By Lis Van Harten
(First appeared in the January 2008 issue of Ministry Reports to Classes and Councils.)
Congregations are living organisms with numerous parts making up the whole. While all the parts are important, and able to contribute to congregational excellence, some play a more significant role than others. The pastor fulfilling his/her role is one of the key contributors to both the congregation and its excellence.
Pastors have a challenging task as they lead their congregations. The demands of the pastorate are many and never-ending. If pastors are to continue pursuing their calling to the best of their ability they require support—from council, congregants, family, classis, and the denomination.
The Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) project has been doing just that for the past five years. Over 50% of CRC pastors have joined a peer learning group. The groups are a wonderful opportunity for encouragement, support, mutual prayer, learning, and fellowship. Pastors reported: “We’ve made friendships in what otherwise is a lonely and isolated ministry.” “The meetings have improved our relationships within congregations and inside family and marriage situations.”
SPE has funded 134 continuing education events for pastors and lay leaders. Topics range from leadership to software applications for sermon writing. A pastor shared, “[The event] allowed overworked, lonely and isolated pastors and spouses from small, resource-limited congregations to gather, refocus, and be encouraged in the face of ministries that are very demanding, as well as to be equipped with spiritual tools to remain healthy and focus on long-term sustainability.”
Seven classes have received regional pastor grants allowing them to hire a part-time regional pastor. It’s been reported that, “the health and vitality of pastors and churches in classis have been significantly improved by the work the [regional] pastor has been able to accomplish.”
SPE is committed to fostering excellence in pastors who will in turn foster excellence in their congregations.
