By Lis Van Harten
(First appeared in the March 2005 issue of Ministry Reports to Classes and Councils)
Regardless of a person’s profession, from time to time it’s beneficial to gather together with colleagues to learn, share, encourage and be renewed. Such an opportunity occurred in mid November for 28 CRCNA pastors. Those present were coordinators of peer learning groups funded by the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative.
The daylong event offered small group discussion during which the coordinators shared what’s been happening in their peer groups. While locations of the groups (California to Ontario) and topics (preaching to conflict management) varied, similar themes ran throughout the discussions:
- Pastors need to meet with colleagues on a regular basis for prayer, support, accountability and fellowship.
- Regardless of church location, pastors often feel isolated.
- Pastors are hungry for continuing education opportunities.
- It’s important for pastors’ spouses to have relationships with other pastors’ spouses.
Michael Kooy, pastor of First CRC in Mount Vernon, WA, said, “They [the small group discussions] were an epiphany of connection with others and God.” Bob Zomermaand, pastor of First CRC in Sheboygan, WI, commented, “The round table stuff…Boy, did I enjoy that time together.”
During the afternoon session Pedro Aviles, Joel Kok, Lou Tamminga, and Len Vander Zee expanded on the ministry insights they had shared previously in a book titled, Persevering in Ministry . “The panel discussion...was real - heart to heart. I appreciated the theological, spiritual and philosophical balance,” reported Denise Posie, pastor of Immanuel CRC in Kalamazoo, MI.
The day was rewarding for those who attended. “This turned out to be a wonderful day for which I am very thankful,” said Tom Baird, pastor of Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, St. Thomas, ON. During the final session one pastor commented, “Ministry is hope- filled if we look for it. A lot of hope was offered today.”
