Ministry Foundations
Orientation and formation for ministry in the Diocese of Fredericton
Theological education provides an important foundation for ministry. But some things are best learned in the doing — through experience, relationships, questions, mistakes, reflection, and the wisdom of others who have walked the road before us.
Ministry Foundations is a year-long orientation and formation program for newly ordained clergy, newly licensed missioners, and clergy who are new to serving in the Diocese of Fredericton.
It is designed to help leaders become grounded in the life and context of our diocese while developing the practical, relational, and spiritual foundations for healthy and faithful ministry.
What will we explore?
Ministry Foundations is built around four areas:
- Formation: Growing into the person and leader God is calling you to be through prayer, reflection, and ongoing spiritual formation.
- Practice: Developing the practical skills and capacity needed for faithful, healthy, and effective ministry.
- Connection: Building relationships with peers, mentors, and the wider diocesan community as we learn and serve together.
- Place: Learning the stories, cultures, communities, and contexts of this diocese and how to listen and serve well within them.
Throughout the year, these foundations will lead us into conversations and practical learning around pastoral care and visiting, liturgy and pastoral offices, parish governance, administration and finances, difficult conversations, community engagement, mission, fundraising, sustainable ministry, and more.
More Than a Series of Workshops
Ministry Foundations is intentionally a cohort experience.
Our gatherings will include teaching, but they will also make room for prayer, meals, conversation, questions, case studies, practical exercises, and reflection on what participants are actually encountering in ministry.
We will also read and discuss selected books together throughout the year. Shared reading will give us another way to think together about vocation, compassion, relationships, leadership, and the people and communities we are called to serve.
Our Commitment: Formation happens not only through the content we explore but also through the relationships we build along the way. Participants are therefore expected to commit to the full year and to make each gathering a priority. We recognize that ministry, work, family, and unexpected circumstances will occasionally require flexibility.
Download: PROGRAM FLYER
Questions about Ministry Foundations? Contact Canon Shawn C. Branch, Director of Mission & Ministry.