Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, an interdenominational theological school within a Christian university rooted in the Baptist tradition, seeks a five-year grant to support its Enhancing the Mission: Beeson Divinity School and Thriving Pastors program. The program aims to help pastors thrive in congregational leadership by improving the quality of mentoring and peer relationships for pastors, especially during seasons of transition in life and ministry. Led by a faculty director and associate director, the program will: 1) organize pastoral peer groups for Beeson alumni to meet monthly for fellowship, prayer, and vocational development; and 2) host conferences and workshops for pastors to address leadership challenges encountered in specific ministry settings and transitions. Such settings include church plants or revitalizations and bi-vocational settings. Initially the program leadership will focus on three ministry transitions: 1) new pastors in the first five years in ministry; 2) clergy making a transition from assistant/associate roles to lead/senior pastor roles; and 3) pastors enduring various kinds of trauma, tragedy, or other involuntary transitions. Through its established faculty and staff and growing alumni network, Beeson aims to serve churches by enriching and supporting their pastors. Program leadership and development officers will work with school and university administration to make the program sustainable in the coming years.
Project NameEnhancing Mission: Thriving Pastors and Beeson Divinity School
Project Audience
EcumenicalMenWomenBlack/African American/African diasporaWhite
AddressBirmingham, Alabama, United States
LocationBirmingham, Alabama
Institution Type
Theological School
Denominational Tradition
Ecumenical/Interdenominational
CategoriesAssociate PastorsBlack/African American/African diasporaChurch plantersEarly CareerEcumenical/InterdenominationalForced ExitLate CareerMenMid-CareerRuralSenior PastorsSuburbanUrbanWhiteWomen
Contextual or Transitional Challenges
Senior PastorsAssociate PastorsChurch PlantersRuralUrbanSuburbanEarly CareerMid-CareerLate CareerForced Exit