Colleague Groups are the core element of Sustaining Pastoral Excellence. Led by an experienced and trained pastor, these groups are comprised of 8-10 ministers from diverse backgrounds (denomination, race, and gender). They covenant to meet together every month for three consecutive years for mutual support, learning, worship, the seeking of justice, and attention to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Gathering Together & Renewals
All colleague group members gather periodically for shared worship and theological inquiry. They read widely across the theological spectrum on topics such as race relations and ministry, forgiveness and reconciliation, sabbath and renewal.
Each colleague group member commits to an annual renewal leave, which is coordinated with members of their supporting congregation. Laity are informed of the importance and benefits of supporting pastors and their family members as they attend to clergy wholeness.
Health and Counseling
Each pastor and family member has access to health and counseling services through Sustaining Pastoral Excellence, and they are encouraged by their colleagues to utilize these important resources for emotional and physical health.
What Group Members Are Saying...
One minister speaks to the significance of the colleague group experience when saying, “SPE and the group is one of the most positive influences in my life. It has transformed my ministry by first transforming me. It has helped me organize my time, delegate responsibility, and provided the balance that I needed in order to minister effectively.”
Another pastor says, “SPE has reignited my passion for ministry. We are looking at different opportunities for our congregation to be involved with seeking justice.”
A final comment suggests the lasting effect of SPE for clergy and congregations when a pastor says, “The resources of SPE have become rooted within our small group of pastors and have had a huge impact upon us. In turn, we will go and impact our congregations.”