Effective pastoral care starts with a well-executed search and hiring process. The ongoing health of pastoral leaders is vital, not only for themselves, but for the health of the congregations they lead. A resilient life in leadership requires self-care within a community of care, supplemented with external resources that may be required from time to time.
Self-care
Resilient Life Worksheet: A two-page guide to help you reflect on restoring resilience in areas of your life.
Staff evaluations
Annual performance evaluations are critical to the health of the pastor's relationship with the Board, other staff, and the congregation. Our goal is to provide resources that will strengthen this part of proactive care.
Sample evaluation forms are provided as they are developed.
Senior Pastor - sample evaluation form A
- sample evaluation form B
Strategic Pastoral Networks (SPN)
For information on patoral networks see Church Effectiveness section.
Pastoral transitions
Planning for Transitions: A guide to preparing well in advance for an effective transition between Senior Pastors.
Pastor's Wives
"Encouragement for the Pastor's Wife" A resource section offered by Kay Warren, wife of pastor Rick Warren.
Partners in Care
The following organizations and individuals are available as part of a network of care for individuals who need rest, renewal or change. Inclusion in this list should not be understood as endorsement of everything that may be provided, but these resources have repeatedly proven to be helpful.
Fairhaven Ministries
Fairhaven Ministries is a non-denominational, registered, charitable society committed to providing a retreat ministry where Christian leaders can be encouraged, supported, and restored physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Located 15 minutes from Vernon, BC.
Second Wind Ministries
Dr. Ed Drewlo's ministry of care for pastors who need renewal, effective assessment and assistance in times of transition and for churches who employ them.
Oasis Ministries
Oasis is a small group 5 day retreat sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, Canada. Designed for those in church or missions ministry, it is here that the special spiritual, psychological, mental, physical and leadership needs of those in professional Christian ministry are understood and addressed. With a maximum of 12 people per retreat, couples and singles have plenty of time for interaction with each other and the staff while pursuing presonal refreshment and renewal.
Clergy Care Network
The Clergy Care Network is a ministry based out of Focus on the Family Canada. With the support of Canadian denominations, we exist to provide confidential support and encouragement to Canadian pastors, their spouses and their children. Our toll-free line 9-888-5-CLERGY provides information, consultation, counselling, resources and referrals.