Barnabas Groups
A central initiative of our Pastoral Health Plan is the development of Barnabas Groups. These small cohorts of five to six pastors will gather monthly for mutual encouragement, prayer, and collegial support, organized by geography, theological affinity, or organic relational ties.
This model draws inspiration from the biblical example of Barnabas, whose ministry of encouragement and advocacy strengthened early Christian leaders and communities (Acts 4:36–37; 9:26–27; 11:22–26). In similar fashion, Barnabas Groups seek to cultivate intentional spaces where pastors can be spiritually renewed and sustained through mutual care and accountability.
The need for such initiatives is well attested in contemporary pastoral research. Clergy often experience isolation, stress, and role ambiguity, which contribute to burnout and vocational attrition (Chandler, 2009; Proeschold-Bell & Byassee, 2018). Peer groups, however, have been shown to foster resilience, deepen theological reflection, and strengthen pastoral identity (Carroll, 2006; Doehring, 2015).
By creating Barnabas Groups, we aim to integrate biblical tradition with empirical insights, providing pastors with communities of support that sustain faithful and effective ministry.
Be on the lookout for more information in February as we begin to develop these groups.
-Chris
This model draws inspiration from the biblical example of Barnabas, whose ministry of encouragement and advocacy strengthened early Christian leaders and communities (Acts 4:36–37; 9:26–27; 11:22–26). In similar fashion, Barnabas Groups seek to cultivate intentional spaces where pastors can be spiritually renewed and sustained through mutual care and accountability.
The need for such initiatives is well attested in contemporary pastoral research. Clergy often experience isolation, stress, and role ambiguity, which contribute to burnout and vocational attrition (Chandler, 2009; Proeschold-Bell & Byassee, 2018). Peer groups, however, have been shown to foster resilience, deepen theological reflection, and strengthen pastoral identity (Carroll, 2006; Doehring, 2015).
By creating Barnabas Groups, we aim to integrate biblical tradition with empirical insights, providing pastors with communities of support that sustain faithful and effective ministry.
Be on the lookout for more information in February as we begin to develop these groups.
-Chris
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