Executive Summary:  The Barnabas Network; ABCOPAD Ministers Council

 

Clergy and their families face increasing pressure in today’s society.  The demands of church life can often be harsh.  Clergy suffer from the highest instances of stress-related illnesses, such as heart problems, depression, stress and anxiety disorders.  Clergy and their families often face a high degree of loneliness and isolation.

These needs are also presented within the American Baptist Churches of Pennsylvania

and Delaware (ABCOPAD).  Our Region is comprised of 318 churches across 6 ministry areas.  Declining church health and monetary pressures on both churches and pastors

mean difficult times and tough decisions for the future.  At present, 24 churches are

without pastors.  We have a fair number of bi-vocational pastors in the Region, and

many of our smaller congregations are currently being served by Certified Lay Ministers.  In recent years, we have seen an increase in incidents of clergy misconduct and in clergy distress.  We wish to provide care and concern for our Region pastors by establishing a network of specially-trained pastors who can help provide a place of connections as

well as necessary advice and support.  We have named this network The Barnabas Network.

The Barnabas Network will seek to come alongside of pastors and their families by

offering support and care through regular contact and fellowship.  Members of the Barnabas Network will work collaboratively with the Area Ministers of the Region to provide support and care. This will be accomplished in two phases.

Phase One will involve the development of ministry partnerships in each of our Region’s Associations.  Those partnerships will then lead to a comprehensive care program for the clergy and families of that Association.  Phase Two will involve creating events and programs that foster continued professional development for clergy. 

The ABCOPAD Ministers Council

 

The ABCOPAD Ministers Council is an active group of pastors, certified lay ministers, seminarians, and retirees.  Each year we provide a three day retreat and continuing education event, typically held in the Spring following Easter.  Pastors and spouses are encouraged to attend.  This event is well attended and provides participants with time for learning, fellowship, worship, and rest.

The Ministers Council also holds a workshop or seminar in conjunction with our Region’s Biennial.   This event is open to all.  Past presenters include Dr. Roy Medley, and Dr. Bob Roberts.

Each Biennial, the Ministers Council recognizes the ministry achievements of 2 pastors with the presentation of the Craig W. Martin Excellence in Ministry award.  This award

is given to the pastor who exemplifies excellence in all areas of his/her ministry.  One award is given to a pastor serving a church with fewer than 100 members.  The other award goes to a pastor in a church of more than 100 members.

The Barnabas Network will assist the Ministers Council in reaching out to pastors across the Region, regardless of their current membership status in our Council.  We feel very strongly that it is our responsibility to support each other in the work of ministry and to provide care in all areas.  We also feel that the needs of clergy families are often overlooked.  The Barnabas Network will seek to strengthen those relationships as well.

Below is a summary of the steps we intend to take in Phase One of the Barnabas Network.

1.		We will develop a network of care throughout each Association of ABCOPAD.
	a.	The Ministers Council Executive Committee will request that each Area Minister provide a list of names of those persons within their area who could potentially participate in the Barnabas Network.  Those pastors suggested must be current dues-paying members of the Ministers Council.
	b.	The Ministers Council Executive Committee will meet to consider the suggested names.  The Ministers Council Executive Committee will then make contact (either by phone or personally) with those chosen and invite them to become part of the Barnabas Network.  The Ministers Council Executive Committee will provide those persons selected with the necessary information and outline the expectations and anticipated time commitment that will be asked of them.
		Make a minimum of 2 personal contacts with the pastors of the Association per each calendar year. One of those visits should be a personal visit. If the pastor is experiencing health issues, or a difficult time in his/her ministry or family, make an effort to be present with that pastor whenever possible. Recognize special events in the life of the pastor and his/her family Contact the Area Minister if there are significant concerns that arise in the context of these visits.
	c.	The Ministers Council Executive Committee will work with the Area Ministers to create a contact file for each Association.  Contact files will be provided to the Barnabas Network pastor for that Association.  Contact files should include the following information: Name of Church Address of Church and Phone Number Name of Pastor Names of Pastor’s Spouse and Children (if applicable) Address of Pastor’s Residence and Phone Number Date pastor began ministry at the church Date of Certification or Ordination Significant Days in the Pastor’s Family life:  birthdays, anniversaries Area Ministers should also provide the same information for any Certified Lay Ministers within that Association who are not currently serving churches, retirees, and any additional professional church leaders within that Association.  Area Ministers should feel free to share additional information as is appropriate.
	d.	The Ministers Council Executive Committee will also establish an alternate Barnabas Network representative for each Association, who will be trained as well.
	e.	In early 2008 (Target Date), the Region and the Ministers Council Executive Committee will design and provide and training and fellowship event for all participants in the network.  This will include members of the Executive Committee, pastors who will be serving each Association and their alternates, Area Ministers, and MMBB representative Ken Stout.   This event will provide opportunity for training in several areas, such as making contacts and scheduling, identifying stress and trouble spots. building relationships that foster support and care for one another,  and the unique needs of clergy families.  Ample time for fellowship and worship will be built into the event. Leadership for this event will be chosen by the Executive Committee.
	f.	Contact information for network participants will be published in the Region’s Notes and News and posted on the Region website (www.abcopad.org).  Each Barnabas Network representative will be asked to write a personal letter of  introduction to all of the pastors in his/her care immediately upon the launch of the Network.
	g.	Target launch date for Phase 1:  first quarter 2008.

How the Current Leadership of the Ministers Council will participate in the Barnabas Network

 

All members of the ABCOPAD Ministers Council Executive Committee will serve as their Association’s Barnabas Network leader.  They will subsequently be involved in helping to select and train other pastors who can participate as well. 

Each Network leader will use his/her own personal phone when making contacts.  The Ministers Council will reimburse leaders for expenses related to their participation in the Barnabas Network.  Those anticipated costs include postage, phone costs, and hospitality expenses.  Each leader will be reimbursed up a specified per annum.

 

Budget Proposal for the Barnabas Network

 

The Barnabas Network requests the following funds:

 

Total Funds Requested                                                                      $2,500.00

 

• These funds will provide a modest reimbursement for each Barnabas Network representative.  Reimbursable items include postage costs, telephone calls, travel at the Region’s volunteer rate ( 0.21 per mile), and hospitality expenses.  All expenses must be documents and supported by receipts.  Each Barnabas Network representative will receive $100 for expenses during the calendar year.

 

If granted, funds for the Barnabas Network will be maintained in a separate account not tied to the ABCOPAD Ministers Council treasury.  This account will be administered by a member of the Executive Committee, who will be responsible for disbursements from the account and regular reporting to the Executive Committee.

 

Responsible Staff

 

ABCOPAD Ministers Council President

                 Rev. Margie McCarty

 

Vice President

              Pastor Kathy Griffith

 

Treasurer

              Rev. John Reynolds

 

Secretary

              Rev. Paul Fitzgerald

 

Members at Large

              Pastor Mary Bryant

              Pastor Ken Knapp

              Pastor Marcia Shaffer

 

Area Ministers

              Rev. Richard McIntyre

              Rev. Dale Miller

              Rev. Don Girdwood

              Rev. Nathan Williams

              Dr. David Skinner 

                                 

Contact Information

 

Rev. Margie McCarty

PO Box 59

Clifford, PA  18413

(570)222-2288  home     (570)806-1289  cell

twopastrs@yahoo.com

 

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