NTS: Mentoring in Ministry
Megan is the reason I am at NTS. We connected several years ago when she was tapped by her senior pastor to succeed him at their small house church. He was leaving for another ministry assignment but had been grooming Megan to take his place. Although a Seminary grad, and a religious major undergrad, this was Megan’s first time in the lead role. She was excited and terrified all at the same time.
As I got to know Megan, I discovered she was not unlike many of her young clergy contemporaries – she had committed herself to rigorous and faithful theological studies but this had left her in significant debt. She heartily and willingly embraced ministry in a small, simple house church setting – because this was the place that had shaped and formed her and the place she believed would do the same for other faithful souls. Yet, such an assignment came with a price. Megan’s (very) part time salary and benefits were inadequate for paying back her school debt. She and her husband were also trying to discern how and when they might start a family, not to mention purchase a home in the area in which they hoped to minister long-term. Add to that the challenges of ministry and the feelings of isolation and inadequacy that the minister is especially susceptible to, and you have a recipe for disaster - burnout, at the least!
Thankfully, through our monthly conversations and annual face-to-face visits, Megan has received the mentoring support she’s needed when tough decisions had to be made and when she and her family needed encouragement to carry on even in very dark days. As for me, the benefits of knowing and mentoring Megan are immense. I’ve watched this pastor blossom in her role as minister, preacher and prophet. I’ve seen her confidence grow and her faith be bolstered. Her fearless vulnerability never fails to be an inspiration to me. Each time a I get off the phone after speaking with Megan, I am reminded of the reason I am at NTS.
Dana PreuschDirector, Center for Pastoral Leadership
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Note: This March, the CPL will host its first ever Mentoring for Ministry Retreat – a mentor-led, peer group program specifically targeted to address the challenges faced by new clergy. The CPL will also host a Leadership Roundtable in March – a yearly 3 day retreat designed for seasoned pastors. To apply for next year's event, email Dana Preusch at dpreusch@nts.edu)
"NTS eConnection - February 2018 Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Thank you for supporting NTS through the annual Seminarian Offering! Today, a student told me he feels grateful: “It means that churches and Nazarenes believe in the future—a hope-filled future where God makes all the difference in the Church and the world.”
You and your church can give to the Seminarian Offering as often as you like, on any day of the year at http://www.nts.edu/seminarian-offering. There, you will also find an inspiring video and printable materials.
Thanks for partnering with NTS in preparing faithful and effective ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Seeking First His Kingdom,
Tim McPherson
Dean for Advancement
Nazarene Theological Seminary
Mobile: (816) 787-5911
816-268-5500 [FAX]
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