“SHAPE taught me how to be a human being,
not just a human doing…
I have learned to better understand others….
[and] greatly enhanced my attitude and ministry…”

The SHAPE Ministry Initiative—designed to promote, facilitate, and sustain pastoral health and excellence in the Church of God—is providing significant assistance to pastors in several regions across the United States: Florida, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, California, Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Hundreds of pastors and leaders across the US are participating in SHAPE or serving as coaches.

Here are comments from SHAPE participants:

“I started out burned out and SHAPE has helped unburn me.”

“For me, SHAPE is an answer to a prayer and a felt need that I have had in my heart for over ten years. I have longed for relationships with peers that are based on mutual accountability, trust, confidentiality, and, most of all, common ground in terms of need and vulnerability. While I know that we are one of three charter groups for the program and that all the details are not in place yet, I desire to be on the ground floor of helping to shape SHAPE! I am looking forward to growing together with the brothers in my peer cluster group, and I am excited about the relationships that I hope and pray will become lifetime experiences for all of us in my cluster!”

“Since accepting my call to the ministry three years ago, I've been seeking structured guidance and a relationship with other pastors that would help me along the way. SHAPE promises to be all that and more! The few hours spent this past week at the Cohort Retreat, laying the foundation for the three years ahead, were inspirational, educational, and Spirit-filled. I don't feel as alone anymore. I'm convinced that much will be gained by participating in my group. They have agreed to challenge and sharpen me—hold me accountable. This will be a great opportunity for growth and I plan to take full advantage.”

“I have developed much needed close relationships with other ministers…. we laugh, cry, pray, and encourage one another.”

SHAPE continues to be a growing ministry across the US. New cohorts are being formed in all areas. Launches are being planned for Western Canada and parts of the Eastern States. The desire is to make SHAPE available to as many Church of God pastors as possible. Providing this resource for pastoral health is seen as a critical outreach to create a dynamic culture of pastoral support and cooperative efforts within the Church of God movement. Given the significance of this effort, plans to sustain the SHAPE Initiative into the future are ongoing.

If you are interested in participating in SHAPE and live and minister in one of these regions, please contact one of these persons for application information and for deadlines.

“…every minister should take advantage of this program. The spiritual growth, personal growth, vocational growth, the challenge and encouragement of brothers and sisters in Christ….”

If you want more information about SHAPE, click here.