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Transforming Covenants
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The Nebraska Conference, United Church of Christ and the Nebraska Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) applied for and received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to address issues of pastoral excellence in Nebraska. The proposal offers a model which recognizes the diverse needs of pastors, yet builds on our common tradition of covenantal polity. It describes a plan attending to the distinctive calling of the pastoral office, building on gifts and abilities of each participant, inviting accountability of pastors to one another, and renewing the church's teaching ministry.
The model for Pastoral Excellence incorporates the following components:
- The creation of Covenantal Learning Groups, communities of assessment, imagination and exploration. Members will be expected to develop self-directed "Learning Plans" and may apply for grants to underwrite the costs. Pastors then become teachers--sharing what they have learned with others in their small groups, their congregations, and where possible with the wider church.
- The establishment of Pastoral Excellence Teams in every parish or setting where pastors are involved in Covenantal Learning Groups. These Teams will meet regionally for training in assessment of their ministry setting, a review of the project goal/expectations, and celebration.
- Support of the Cotner College Educational Ministries to serve as an innovative resource in providing new models for education, exploration of challenges and opportunities for ministry in Nebraska, and resources for all engaged in the program.
- A Pastoral Assistance Program which will provide pastors with resources to help them with issues they may face in their parish settings.
