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The Presbytery Pastoral Care
Network serves two primary functions within the PCUSA -
-
to offer
support for the care-givers within presbyteries and synods who
are seeking to provide support systems for ministers in their
care, and
-
to
encourage the sharing of information and resources within the
structures of our denomination for enhancing the care and
support of church professionals.
Those of us
involved in the PPCN believe that our efforts to promote clergy
self-care and accountability within our presbyteries is the key to
strengthening both the individual practice of ministry and the
institutional health of congregations and other expressions of
ministry in our church. Most presbyteries recognize the signs of
stress that ministers sometimes manifest in their work- clergy
burn-out, congregational conflicts, sexual misconduct or other
boundary violations, feelings of isolation, marital and family
problems, etc. One of the challenges in providing effective care
and support for ministers in our denomination is to encourage
clergy care-givers to move from crisis intervention to the
promotion of clergy emotional health and professional
accountability. The PPCN seeks to bring together those around
our denomination who are concerned about these issues to share
resources and creative ways to help support ministers and their
families personally, professionally, and spiritually.
One of the
benefits of membership in the PPCN is the opportunities this
association creates for the cross-sharing of successful models and
practices that presbyteries have put in place to provide care and
support for their church professionals. Moreover, our network
seeks to examine the research on clergy wellness being conducted
across many denominations and to identify practical resources to
help equip presbyteries for exercising pastoral care for their
ministers. Otherwise, we get together as often as possible to
refresh our Spirits, coach one another, laugh, cry and cajole
while thinking "outside the box" about ways we can be
"Gracefully Reformed and Always Joyfully Reforming."
If you are
involved in or concerned about the care and support of church
professionals in your presbytery, then get a life and Care
to Join us!
