We VALUE THE RIGHT FIT FOR SERVING IN MINISTRY: Placement

We believe God has blessed us in EFCA Central with uncommonly gifted pastors and, because of that, we have had many long-tenured pastor/church relationships. However, eventually every church or pastor will need assistance with placement. There comes a time when we need to add staff, or replace a valued team member who has retired or moved on. There might also come a time when you yourself sense that God may be releasing you from your current ministry to seek a new calling.

We value an approach that considers pastoral giftedness in tandem with the skills and gifts required by an open position. Our goal is to match the two in a way which allows those gifts to be used to their fullest potential for both the pastor and church.

Whether you are looking to find a new team member for your church or you are considering a new ministry opportunity, we suggest two steps. First, review our Pastor Search website. Additionally, at some point during the process, you’ll want to contact the District Superintendent, Mike Shields. One of his main roles is to help pastors and churches think through the issues of finding a new ministry or seeking a new staff pastor.

WE VALUE RELATIONSHIPS: CONNECTING WITH OTHER PASTORS

Throughout our district we have pastors who meet in regular clusters or cohorts. While the names of these groups vary depending on the purpose of the gathering and the region in which they take place, the primary reason is the same. These groups provide opportunities to build supportive friendships, discuss challenging ministry situations, and strengthen our commitment of a lifetime calling to serve Christ and his church. We do not currently have a ministerial grouping in every part of the district, but we are always available to assist you in integrating with an existing group or to help you in the process of creating a new one. To get connected to a group, contact Jamie Farran.

WE VALUE STRENGTHENING PASTORS AND SPOUSES: EVENTS AND RETREATS

There are two main events that we encourage every pastor and church leader to attend. These include the Annual EFCA Central Leadership Conference, held each year in April, and one of the two Pastors and Wives Retreats, which take place in Iowa and Missouri each fall. These events are designed to refresh and strengthen pastors along with their spouses.

The events bring in top quality speakers, who both encourage and challenge us from the Word. Additionally the gatherings provide plenty of time to build healthy and enduring relationships with other ministry couples. With an understanding for the unique role and challenges ministry wives often face, we have developed a particular ministry of encouragement for them, which is also a part of these events.

Every Winter we also host Leadership Summits for lead pastors. These retreats have been called some of the most valuable equipping events of their year by many pastors. We encourage you to take advantage of these events. Contact Superintendent Mike Shields, Mark Farran (SD/IA), or Todd Brooks (MO/AR) if you have not yet participated and would like to become involved.