Transitioning Into Ministry
A Formational Program for Pastors in MCEC
"So Pastors might THRIVE in ministry rather than merely SURVIVE."
MCEC Annual Appeal 2025
We are persistently engaged in the work of revitalization, encouraging both faithfulness and creativity. Would you consider supporting this work? Join us in supporting congregations and leaders. Churches are finding renewed purpose and reimagining ministry in fresh, inspiring ways. We are privileged to walk alongside them, yet we can’t do this alone.
Just as Jesus and his disciples were supported by generous friends and ministry partners, so the shared ministry of our regional church depends on your generosity.
Your donations are necessary to enable the transformational work of MCEC.
Information
for Pastors
Information for
Congregations
TiM is a 3-Year Program
- Beginning pastors will be supported so their first ministry experience prepares them for a lifetime of effective ministry.
- Pastors will gain colleagues and the wider church as resources
- Pastors and congregations will discover how to be covenant communities to learn and grow together and be "worthy of the calling to which we have been called." (Eph. 4:1)
What Can You, as a Pastor, Expect?
TiM Equipping Days, Coaching, and Mentoring are three of the organized pieces in that process.
TiM Equipping Days
- Two 2.5-day events per year
- Worship, prayer and spiritual reflection
- Group coaching - two 2-hour sessions
- Educational components - based on issues identified by participants or coaches
- Personality inventories - to help participants understand personality types and areas of strength and challenge in working with others
- Informal activities - rest, recreation, connections
- Held at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, New Hamburg, ON
Group Coaching
- Groups of 6-8 beginning pastors
- Led by trained clergy coaches
- Participants will share case studies and receive feedback from coaches and colleagues
- Groups will meet twice during Equipping Day events
- Groups will meet twice between Equipping Day events
Pastoral Mentors
- Beginning pastors meet regularly with experienced pastor as a mentor during the three years.
- Coaches are available to consult with mentors
Financial Support Breakdown
- Congregational Support: $1,750 (each of the three years)
- Pastoral Continuing Education Funds: $350 (each of the three years)
- MCEC
- Dedicated staff time
- Consistent financial support from budget
- Donor Support
- Through generous contributions, we are able to provide subsidies for this ministry. Please be in touch with Marilyn Rudy-Froese, Church Leadership Minister.
- Bursaries/Subsidies
- For participants who have additional travel/conference call costs
- For congregations who have limited funds