Creating Opportunities for Enhancing Pastoral Identity and Leadership

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Pastor-in-Residence Programs Now Accepting Applications for Spring, Summer and Fall of 2025

Helping Pastors Thrive is now accepting applications for the four-week Pastor-in-Residence/Study Leave programs that take place at the Divinity Schools of Campbell, Duke, Gardner-Webb, and Wake Forest Universities. The four week residence program takes place during the fall or spring semesters, and in cooperation with the theological schools, may be designed for rest, study and reflection while rooted in an active learning community. All expenses for the residency, including food, transportation and housing are paid for by the Helping Pastors Thrive program. In addition, churches are provided funding for securing supply preaching and leadership during the pastor’s time away. For more information, visit the Pastor-in-Residence program pages or contact Scott Hudgins at CBFNC.

Cohort for New Pastors to Begin Spring of 2025

Helping Pastors Thrive will launch a cohort for new pastors that will begin in October 2023. A two-year program, the cohort is built around four two-night retreats over the two year period. Participation is limited to 8 pastors. Applications are now available.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

About Helping Pastors Thrive

From its founding, CBF of North Carolina has recognized the importance of leadership development as a key to healthy, faithful congregations that embody the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. By investing in the ongoing education and formation of pastors, CBF of North Carolina seeks to impact the efforts of congregations in building community, engaging the work of God in the world, and bringing to all people the hope of transformation.

Through a major grant from the Lilly Endowment, CBF of North Carolina expands its support for pastoral leaders by establishing Helping Pastors Thrive, a program that concentrates on specific contexts and identified needs of ministers at three distinct vocational stages: new pastors in their first years of congregational ministry; mid-career pastors navigating the shifting landscape and complexity of ministry in established churches; and, experienced pastors whose years of service generate wisdom and insight for reflecting on the meaning of vocational ministry.

Helping Pastors Thrive is open to pastors seeking to deepen their sense of vocational identity and strengthen competencies and practices associated with the arts of Christian ministry. Helping Pastors Thrive provides peer and mentor-based learning opportunities, and environments for cultivating spiritual life and meaningful reflection for ministry. You are encouraged to explore the program’s three initiatives presented on this web site, and invited to participate in its programs and opportunities.

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Helping Pastors Thrive Program Initiatives

Workshop Retreats for Clergy

Overnight retreat gatherings with peers and mentors to explore emerging issues in ministry, congregational life and pastoral practice. Time away for fellowship, prayer and building sustaining relationships for the work of congregational leadership.

Workshop Retreats for Clergy »

New Pastors Cohorts

A two-year program for 6-8 new pastors, the cohort meets in retreat four times over the two years. The cohort consist of new pastors and pastoral mentors and seeks to explore the value of learning communities for ministry and leadership.

New Pastors Cohorts »

Pastor-in-Residence Program

A four-week residential rest and study leave program on the campus of a CBFNC partner theological school. Access to campus resources and interaction with faculty and current students is made available to pastors selected for this program.

Pastor-in-Residence Program »

“I did not realize how much I needed this time away to be able to reflect on such an important topic. I learned a great deal from the leader, but perhaps even more from the other pastors.”

— Workshop Retreat participant

Everyone in ministry needs a mentor

Whether you have one currently or feel like you could really use one, Three Minute Ministry Mentor (3MMM) with host Eileen Campbell-Reed, is designed to foster growth for the practice of ministry. Helping Pastors Thrive is pleased to partner with 3MMM and encourages ministers to explore the videos, podcasts, and blog available by subscribing to the Three Minute Ministry Mentor website.