Reports of Pastoral Renewal

"This project is something that will impact my ministry for the rest of my life!"

Similar reports of pastoral renewal are being heard from pastors in all eight states involved in the Covenant Pastoral Leadership Development Initiative.

Since the launch of this project in September, approximately 500 pastors have become involved. Combined with the groups previously started through the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence initiative and a few new groups that have yet to meet, the total number of participants is approaching 600.

Here is a summary of some testimonies representing the impact that this project is having on Church of God pastors:

A High Point in Ministry

"This is the best thing that has ever happened to me since I have been a part of the denomination."
"I've pastured for twenty-eight years, and I've never had anything minister to me like this."
"I have been praying for something like this for quite a long time."
"This experience has been one of the highlights of my ministry."

A Motivation to Stay

"When I was ready to quit ministry, this group made a difference. Now I have friends in ministry."
"I have never felt this in the Church of God before now. This process gives you a good reason to want to stay in the Church of God, if anyone was ever tempted to leave it."

An Environment for Healing

"We are being affirmed and healed... We are feeling good about who we are, what we are to do, and what our future holds."
"I came feeling hurt and isolated from the denomination. I left feeling renewed and reconnected with the church and other pastors."

A Reason to Hope

"This approach has given me a great deal of renewed hope and enthusiasm for pastoral ministry, the local church, and our denomination."

A Source of Encouragement

"I have come to a point of great victory in my life. I am refreshed and encouraged. My life is better, and my perspective has changed."

A Bond of Fellowship

"It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of eight pastors from different backgrounds and different size churches. In the process of 72 hours, the Lord made us as one."
"Walls of competition are coming down, and pillars of love and encouragement are being erected."
"We are developing a bond of fellowship whereby we can be real and experience true acceptance."
"This project is breaking the barrier of the independent isolationist mentality."
"One group in our state decided that they are going to be a committee to welcome newcoming pastors into the state."

A Blessing to Pastoral Families

"When I came home from the Pastoral Covenant meeting my wife said she could see the difference it had made in me."

A Place of Safety

"I felt safe to share without feeling intimidated. It did not feel like a political process."
"Now I feel safe, and I feel more connected."

A Community of Care

"Group members are automatically being drawn to those among them who are in need."