Institute of Ministry Leadership

January 7 – February 25, 2027
Thursdays  12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Overview
This course is a practical  introduction to pastoral care that emphasizes pastoral care practices that are suitable in a variety of ministry contexts. We focus especially on the personal and practical ministry of the Word to the real-life contexts of discipleship, including both the character traits and the skills necessary to care well.

Learners engage with resources that provide theory and offer practices for skill development.

Intended Competencies
Our learning together in community is designed to:

      • explore the biblical, theological and practical dimensions of pastoral care
      • interweave listening techniques with spiritual principles that emphasize effective listening
      • gain exposure to issues of self-care, ethics and appropriate boundaries in the work of pastoral care

Dates and Time: Thursdays, January 7, January 21, February 4, February 18
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Location: The Bridge – Portage, MI

Instructor: Dr. Branson Parler

Cost: $600 (invoiced to your church)