Sustaining Excellence in Pastors

By Lis Van Harten

(First appeared in the July 28, 2003 issue of the Christian Courier.) 

"Nothing ever seems to stay the same. The world's changing so fast!"  How often haven't you heard that? It's a comment made over and over. And it's true; our environment is rapidly changing. In order for us to adapt to it, we too need to change. 

Pastors are experiencing changes in their environment as much as anyone. They need to keep up with the expectations of their congregation, the new ideas on how to "do church", the shifts in their denomination, new learning about their role as pastor -  and the list goes on. But how are pastors able to provide the leadership the church needs, keep their ministry fresh and have Christ at the center of it all?  Making time for key activities such as prayer, reflection and further education is essential. Congregations and the denomination need to help the pastor in this.  That's why the new Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program of the Christian Reformed Church is urging pastors and congregations to take advantage of opportunities in three areas: peer learning, continuing education, and mentoring. 

In December 2002, the CRC was awarded a $2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to fund the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program.  

Pastors who wish to enrich their ministry through a peer learning group can get together with several other pastors for a period of one year.  Conferences, workshops and retreats will be part of the continuing education portion of the program. Those pastors who are in their first five years of parish ministry will be able to be a part of a mentor/mentee relationship. 

The ultimate goal of the grant is to have flourishing pastors leading healthy congregations in the CRC. The role pastors continues to change as time goes on. There are increasing demands on their time. They have a variety of things to attend to every week. There are sermons to prepare, visits to be made, meetings to attend, committees to deal with, classes to teach, counseling to do*and the list goes on. It is important to the physical, emotional and spiritual health of our pastors that they receive the support, encouragement and refreshment that they need. The rate of pastor burn out is too high.

When pastors meet together in peer learning groups, they have an opportunity to learn and share with other pastors and to encourage one another in the work they have been called to do. The peer learning groups have a theme around which they base their time together. Examples of such themes are preaching, worship, multi-cultural congregations and personal spiritual formation.  These groups meet for a period of one year.  During this year, the pastor will benefit in a variety of ways from the group.  As a result, the pastor's  congregation will also benefit. 

Today's pastors are expected to be competent in areas that they didn't necessarily receive any training for at seminary.  The comment is often made by pastors, "They never taught me this in seminary."  Seminaries equip our pastors for their life's work to the best of their ability but once you toss in real people in real situations, pastors can be at a loss as to how to handle a situation. By attending conferences and continuing their education, pastors are better able to deal with the various challenges that will undoubtedly come their way.  There will be several opportunities a year for pastors to attend continuing education events through-out Canada and the United States.

As pastors begin the journey of their calling, there are situations arising that they may not have experience with. It's very helpful for the pastor to have someone who they can go to for advice.  To be able to draw on the years of ministry that a more seasoned pastor has to offer is extremely valuable.  For the first five years after graduation from seminary, a pastor will be assigned a mentor.  Through this mentor/mentee relationship wisdom can be shared, guidance given and encouragement offered. Both the mentor and the mentee will be richer for having spent this time together.

The goal of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program is to support and strengthen pastors, so they can help build vital congregations. Healthy, vital pastors and congregations will work well together.  They will have a greater impact on those they reach out to in their ministry. They will be better equipped to what God has called them to do.

You are encouraged to talk to your pastor about this wonderful opportunity for both the congregation and the pastor.  Visit the website at or email SPE at pastoralexcellence@crcna.org or call toll free 877.279.9994 ex 0805 for further information.