Dear Colleagues:
You do not need to be reminded that serving as an Intentional Interim Minister is challenging – and can be very lonely! Most people have no real concept of what we do, and this includes other ministers in the areas we serve.
Interims have asked for a number of years if there is a way to connect with each other in a meaningful way, even when we are in many different locations. So, I am pleased to announce that we are adding a new benefit to AIIM members in Levels 2 and 3: Peer Learning Groups. These will be groups of 5 persons who want to commit to participating in a monthly phone call for a 3-month period. There will be a facilitator for each group, and the calls will last for 60 minutes. During this time, participants will share their work, discuss what has worked (and not worked!) for them. But most importantly, you will connect with some other folks who understand and value your work. At the end of three months, participants can decide to end the group, continue their calls, or join another group.
The special cost for AIIM members is $25 per call. You will be asked to pay for the 3 months ($75) when you register. The Center will send you a reminder and phone number for calling in, about a week in advance of the call. As an added benefit, participants will earn one continuing education contact hour for each call (.1 CEU). This, of course, can be helpful to reach the CEU’s needed to maintain your level of membership.
The Peer Group facilitator will be Dr. Layne Smith. Layne is an experienced intentional interim minister, church consultant, and coach/mentor.
If you are interested in participating, please let us know by contacting Robin Danner at the Center, congreg@wakehealth.edu or 336-716-9722, by May 26. Once we know the level of participation, we will set up the groups and contact you with details for registering and establishing the first call.
Thanks for the work you do in helping congregations become healthier communities of faith!
Les
B. Leslie Robinson, Jr.
Manager of Interim Ministry Resources
Center for Congregational Health