REASONS NOT TO JOIN
I am too busy
My schedule is full
The congregation’s needs are too great
I am afraid I will be judged
I may say something to make me vulnerable
I don’t need anybody
Gossip will get back to my church
I don't know if I can trust the group
My spiritual batteries are already fully charged
I don’t want to hear any more bragging
I have all the answers
My ministry doesn’t need any improvement
The Apostle Paul writes: Romans 7:15 (KJV)
15For that which I do I allow not:
for what I would, that do I not;
but what I hate, that do I.
Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Galatians 5:1717For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would
WHY I SHOULD JOIN MY PEERS
Pastors can help each other with personal and spiritual issues on an ongoing basis. Like a medical wellness clinic; peer groups can provide a “safe” place to deal with problems before they reach emergency or life-changing dimensions.
Peer groups can provide a place to energize and refresh your mind and soul as you get away from the continual bombardment of everyday challenges and conflicts.
Austin Presbyterian Seminary April, 2010
What Difference does a peer group make?
Does peer group attendance affect the pastoral leader and more importantly does it make a difference to the congregation?
79% of pastoral leaders say YES.
Based on their study the researchers also identified the following factors that make for effective peer groups:
- A high level of contact between group members (including meetings but especially emails/phone calls)
- A leader/facilitator who inspires confidence
- A group that provides accountability and practical help with some attention to intellectual challenge & spiritual refueling (holding each other’s feet to the fire)
- A group that is cohesive, “like a family”
- A group whose practices focus on ministry improvement through exploring innovative ideas & resources as well as sharing/getting feedback about personal and ministry problems.
Peer Groups that experience a greater intimacy with God must:
- · Provide spiritual fuel, practical help for ministry & accountability
- · Be close, flexible, and have a good facilitator
- · Focus primarily on spiritual practices; prayer, meditation, spiritual direction and include intentional biblical and/or theological reflection
Interesting Statistics:
- · 89% of members make decisions about what group does
- · 61% of group members have worked together since being in group
- · 97% attend majority or all of meetings
- · 70% meet with another group, but 52% say peer groups are much better
- · 87% have group facilitator
Reason to join group:
- · 87% I am energized by being with people
- · 91% I enjoy an intellectual challenge
- · 78% I need my “spiritual batteries” recharged
- · 97% I am looking to improve my ministry
- · 63% need break from day-to-day routine
- · 80% trust the group
- · 88% subject matter is important to me
Benefits of group:
- · 69% discussing a common topic
- · 80% sharing & getting feedback on ministry problems or challenges
- · 69% praying for each other
- · 83% sharing personal concerns or struggles
- · 80% enjoying the fellowship: eating, laughing, talking casually
- · 94% agree it makes me a better pastor or minister
- · 91% agree it provides spiritual refreshment
- · 83% agree it allows for frank disagreement
- · 92% agree it exposes them to fresh ideas
- · 86% agree it is a lot of fun
- · 87% agree it gives them new energy for ministry
- · 88% agree it helps provide balance for their life
- · 91% agree it is a safe place
- · 11% agree it encourages self-pity
- · 83% are satisfied or very satisfied with their group
SOURCE:
www.austinseminary.edu