RELIGIOUS & CHURCH PROFESSIONALS

The following program tracks may be of interest to religious professionals who are seeking vocational support:

Clergy Development
For clergy seeking to refresh, redirect, or change their path in ministry, or who are challenged by low to moderate conflict

Sojourners
A non-clinical program for those desiring conversation and reflection about their career direction or transition
(note: no objective testing is used in this program; it is not appropriate for ordination candidates or clergy in conflict)

Pre-retirement
For those at or approaching retirement who wish to anticipate and/or plan for what the next vocational chapter of life holds

Special Clergy Interventions
For those ministers who are referred by their denominational officials for the purpose of assessing issues of ministerial standing; typically persons who will undertake this program options have lost standing or are under censure. This program includes a formal report for the adjudicating body that includes a clear assessment of potential for rehabilitation and recommendations for a rehab plan when this applies.

The following services are available to religious professionals. The Clergy Development Program typically emphasizes counseling and coaching. Sojourner programs generally focus on consultation and often make use of the tools of spiritual direction.

Counseling
Our counselors strive to deepen clergy self-awareness of thier professional goals, objectives, and interactive style. The identification of gifts, interests, values and vision for ministry are essential. Our counselors help clergy tp assess claim professional competencies as well as potential areas of vulnerability, to explore issues related to current work difficulties and to explore emotional strain, family relationships or others sources of stress. Each clergy development program considers vocational options and/or plans for retirement or transition. Vocational, social, psychological, emotional, and financial adjustments that may lie ahead are acknowledged.

Spiritual Direction
Clergy are generally familiar with the tools of spiritual direction but a significant number of clergy have never actually spoken with a spiritual director. Faith practices can become dry or hollow and benefit from renewal. Several members of our staff (Dr. Stephen Ott and Dr. Mary Macrina Cowan) are trained spiritual directors. All arrangements for spiritual direction are made directly with them. Their contact data is available through our office and on the "Contact" page of the website.

Coaching
Our staff will assist clients to identify specific skills or capacities that need development and then construct a coaching process to broaden knowledge and improve performance. This is often done as a follow up to one of the Center’s programs. Coaching involves meeting by appointment with a counselor, either in person or by telephone. Fees for coaching will be negotiated.

Consultation
Our staff consults with search committees, ministry teams, or organizations to conduct training events, executive searches, staff/team development and leadership modules for clergy. Our services can be helpful to lay church leaders who are seeking to develop excellence in their office. Fees for consultations or workshops will be negotiated based upon half of full-day blocks of time. apply to longer.