Pastor Learning Circles

Join the circle

We need each other. It can be tempting in pastoral ministry to go it alone. 

Why not join a circle of fellow Mennonite pastors and follow this call together?

Here’s what pastors have appreciated about their circle this year:

  • “Connecting with other leaders who understand the unique role in which pastors live.”
  • “There is a trust in this group to name difficult times and celebrations. When we pray for each other at the close of the meeting, I feel supported by my peers.”
  • “…even through zoom felt support.”
  • “I learn from hearing about my colleagues’ concerns and creative solutions.”
  • “I appreciate the opportunities to experiment with spiritual practices.”
  • “…we end our time together praying for one another. These are meaningful times.”

After a successful pilot season, we will be launching two new circles this September.  The circles which started last year are continuing for another year with their members and one of last year’s groups is open for two new members.

Register below.  Space is limited!

In the circle you will be:

  • supported prayerfully in your ministry
  • strengthened in your call to ministry
  • inspired through sharing ideas about ministry
  • encouraged by God with hope, resilience, and openness to possibilities


Each Learning Circle

  • Meets online at least 4 times for a one year commitment
  • Is limited to 6 participants
  • Is facilitated by committed fellow Mennonite pastors
  • Focuses on a topic relevant to your ministry

These Pastor Learning Circles begin September 2024

  • Pastors Thinking About Retirement
    with Glyn Jones
    So retirement is closer than you would like to think. What are you thinking about anyway? We know about leaving well - but retiring well? We gather to reflect on such issues, and to listen to one another, and pray for God's presence in this new tangle of life.
    Meeting: Monthly, on Zoom.  Specific time and dates to be determined. 

  • Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership
    with Stephen Reist
    Join the circle as we use Ruth Haley Barton’s book by the same title to honestly explore together such topics as responding to the pressures of ministry, facing the loneliness of leadership, leading from your authentic self, discerning God’s will together, personal spiritual rhythms and envisioning the promised land.  Last year’s group went so well we’ve decided to start another one on the same topic!
    Meeting: Monthly, on Zoom for 1.5 hours.  Specific time and dates to be determined.  

  • Spiritual Practices and our Pastoral Call and Ministry (continuing, room for 2 new members)
    with Steve Drudge 
    How does Jesus’ call, “Come, follow me” along with spiritual practices that preceded and will follow our call to formal ministry sustain us and grow during pastoral ministry, especially during personal, role, and cultural challenges.
    Meeting: Monthly, on Zoom for 1 hour.

Register today for this round of Pastor Learning Circles

For MCEC credentialed pastors.
Space is limited.
If you are continuing in your current circle you do not need to re-register.