CURRENT STATE OF PASTORAL MINISTRY
Ultimately, excellent pastors are well connected to God, to their families, to their congregations, and to a circle of supportive friends. Any program devoted to sustaining pastoral excellence must also focus on supporting and enriching pastors in each of these areas. While pastors experience numerous dissatisfactions that can contribute to a downward spiral ending in disillusionment and ineffective functioning, evidence points to other factors that increase satisfaction and help to sustain pastoral excellence. One of the sources of greatest satisfaction and fulfillment for pastors is their families, yet congregations and judicatories in their commitments to sustain pastoral excellence often neglect this foundational area of strength and support for pastors. In one study, for instance, approximately 40 percent of pastors were either moderately distressed and/or approaching burnout or severely depressed and in advanced stages of burnout. The spouses and children of current and former pastors were among the most negative critics of ordained ministry.

Excellent pastors sense that their relationship with God is dynamic and growing. They feel secure in their call and competent in carrying out their apostolic responsibilities. They are affirmed by their congregations and compensated in fair and reasonable ways. They have spiritual friends beyond their congregations who provide support, encouragement, and accountability for them. “These are not casual connections among acquaintances, but abiding and sustaining relationships among clergy and laity—and between clergy—rooted in the very nature of church and the Christian story: they are ‘holy friendships.’”

Excellent pastors also take care of their personal well-being: “...pastors who honor their need for regular bodily rest and intellectual and spiritual replenishment fare better over the long haul of ministry and provide healthier role models for their parishioners.”



PROGRAM DEFINITION
Theological Reflection Weeks are designed to provide pastoral leaders with an opportunity for sustained theological reflection with seminary faculty who are trained spiritual guides. To sustain their excellence as apostolic leaders, pastors can benefit from opportunities to engage in serious theological reflection that informs sound pastoral practice. While in seminary, they may have experienced a disjunction between “theory and practice.” Once in ministry, however, the importance of clarity with respect to “central convictions” to guide them and their parishioners becomes more apparent. Hence, we anticipate that faculty, pastoral leaders, and current students will benefit from ongoing interaction with one another.

Theological Reflection Weeks offers three possibilities for theological study:

1. Week long formats at stated times on either ATS campus.

An example Theological Reflection Week held on the Wilmore Campus with 3 modules offered by:

- Dr. Anthony Headley - Balance in Ministry
- Stacy Minger - The Nature of Pastoral Communication
- Mike Pasquerello – Spirituality and the Life of the Minister

Other times are listed through 2008 with topics and faculty leaders to be announced later.

Applicants for this option can register directly at the TRW section of the PSALM website at PSALMATS.org where an application form is located.

2. Two to 3 day formats in your local setting.

In this case, leaders like yourself, in consultation with ministers in your area, can make a proposal to TRW. TRW will then find an appropriate faculty resource person to help facilitate this study in your local area. You may also suggest a faculty person and TRW will try to facilitate this request. Proposals should include the topic for study and possible dates. Such proposals should be made 3 months in advance of the proposed date. The group should be finalized one month prior to the proposed date. In addition, it will be the responsibility of the person making the proposal to arrange a central location in your area. Ideally, the study time with the faculty person would occur in a local church although it could be done at a local hotel with a conference area.

A proposal form is located at the Theological Reflection Weeks section of Psalmats.org.

3. Two to 3 day formats at either ATS campus.

As in option 2, you will propose an area of study and TRW will provide a faculty person. The directions for completion of proposals indicated in option 2 apply here and the form is located at the TRW site.

The Theological Reflection Weeks can be completed for CEU credit.

• CONTACT: email: psalm@asburyseminary.edu

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