What is Required of CiM Pastor-facilitators?

Group facilitators serve as spiritual companions for other pastors. Facilitating small CiM groups is a wonderful opportunity for professional development, ecumenical networking and service to fellow pastors.

Educational Requirements and Experience

• Christian pastors or ordained deacons who currently serve in a congregation in southeastern Wisconsin.
• Christian pastors or ordained deacons who hold an M.Div. degree or similar from an accredited seminary or pastoral ministry program.
• Christian pastors or ordained deacons who have approximately 5 or more years of experience in ministry since Ordination.

Assessment 

In Cohorts 1-5, CiM pastors had a personal, recorded interview conducted by their group facilitator prior to the first group meeting. The interviews allowed Dr. Ed de St. Aubin (Marquette University Psychology) to employ qualitative and quantitative research to track participant progress. The interviews also allowed the participants to explore their current sense of spiritual and professional well-being, and to determine their progress as they participated in CiM. Dr. de St. Aubin designed the research protocol and trained pastor-leaders in interview methods. Interviews were conducted at the end of the cohort experience as well. In addition, there was a brief online set of measures that pastors completed at the beginning and at the end of their CiM program.

Retreats and Large Group Clergy Conversations

Retreats and large group "clergy conversations" for pastors are part of the Companions in Ministry experience. Retreat centers are within an one hour of Milwaukee, and other events are held at Marquette University or nearby churches. Cim small group leaders are asked to attend all CiM events.

Readings

Companions in Ministry offers readings and resources for our participants, mainly focused on themes related to well-being, resiliency, and thriving in ministry.  

To Apply

Please contact Dr. Stephen Jenks if you have questions, 414-288-5049. You can apply here.