Pastoral Excellence Project

NEBRASKA PASTORAL EXCELLENCE PROJECT
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska

The “Transforming Covenants” Nebraska Pastoral Excellence Project (NPEP) was established in 2003. This is a joint project of the Nebraska Region and the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ to develop, promote and sustain pastoral excellence among the 110 pastoral leaders of the 142 UCC and Disciple congregations in Nebraska. Since its launch in 2003, NPEP has implemented a successful model for sustaining excellence in ministry. We have created an effective statewide network of covenant groups that meet on a regular basis to empower ministers through autonomous individual learning projects. As each participant has shared learnings with the other covenant group members, a spirit of collegiality has grown through the friendships formed within this community of theological reflection upon one’s life and ministry. Through the intentional consistent gathering of clergy friends under the guidance of a group facilitator, our ministers have been able to reflect upon ministries in ways that enable them to foster excellence in each other. In one particular case, a covenant group member said that his group was the reason he was able to stay in ministry, but that was not all: the support he received from the group sustained him through some very difficult personal moments when in his depression he did not think life was worth living. In addition to mutual support, these groups have infused ministers in Nebraska with a passion for Life Long Learning. The individual learning projects have provided incredible ongoing stimulation within each group. As each individual minister reports on his or her project the entire group is able to experience a renewed passion for their vocational calling and glean new insights to strengthen their various ministries.

PROJECT GOALS AND ACTIVITIES
1. To create a covenantal infrastructure in the Nebraska Conference and Region to enhance Life Long Learning.

2. To develop a spirit of collaboration between pastor and congregation to strengthen the quality of ministry.

3. To provide multiple, varied and even experimental resources and programs to strengthen the Pastoral Leadership and congregational life.