Institute Peer Groups

Establishing communities of learning and spiritual formation among pastors and judicatory officials with the creation of facilitated Clergy Development Groups and Holy Conversations is key to fulfilling the goal of attracting, inspiring, nurturing and sustaining pastoral leaders.

This kind of environment offers the best chance for continued pastoral excellence because it encourages the mutually sustained relationships and support that pastors desperately need and it instills a process of learning and spiritual development that will resonate throughout congregational life. We firmly believe that building strong, healthy pastoral leaders will release strength in local congregations and bring hope to individuals and communities.

Like John Wesley’s class meetings, participants provide mutual support and accountability in carrying Christ’s message into the world. Wesley knew that only a community of faith could maintain the level of intensity and courage necessary to actualize the gospel.

With this understanding, through our TMF Institute, we provide leadership, self-care, and spiritual formation resources to pastors and:

Offer an environment of emotional “safety” and support for pastors in which relationships of mutual trust and encouragement can develop.
Challenge pastors to commit to a sustained growth process in small groups of pastors with similar ministry commitment or learning needs.
Offer educational opportunities on the specific topics and areas of professional development that pastors identify.
Create accountability structures for pastors that are enabling rather than punitive.