Transition into Ministry Program
Calling: Your Pastoral Identity and Formation, Identifying your gifts
Most of all, TiM has given me the opportunities to think about my call on ministry through retreats, meetings, resources, and fellowships. As a beginner pastor, it was easy for me to focus on my daily routines only. There were many things to learn and get used to in my ministry life in the last year. Among those repeating routines, TiM has helped me to be reminded of my call to ministry and even deepen it. So I could have some chances to stay away from my daily “busyness” and think about the vision for long-term ministry journey. As I have been given this support through TiM, my recent ministry focus is to help my congregation to think about “their” call and vision to live as disciples of Jesus. This is what I have learned from TiM and something I can do as a pastor in my current ministry setting.
Mentoring: Your TiM Committee and Mentor Pastor Mentoring
My relationship with Mentor pastor and TiM Committee lets me keep balance. For example, I’ve been preaching based on the lectionary calendar so far. I did some sermon series occasionally but most times, I preach based on the lectionary calendar. The reason is to avoid preaching my favorite topics only. The lectionary calendar is a kind of guideline for me to keep balance. For the same reason, I like the support system around me through TiM; Mentor Pastor, and TiM Committee. Meeting with them is the place where I can share my thoughts with them and get some feedback from them. Especially their feedback/suggestion help me to recognize blind spot in my ministry and life. Their perspectives, points of view are different to me and it is helpful. I feel like they are the supportive mirrors which helps me to see what I need to see as well as my favorite spot in my ministry.
Collegiality: TiM Cohort, Gatherings and United Methodist Connection
I am glad that I have my colleagues in TiM. As we are in the beginning phase of ministry, we can grow together. This is what I like. Of course, I have a support system such as Mentor Pastor, and TiM Committee. In addition to them, I have my colleagues whose stories are great. I’ve been enjoying listen to their ministry and life stories. Their stories give me food for thought. Their stories challenge, inspire and motivate me. Their joyful experience or creativity motivates me to come out of comfort zone. Sometimes, their stories help me to prepare for a certain situation or case. Their struggling point also can be mine at some point in my ministry setting. Their stories also let me pray. Likewise, I am grateful to know them in TiM and share stories with them.
Visioning: Your Learning Plan/Goals, Fruitfulness Grant, Your Next Steps
TiM has helped me to expand my perspective and view on ministry. Especially, I could learn about the importance of resources. I just began the fourth year of my ministry. These days, I realize the importance of continuing education. Without it, I could be stuck in my own idea and it is not healthy. In this sense, TiM helps me to have an interest in and recognize some resources and tools such as Learning Plan, Grant for Continuing Education. While I was researching about leadership conferences to apply for Continuing Education Grant, I was surprised that there were many conferences, opportunities, and lessons about Leadership. With this eye-opening experience, I still expect that my vision on ministry can be broadened through understanding and utilizing the resources/tools.