THRIVING IN MINISTRY

 

Welcome to the Thriving in Ministry course!

Every session of this course involves a Bible reading, a video training, reflection questions, and a hands-on assignment for you to carry out — ideally in the context of community as you consider various church planting realities.

We encourage you not just to watch the videos, but to work through all components of each session. That will better equip you as you consider the realities of planting a church.

Along the way you can share your learnings, and of course, feel free to reach out if you need anything. Thank you for participating in this Digital Course!

Go to Session 1 2 3 4

Course Overview (Session One starts below)

How can ministers’ souls matter more than our roles?

Many ministers — whether paid staff or volunteer leaders, churches or organizations — describe themselves as “tired,” “weary,” and “worn-out.” After two years of pandemic, division, and disconnection from relationships, it seems that 2022 saw more ministers take sabbaticals than ever before. But this “red-lining” is not unique to this season: every minister must consider how he or she will make it in ministry for the long haul. Every minister must consider how they won’t just survive in ministry, but how they can thrive.

In this four-session course, Bill Clem (Director of Pastoral Flourishing, Western Seminary) helps us consider four aspects of thriving in ministry. Bill has worked for multiple churches, academic institutions, and organizations. Through his own trial and heart-ache, Bill is still pouring himself into ministry. And he’s giving this season of his life to help other ministers just like you discover sustainable rhythms, so your soul can thrive for decades in ministry.

Each session involves a brief training video, as well as follow-up work to make the content personal and tangible. Certainly a course like this cannot cover every aspect of thriving in ministry, but The Equipping Group’s hope is that it serves you well, and meets you in whatever state you’re in, and that it helps your soul establish patterns to remain (or become?) sustainable in ministry.

SESSION ONE

Crisis-Proof Joy

What defines your joy? What happens when (not if) people let you down, or when (not if) your ministry season isn’t what you thought it would be. In this first consideration for thriving in ministry, Bill helps us consider the concept of joy that can sustain through all the ups and downs of life and ministry.

 

In this session:

  • Read: Zephaniah 3:17; Philippians 4:10-13

  • Watch 12 minute video

  • Reflect

  • Assignment

 

Read: Zephaniah 3:17; Philippians 4:10-13

Watch

Reflect

  • Do you believe that God delights in you? Why/why not?

  • What things do you find joy in, & what happens when they let you down?

  • What would it look like to find your greatest joy in Jesus, no matter your circumstances?

 

Assignment

Ask God to help you identify three or four “joy stories” now, & also write down one or two more every day this coming week.

Go to Session - 2 3 4