A Thriving in Ministry Initiative giving rural pastors a vision of ministry that will help them thrive in congregational leadership and in turn, enhance the vitality of the congregations they serve.
This program is designed to help pastors build relationships with and learn from experienced clergy who will guide them through challenges at critical, transitional phases in their ministerial career.
Through a distinct and exceptional professional development program, pastors receive critical support, develop innovative strategies, and engage in ongoing learning and opportunities for renewal. They build the very network that will provide them and those they serve with vitality.
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The Moses Project program includes three onsite retreats, monthly exemplar teachings, mentoring, small group connections, and common readings. Each program cycle runs ten months, has participants from all over the Midwest, and is an affordable $250 thanks to Lilly Endowment Inc.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
It says in Deuteronomy 34:7, "Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." By helping pastors invest in themselves early, we hope that they, like Moses, continue to have vision and vitality long into the future.
"I am so grateful for all that we got to learn through the Moses Project. I left there thanking God for the Moses Project, for giving me tools and ideas and innovative ways to be an encouragement to this group!"
Pastor Laura
Pastor Russ
Pastor Kim
Pastor Bill
"I didn’t know my life would change when this piece of paper came across my desk for a program called the Moses Project. I am so grateful to have participated."
“The Moses Projected isn’t just for those who are lost. I’ve felt lost in the past but thanks to this project I’ve been figuring things out. Through these modules, I’m in a healing pattern. That’s where I was but I learned, I grew, and now I’m a stronger leader.”
“I know the Moses Project is about more than just cheering and inspiring a group of weary rural pastors with the message of the gospel. But letting your light shine is really pretty important and you are doing a great job. Best of all, it's contagious!"
"I am so grateful for all that we got to learn through the Moses Project. I left there thanking God for the Moses Project, for giving me tools and ideas and innovative ways to be an encouragement to this group!"
What do participants say about the Moses Project?
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Characteristics of Flourishing Pastors
The Lilly Endowment Inc.'s Thriving in Ministry program was born out of Matt Bloom's (University of Notre Dame) research that identifies four common characteristics of flourishing pastors:
1. the pastor establishes a clear sense of pastoral and professional identity
2. there is an alignment between the pastor’s gifts and skills and the demands and expectations of the local congregation they serve
3. the pastor receives mutual respect for and support from clergy peers
4. the pastor has relationships with role models and exemplars
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We at the Moses Project hope to see our pastors flourish and thrive.
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