Beyond Goal Setting

Great Lakes Region, Illinois,
Midlands, and New Mexico
PCG Facilitators

Many pastors set goals only to find themselves frustrated months later with their lack of progress in reaching them. The Pastoral Covenant Group process provides a way for pastors to break through barriers that prevent projected goals from becoming fulfilled goals.

In addition to the relational benefit of the PCG, pastors are also (1) identifying personal and ministry development needs, (2) setting goals to address those needs, (3) crafting plans to reach stated goals, and (4) making covenant to support and resource one another in their development.

Participants for 2007-2008 have reported that they are in pursuit of goals in a broad range of areas, such as the following:

Community outreach
Evangelism and church growth
Staff development
Church administration
Leading change
Family ministry
Doctrinal fidelity
Preparing for retirement
Spiritual vitality
Stewardship
Team ministry
Dealing with stress
Worship and prayer ministries
Assimilating newcomers
Increasing biblical knowledge
Cultural issues and challenges
Ministry to blended families
Building programs
Conflict ministry
Congregational health
Counseling
Continuing education
Financial issues
Technology and ministry
Personal health
Spouses in ministry

To date in this year's project, 89 covenant-making retreats have been conducted, and an estimated 800 project participants are following a covenant-based plan in their pursuit of pastoral excellence.