|
|
|
|
|
|
2017 Memberships
Individual membership $45
Institutional membership $200
|
Presby
tery Pastoral Care Network (PPCN) is a 501(c)3 non-profit providing professional development, support, and resources for those caring for ministers throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA).
|
PPCN Board
Jim Splitt
, President
Email
Homestead Presbytery
Carol DeVaughan, V. Pres.
Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery
Anne Lange, Secretary
White Water Valley Presbytery
Gary Weaver, Treas. Email
Presbytery of Pueblo
Steve McCutchan, Editor
Salem Presbytery
Jim Burns
Indian Nations Presbytery
Dan Corll
Holly Samborski
Christian Educator,
Lee's Summit, MO
Raafat Zaki
Synod of the Covenant
Denominational Advisors:
SanDawna Ashley
Mid Council Ministries, Office of
the General Assembly PC(USA)
Helen Locklear
Board of Pensions, PC(USA)
|
|
A note from the Board
Thank you for supporting Presbytery Pastoral Care Network in its work to provide resources for those caring for ministers in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our work is made possible through the purchase of Memberships, attendance at Conferences, and through individual financial support.
Your tax deductible contribution may be mailed to:
Presbytery Pastoral Care Network
Rev. Gary Weaver, Treasurer
396 W. Archer Dr.
Pueblo West, CO 81007
DONATE ONLINE!
|
|
 |
|
THE IMPORTANCE OF CLERGY SELF CARE
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NRSV
Our ability to provide the best pastoral care to others is often dependent upon how well we are taken care of AND how well we take care of ourselves. When our needs are sufficiently met, we are best able to serve others with the gifts of our ministry. On the other hand, when we are stressed, losing sleep, not eating well, and faced with a host of other problematic issues in our life we tend to be less capable to minister to others at the highest level of professional competence expected in our profession.
Personal self care
requires time with God. Meditation, prayer, time for solitude and discernment are practices of spiritual direction. As spiritual leaders, we perform at a higher level when we go to the well spring of our faith. If you go to the gym and enlist the guidance of a personal trainer, and that person looks and acts like a someone who is not in very good physical health, will you trust and respect them? The same goes for pastors, Christian Educators and other spiritual leaders in the church. When we allow God to care for us, speak to us, inspire us, and form us as healthy Spiritual Leaders, we will in turn be able to to do the same for others. Paul was a remarkable apostle because he followed his own advice seeking to be restored by God's love and grace. He in turn was able to lead and inspire others through his ministry in the early church.
Stay in touch!
Pastor Jim Splitt, President PPCN
|
For more information contact
Rev. Jim Splitt, H.R.
, Homestead Presbytery
|
|
~ ANNOUNCEMENT ~
The 2017 conference has been cancelled
due to low registration numbers.
|
|
Making Your Congregation Wealthy
by Steve McCutchan
Most human beings hunger for signs that people appreciate them and what they do. I always found that writing an occasional note of appreciation for someone who had shared their gifts with the church paid big dividends. Imagine what might happen if you could start a movement in your congregation where people were expressing appreciation in numerous and unexpected ways. Picture the impact on the member of your congregation.
Loving Self and Neighbor
Look at your membership rolls, and identify a diverse selection of individuals. I would suggest that you include both males and females, both young and elderly. I think this would be especially powerful if you would include at least one teenager and one elementary age child. Don't start out with too large a group so that the task and expense become a barrier. (See below for some suggestions in those areas.)
Prayerfully reflect on these individuals and identify read more
|
by Steve McCutchan
Can't Avoid Making a Witness
People have images of clergy, sometimes unfair images, but such images conveys a message or a witness, about the faith. The truth is that both as clergy and as churches, we can't avoid making a witness. It is not uncommon to meet a person who was deeply injured by an experience in the church that caused them to both leave the church and, in many cases, affected their faith in a negative way. Conversely, we know people who were freshly attracted to the church because of something they experienced among a group of Christians.
