In May, three different ministry networks gathered pastors and pastoral leaders for conversations around clergy self care, unity, and issues arising in the last two or three years. A new gathering called New England Together was hosted by the Vox Church Network in Branford, CT. The highlight occurred when a pastor told his story of doing ministry alone and almost losing his marriage. He told pastors to be courageous enough to find a friend or group of friends where they can be real and have accountability. Immediately following this moving presentation, the host pastor invited our New England Area Team Leader, Steve Misarski, to introduce Barnabas Ministries and John 17:23 groups as a resource to pastors. If there was ever a time that pastors needed to connect, that time is now.
Less than a week later, Sean and Steve attended a Vision New England Associate Directors gathering. Among the four topics covered in two days, was the topic of unity. In the question-and-answer period, a Connecticut business leader asked if Barnabas Ministries might be a good resource to establish unity amongst pastoral leaders in New England. Pastoral leaders across New England are recognizing the need to connect in John 17:23 unity.
Rounding out the month was a gathering of pastoral leaders from the Southern New England Ministry Network (SNEMN) of the Assemblies of God. There are a number of Assembly of God pastoral leaders who benefit from the relationships they find in John 17:23 groups. Pray that more Assembly of God pastors would accept the invitation to start groups in their communities throughout New England.
As we follow up on the conversations had at all three conferences, pray that more John 17:23 groups will form. Thanks goes to our faithful volunteers, Jan Misarski, Dave Garvey, and Sandra West for reaching out and connecting with pastors at these events around our ministry table.
