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A Unique and Historic Opportunity
A unique and historic opportunity is unfolding for Church of God pastors. Over the next two months, some 700 Church of God pastors will participate in Covenant-Making Retreats to begin their Pastoral Covenant Group journey in pastoral excellence. Why will this be a historic process? Although various leadership training and enrichment events have been conducted, never before has such an ongoing development opportunity been forwarded involving so many Church of God pastors. In fact, we are not aware of any such effort among any group of Pentecostal pastors or even among any group of pastors in any USA denomination! What makes this project unique? At a recent Lilly Endowment consultation in Indianapolis we learned how blessed our pastors are to be involved in such a process. Of the estimated 300,000+ pastors in all denominations in the USA, only 5000 are involved in the 63 Lilly Endowment funded Sustaining Pastoral Excellence projects. That means only 1.2% of all USA pastors in all denominations have the opportunity our pastors are provided in this project! With approximately 700 Church of God pastors entering this project process this fall, Church of God pastors will comprise 12% of all USA pastors in all denominations involved in such an exciting process of development, care, and accountability for pastoral excellence! We believe God has given us a tremendous gift and opportunity for improving pastoral health and excellence in the Church of God. We thank God for the support of the Executive Committee, Administrative Bishops, State Coordinators, and Facilitators who are investing themselves in this effort. Our prayer is that we will be faithful stewards of this blessing and experience a great impact on pastoral and congregational life that will advance the work of the Kingdom. James P. Bowers, Ph.D. |
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