April 2008 Newsletter

Transition into Ministry and the Cultivation of Pastoral Excellence

The Rev. David Wood recalls a hectic two weeks in his ministry and asks, “How does anyone learn to do all this?” Fortunately, he’s also got some answers from more than 700 Transition into Ministry pastors.  

SPE Spotlight
Array of Programs Draws Pastors to St. Francis SPE

Even in the dead of winter, it’s enough to make a semi-retired pastor crawl out of bed and drive halfway across Michigan:  the SPE programs at the St. Francis Retreat Center.

Trampling Out the Vintage:
A Historical Lesson on Leadership

Bishop Kenneth Carder looks back at American churches before the Civil War and finds an important lesson for churches today: Pastoral excellence requires engagement with the issues of our time.

Wednesdays with Chris —
Reflection on a Peer Learning Grant

The most important lessons didn’t come from the silver screen, but from their friendship with a waiter named Chris. Read what happens when five pastors gather over lunch to watch movies together.