Ministry Network

Announcing!

An emerging faith-based ecumenical resource network
of coaches, consultants, and spiritual directors!

The twenty-first century church can no longer operate primarily as a hierarchical structure, but is functioning as an interconnecting network of relationships that can empower excellence in ministry on all levels of leadership.

In 2007, the Vocation and Education program unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America surveyed synods to explore the use of coaches and consultants throughout the church. During the course of the survey, it was discovered that other denominations were asking the same types of questions in the hope of identifying competent and trustworthy resources to assist their ministries. Since August 2007, a Steering Committee has formed comprised of fourteen representatives of the following: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, several coaching/consulting organizations, and the Alban Institute.

Regionally, the Philadelphia Area Ecumenical Resource Network has strong connections to this conversation and has already begun meeting twice a year. For more information on the PAERN, contact Pastor Sue Lang.

We are looking to include other denominational and non-denominational partners as well as coaches, consultants, and spiritual directors as the conversation continues to unfold. We invite you to read our background documents and to consider participation in the conversation. Contact Pastor Sue Lang or any other member of the Steering Committee for more information.

Links:

ELCA Vocation and Education Survey Report, August 21, 2007

Appendix to the 2007 ELCA Survey Report

Early History of the Conversation

Faith-Based Ecumenical Resource Network Steering Committee Roster