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Thriving in Ministry

Thriving in Ministry

An Initiative from Virginia Theological Seminary

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  • About
    • Mission Statement
    • Who We Are
      • Staff
    • Contact Us
  • Mentoring
    • Why Mentors Are Key to Thriving
    • Experienced Clergy as Mentors
  • Peer Learning Communities
    • Peer Learning Communities
    • The Power of Peer Learning
    • Peer Learning Community Ministry Contexts

Mentors

Experienced Clergy as Mentors

Thriving in Ministry mentors are recruited both for their expertise in experiential learning and their experience in several different ministry contexts.  All mentors are trained by Thriving in Ministry at VTS and serve a specific Thriving Peer Learning Community throughout the program’s two-years.

Mentors facilitate monthly group conversations and meet one-on-one with priests who are members of their group. In addition to the robust training they receive, Thriving in Ministry mentors are compensated for their time and talent.

Pictured left: (top row from left) David Gortner, Thriving in Ministry at VTS Principal Investigator, Thriving in Ministry mentors John Harmon, Sally French, Susan Clevely, Laura Gettys (bottom row from left) Thriving in Ministry mentor Lisa McIndoo, former Thriving at VTS Program Director Carol Pinkham Oak, Thriving mentor Debra Bennett.

A Thriving in Ministry Mentor Profile: Rev. Brian Fidler

For thirty-five years, the Rev. Brian Fidler has served as an Episcopal school chaplain. He is currently retired in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Brian is a vital contributor to peer learning and trained to become a Thriving in Ministry mentor. Below are his reflections on how the power of peer learning:

There really is a chemistry to this group that Preston (co-facilitator) and I could not manufacture. I expected some congeniality, since many of chaplains knew each other, and Preston and I, through the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Due to the nature of academic communities, school chaplains are accustomed to embracing community in unique ways and to reaching out to incorporate people who are new into the community. Still, their openness to each other—and the Thriving process—surprised me.

They’re incredibly supportive of each other. For instance, Mary Ellen presented her case study at the most recent meeting, and it was spirit-spilled. Mary Ellen did a good job of asking focusing questions so that people would come prepared. In the weeks leading up to the meeting, she discussed the case with Preston and I and sent us multiple drafts to review. And her work paid off: the case study was well-designed and well-orchestrated with very specific instructions and questions. Her thoughtfulness opened the space for people to emerge in lovely and surprising ways.

Past Thriving in Ministry at VTS Mentors
include:

Rev. Leslie Stewart
Church Planters Peer Learning Community

Revs. John and Rachel Gardner
Clergy Couples Peer Learning Community

Revs. Norman Hull and Kristin Sullivan
Episcopal School Chaplains Peer Learning Community

Revs. Carol Pinkham Oak and Mary Luck Stanley
Women Expanding Leadership Peer Learning Community

Revs. Carol Pinkham Oak and Laura Gettys
Women Seeking Senior Leadership Peer Learning Community

Revs. Kammy Young, David Gortner, and Audrey Miskelley
Church Planters/Public Missioners Peer Learning Community

Revs. Debra Bennet and Milton Williams
Black Diaspora Congregations Peer Learning Community

Revs. Jocelyn Irving and John Harmon
Historic Black Churches Peer Learning Community

Rev. Rachel Nyback
Women Expanding Leadership II Peer Learning Community

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