"They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither and in all they do, they prosper." (Psalm 1:3, nlt)
What is SHAPE?
Watch the SHAPE video.
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SHAPE stands for Sustaining Health And Pastoral Excellence, a ministry initiative that will provide you with a network of resources focused on you, your family, and your ministry. It is designed to increase ministry effectiveness, sustain the health of the whole person, and guide your enhanced growth as a pastor, person, and family member.
SHAPE is less a place and more a process of evaluation, support, mentoring, and cohort grouping into which a pastor is received upon meeting established criteria.
Initially, three regional centers will be established; a maximum of twenty pastors will be admitted annually into each center. Pastors and their churches enter into a three-year covenant agreement of self-discovery, collaboration with others, and commitment to the components necessary for growth. Based on individual assessments to determine their personal and professional health and to identify areas for growth, pastors will follow a personalized Life and Ministry Plan designed to produce maximum development. Each cohort group of twenty will also take advantage of training, coaching, and networking opportunities.
Why is SHAPE needed?
Pastors within the movement have called for a balanced approach to building their ministries; they have asked for practical, relational, and theological tools to help with daily ministry demands and their long term development as leaders. Pastors need safe places, safe times, and safe people. SHAPE will provide peers, counselors, mentors, and advisors to help pastors intentionally and effectively respond to the challenges they face.
Who is eligible for SHAPE?
All licensed or ordained ministers serving in Church of God congregations in these regions are welcome to apply:
- Central California
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Northern California
- Oregon
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Northern Virginia
- Washington
How will SHAPE benefit me?
SHAPE will help you...
- Get a comprehensive look at your church, your family, and your ministry through professional assessment tools and evaluation.
- Develop a personal and professional growth plan that grows as you grow.
- Network with other pastors committed to excellence, sharing, encouragement, and collegial exchange.
- Take advantage of growth opportunities such as conferences, seminars, and training events that otherwise might have been unavailable or unaffordable.
- Experience the power and joy of mentoring.
- Become intentional about being a healthy, effective pastor in the twenty-first century--as one mentored and as one who mentors.
How will SHAPE benefit my congregation?
SHAPE will help my church...
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Broaden and deepen the scope of connectivity and engagement between congregation and pastor.
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Invest in the personal health, professional growth, and meaningful partnerships of your pastor.
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Strengthen their congregation; as the pastor becomes healthier and more effective, so will the congregation--corporately and individually.
How will SHAPE benefit the Church of God?
As pastors and congregations are strengthened and discover God's vision, they will be better equipped to achieve the objectives that grow out of the good news of the gospel.
What will be required of me and my church?
The selection of pastors into a SHAPE Center is contingent upon full congregational and pastoral participation, which includes a commitment of time, financial resources, and spiritual support.
How do I apply?
If you pastor in one of the following regions, contact the appropriate individual in that region:
Questions about SHAPE can also be directed to Paul Dreger, SHAPE coordinator,
Church of God Ministries, at PDreger@chog.org and 800-848-2464, ext 3023.
For more information, contact:
