Sustaining Pastoral Excellence began in 2003 to support and strengthen Christian Reformed pastors—so they can help build vital congregations. God blessed that project in many ways. Now we’re building on those blessings to reach even more pastors.
Today's congregations need strong servant leaders who can adapt to, change, and grow with their congregations. For this, pastors must develop character, knowledge, and skills.
How can pastors grow and flourish in ministry? How can council members support and strengthen pastors? The first step is to understand pastoral excellence. Pastoral excellence is marked by:
- a deep, authentic relationship with God, marked by prayer, godliness, and fruits of the Spirit
- a strong vision of the church’s mission
- a thorough grasp of the Christian faith and an ability to communicate it clearly
- a healthy pastoral identity
- an understanding of leadership in a congregational system
- a commitment to lifelong learning
Pastors can't develop these traits all on their own. It takes a denomination-wide effort to develop a culture that sustains pastoral excellence.
Organizations involved in the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Program are:
- Calvin Theological Seminary
- Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
- Christian Reformed Home Missions
- Christians Reformed Pastor-Church Relations
- CRC Denominational Office
Working together, pastors, council members, and agencies can develop practices that foster spiritually mature, imaginative congregational leadership.
Pastors inspired through Sustaining Pastoral Excellence will encourage more people to pursue ministry as a vocation. What we do now can shape several generations to come.
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence aims to strengthen and sustain pastors in ministry.
