This innovative program has been in existence since 2001 and in 2007 came under the mandate of the Centre. Previously, Starting Well was coordinated through the Ecumenical Continuing Education on Clergy Wellness committee at the Toronto School of Theology (TST). The current planning team comprises staff from the Presbyterian Church in Canada, the United Church of Canada, Emmanuel and Knox Colleges as well as representation from TST and Centre staff.

The idea for the program came out of research on the first years of ministry undergirding how critical a time this is for new ministers. This is when pastoral identity and understanding of ministry are solidified. We know that for new clergy to thrive, safe learning environments and peer and mentor relationships are essential.

Until 2009, Starting Well was a four day annual event with a residential option held only on the campus of the Toronto School of Theology. We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with the Vancouver School of Theology in order to also offer Starting Well at VST. Our next goal is offering Starting Well on the east coast.

The focus of Starting Well is to offer new clergy chance to reflect on their context and to cover a variety of topics relating to ministry over a three year cycle. Participants can enter the program at any point in its cycle and may choose to only attend for one or two years.

While initially this program was focused on Presbyterian and United Church clergy, we are open to all Christian clergy. In addition, those who serve as Designated Lay Ministers within the United Church of Canada are welcome to join us as well as Diaconal Ministers. Some denominations offer their own similar program and we encourage clergy to consider those options as well and what best fills their needs.

This event is open to those ordained or commissioned in the last 4 years and to those who participated in Starting Well for the first time 4 years ago or later. The program's modular format makes entry possible in any year of the 3-year cycle.

Content

Over a 3-year cycle, the following themes are explored at each location of Starting Well:

A: Your Role as Leader
B: Finding Balance in Ministry
C: Reading the Context for Ministry

A variety of topics are addressed each year relating to clergy well-being, identity and effective ministry, including:

• Who am I as a ministering person?
• How do I manage transitions and cope with change?
• How do I work with anxious congregations?
• How do I handle conflict?
• What is ministry in rural and urban contexts?
• What are the rules, roles and rituals?
• How do I deal with staff and key leaders?
• How do I avoid becoming a difficult person in response to others?
• How do I find balance in ministry?
• How do I address boundary/relational issues?
• How do I stay spiritually healthy?
• How do I deal with difficult behaviours?
• How do I deal with stress?

The content year varies depending on the location. Look at both locations' pages to see what is offered in a given year.

 

This event is sponsored by Emmanuel College, Knox College, the Vancouver School of Theology and denominational staff of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the United Church of Canada, with generous support from the Beatty Ryckman Trust.