A Shocking Positive Witness
Occasionally a body of Christians takes an action shaped by their faith that is so counter
read more
|
We Clergy are Community
by Steve McCutchan
It is important for our own health and the health of our ministry, that clergy find ways to build community with other clergy. They are one of the few people who understand what you are experiencing.
A good place to begin in finding companionship with other clergy is to seek out those opportunities in which you can have fun together. It can both provide a break from the intensity of the ministry and is often an easier path to building relationships. One of the sad realities of many people's lives is they have forgotten how to play and just have fun.
Not all clergy are going to seek out companions in among other clergy for an experience of fun. This is where a judicatory can play an important role in support of all clergy.
The Presbytery Takes First Step
The first step is to affirm the value of fun activities in interrupting the intensity of ministry and
read more
|
|
|
|
Note: Steve McCutchan, long-time PPCN Board Member, has dedicated his time in retirement to writing. Having published many books and led workshops, Steve's focus has been on clergy care and congregational health. He is a frequent contributor to the PPCN Newsletter. Below is an article about Steve's book "Good News for a Fractured Society: Matthew Speaks to Divisions of Power, Wealth, Gender, and Religious Pluralism."
Creating a Gospel Buzz Among Clergy
by Steve McCutchan
Imagine the Impact
- If regional clergy are excited about the Gospel of Matthew.
- If clergy colleagues enjoy meeting for coffee to discuss Matthew.
- If Matthew helps clergy address people's anxieties about our society.
- If people in congregations talk about Matthew as a sign of hope.
Year A emphasizes the Gospel of Matthew. Click here to read more about an online course consisting of twelve lessons based on this book.
|
Shop on
AmazonSmile
and Amazon will make
a donation to
Presbytery Pastoral Care Network
for every eligible purchase.
|
|
|
Resources for support of clergy
Steve McCutchan, Author. Now available on Amazon.com.
(Reminder: Shop through AmazonSmile and generate donations to PPCN! To purchase these books use this link, then sign in and search for "Stephen McCutchan."
A COMPANY OF PASTORS: OVERCOMING ISOLATION
This book offers a fresh resource for clergy support groups. Building on judicatory efforts to counter the problem of isolation and loneliness in ministry, the author describes how the use of stories about clergy can provide a basis for clergy to explore in support groups some of the signal issues experienced in ministry. The design offers a 20 meeting framework for building what John Calvin called "A Company of Pastors."
GOD LAUGHS-WHY DON'T YOU?: MAKING USE OF HUMOR IN THE PRACTICE OF MINISTRY
This b ook provides strategies and techniques of humor to be applied to the practice of ministry. The author demonstrates how comedy can lessen tension, bridge differences, and strengthen relationships in the church. With a variety of examples, the book shows how humor can be utilized in sermons, liturgies, counseling, funerals, and other dimensions of ministry. It also provides a "Pastor's Survival Notebook " that offers several techniques of comedy that a pastor can us e to personally address the stresses of ministry.
AN INTERIM PASTOR'S GIFT
This book introduces the idea that an interim is in an ideal position to advocate for good health strategies for the next pastor. The author offers exercises and directions on how to raise the congregation's awareness and specific steps the congregation can take to shape a healthy relationship with their new pastor.
|
Resources available through PPCN
Webinar: Teaming With Your Clergy, a resource webinar offering a plan to strengthen the healthy nurture of the teamwork between session and pastor. Co-sponsored by the Presbytery Pastoral Care Network and the Presbyterian Outlook. (fee /inquire about bulk discounts) Email | Ph. 800/446-6008 Ext. 758
|
|
|
|
| Deep Well for the Pastor
CD with spiritual meditations and music to support the pastoral vocation. Price $10 (limited supply) Contact Steve McCutchan |
Laughter from the Well
CD with 70 minutes of humorous & musical reflections on the challenges of ministry.
Price $9.99
Order |
The Toolbox Paper with strategies bringing a healthier perspective to the work of ministry. Free.
|
|
|
| |
|
