- Reflection time to reconnect with God and clarify call.
- Safe space to be known and experience community and care from peers and small group facilitators.
Who?
CFCCs are open to licensed/credentialed clergy of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the ECC who,
- are willing to help create a safe, listening space for fellow participants/peers and commit to the practices and gathering times described in this brochure.
- are actively serving in a Covenant church or approved ministry on a permanent basis with at least two years of ministry experience.
- have the support and approval of supervising pastor or church leadership.
- are in “good standing” with the Covenant Ministerium (including the payment of conference and national ministerial dues for at least the last two years; completion of a ministerial profile within the last three years; a current Vocational Growth Tool; in collegial relationships and membership in an ECC church.)
When?
The next CFCC could begin spring 2019, depending on interest.
How?
Each participant pays for their own travel to and from the retreats (held in Washington or Oregon), as well as a registration fee of $400.
Much of the cost for the CFCC is subsidized by the conference and ministerial association. There may also be grant money available through the ECC’s Sustaining Pastoral Excellence fund. (Applicants are encouraged to pursue that grant money on their own.)
Contact Dawn Taloyo, director of pastoral and congregational health, on the Pacific Northwest Conference staff team with Questions or complete the inquiry form below to be sent an application link.
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