Upcoming Events

Wise Women's Work - Community and Conversation Series

With Kendall Vanderslice, Becca Stevens, the Rev. Laura Everett, Vernée Wilkinson, the Rev. Jennifer Bailey, and Hedda Sharapan / Oct. 27, Nov. 17, 2022; Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 9, 2023 / Online

I’ve just returned from a conference hosted by the Ormond Center, marking the publication of the first comprehensive study of resources for clergy well-being ever conducted. The book resulting from the study, Caring for Clergy, is a worthwhile read. I’ll share the two hot takes raised by the study:

▪

There are so many resources for clergy out there! From pension funds and healthcare plans to faith-based counselors and care providers to continuing education programs like ours, thousands of providers, venues, and programs are committed every day to ensure that people like you have access to what you need in order to thrive in your ministry. But . . . (isn’t there always a but?).

▪	These care providers are largely disconnected from each other and from systems of accountability, leading to disparities in the quality of care and the language used to articulate what flourishing looks like. This is problematic.

We spent our three days together in "design lab" conversations, wrestling with case studies and ways forward to support depleted clergy and possibly intervene before it gets critical. The stakes are painfully high; language of PTSD is frequent among those who have led fractious communities during the pandemic. Conservative estimates suggest that at least a third of those who serve as clergy plan to leave, through early retirement or to do other work. And yet people yearn for a sense of community, purpose, and meaning more than ever—the very heart of pastoral work.

If someone were to ask you, "What would it take for you to flourish in your vocation and your community? What do you need, and how can we walk with you?", what would you say? Many of you probably have good relational support systems, spiritual disciplines, and maybe even life balance to support you. But we all have needs and wish lists, don’t we? And we all experience challenging times.

Consider this an invitation to reach out to us. How can we walk with you? Send me an e-mail at hblier@pts.edu. Let’s start a conversation about this. Remember, part of the research story is that these resources (and their good people!) are disconnected, trying to do work on behalf of pastors who often feel isolated themselves. Ironic. Let’s do what we can to turn that tide.

I can’t wait to hear from you!

Peace,
Helen Blier
Director, Continuing Education

P.S. Want to register for Wise Women? Please note that we’ll be suspending registration from close of business Oct. 25 until Oct. 28 so that we can focus on prepping for our first session on Oct. 27! Registration will reopen for those of you wishing to register for the rest of the series.

P.P.S. We’ve just concluded our biennial World Mission Initiative Conference and what a joyful return to in-person events it was! The theme of the conference explored "Missional Leadership in Disruptive Times" with the McClure Lecture keynote, delivered by Rev. Eugene Cho, and it did not disappoint. Stay tuned—we'll have the recordings up soon on the CE Resources link page!

Professor Roger Owens to Present Installation Lecture

In recognition of their academic endeavors, five faculty members will be installed Nov. 8, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. ET, into endowed chairs. We invite you to the remaining lecture ahead of the installation service this fall.

On Oct. 25, 2022, 4:30 p.m. ET, the Rev. Dr. L. Roger Owens, professor of Christian spirituality and ministry, will present the Hugh Thomson Kerr Chair in Pastoral Theology Lecture—"The Good Enough Pastor? Reimagining Pastoral Excellence for a Post-Pandemic Church". A reception will follow the lecture. Please RSVP to attend online or in person. Learn more.

And on Nov. 8, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. ET, Drs. Leanna Fuller (Joan Marshall Chair in Pastoral Care), Scott Hagley (W. Don McClure Chair in World Mission and Evangelism), Angela Hancock (Howard C. Scharfe Chair in Homiletics), Roger Owens, and Drew Smith (Henry L. Hillman Chair in Urban Ministry) will be installed into their respective chairs. Learn more.

PTS Offers Advent Devotional and Resource Kit

We are putting the finishing touches on our 2022 Advent Devotional. This free online resource provides a devotional for each day of Advent based on the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s daily lectionary. The devotionals are written by members of the PTS community focused on the theme "Rejoice!" and can be accessed in various ways:

▪ Read and listen online or print and share.
▪ Receive daily e-mails. (Scroll to the bottom of this e-mail, select "Preferences," watch for an e-mail from GoDaddy with the link to change your subscription, and pick "Devotionals (Advent & Lent)" from the list. Or enter your information online and select "Devotionals (Advent & Lent).")
▪ Download our free Android or Apple app. Visit the store and search for "Devotions - Advent & Lent."
▪ Request your printed copy. Call 412-362-5610 or e-mail reception@pts.edu.

Other downloadable Advent resources include the Big Book of Advent (multiple devotions per day), sermon ideas, prayers and liturgies, hymn suggestions, and more. Visit the Seminary's website later this month to see all the resources available.