Sustaining Health And Pastoral Excellence

What is SHAPE?

Text Box: SHAPE is a nation-wide, Church of God ministry developed to help pastors enhance their calling by becoming a more balanced person through a network of resources focused on the pastor, his or her family and ministry, in order to prevent burnout and attrition. SHAPE is based on intentional cooperation among pastors, congregations, state and area ministerial associations, and the church’s schools. It is less a place and more a process of evaluation. It involves support, mentoring, and cohort grouping into which a pastor is placed.

How Did The Church of God Become Involved?

Text Box: In 2002, a private foundation called Lilly Endowment in Indiana presented the Church of God with a large grant in hopes it would cultivate a program that would support growth and lessen discouragement among pastoral leadership. Our national office developed a ministry plan for Church of God pastors that would help create an environment for pastoral excellence. Emerging from those meetings, SHAPE was birthed in three regions, and has expanded into additional locations including Tennessee. Our region was stemmed from Florida, who stands ready to assist us in our launching and growth processes.

Who Is Eligible?

Text Box: All licensed or ordained ministers serving a Church of God congregation within the state of Tennessee are welcome to apply. Admission to SHAPE, limited to 20 ministers per year, will be determined through an application process involving a variety of assessments and interview components.

What Is a LAMP?

Text Box: The Life And Ministry Plan (LAMP) is the spine that connects, directs, and gives backbone to all that participants will experience during their time in SHAPE. It is a review of the events that have shaped their lives, and an exploration to discover, with God’s help, how to shape their future. The hope is to come out of the process with a graphic picture of their life story, new healing, and specific ministry goals. This process begins through the various assessments and is developed at a deeper level at Orientation Retreat

What is required?

Text Box: Participants must… be a licensed/ordained Church of God minister have full spousal and congregational support (see Congregational Expectations below) commit to meet with cluster once a month for three years, plus attend other required retreats & events be willing to spend their personal time for study, reading, etc. agree to their personal and congregational funding responsibilities participate in the Natural Church Development program with their congregation Pastors and congregations must be committed to… strengthening their spiritual, physical, and emotional selves to further excellent pastoral ministry Entering into mentor/mentee relationships with other active and retired pastors Furthering understanding of the Bible, theology, church growth, spiritual formation, ministry development Articulating a vision for excellent pastor leadership Developing a pastoral life plan for current and future ministry Participating in an assets-building model for effective ministry Preparing to mentor another pastor/congregation in the future Congregational Expectations Approval of pastor to be involved in SHAPE for a three-year commitment Approval of funds needed Willingness to allow pastor time for the ministry: ∙ Assessment Tests∙ Annual Retreat∙ Monthly meeting with cluster group (3-4 hrs + travel time) Willingness to be supportive Willingness to provide an equitable sabbatical plan for pastor Willingness to encourage pastor to take regular time off with family and annual vacation time Commitment to prayer and encouragement of pastor Willingness to participate in Natural Church Development Willingness to sign the Congregational Covenant

How does SHAPE benefit pastors?

Text Box: Get a comprehensive look at church, family, and ministry through professional assessment tools & evaluation Develop a personal and professional growth plan Network with other pastors committed to excellence, sharing, encouragement, & collegial exchange Take advantage of growth opportunities (conferences, seminars, training events that otherwise might gave been unavailable/unaffordable) Experience the power and joy of mentoring Become intentional about being a healthy, effective pastor in the 21st century—as one mentored and as one who mentors

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Welcome to Tennessee Ministries of the Church of God

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Tennessee Ministries of the Church of God