Affinity Groups are pastors gathered, with a facilitator, for support and accountability in ministry.  These groups of 5 to 6 clergy meet for 2 to 3 hours about once a month.  The group usually meets during the school year, with some flexibility to accommodate the extra demands associated with certain times in the church year. The cost for 10 sessions is $200, which  Consultation to Clergy recommends be shared equally by the pastor and his or her congregation.  Since this kind of ongoing support is considered to be very important, no one is ever been denied access to a group because of financial restraints.    Consultation to Clergy has also allowed pastors from other denominations to participate.

 

Studies by researchers have indicated that the presence of a facilitator has a major impact in pastoral support groups.  Accountability tends to be higher and a higher level of challenge is possible.  A great variety of meeting formats are possible, depending on the interest or strengths of the group members.  Affinity group sessions usually have the following elements:

            Prayer and reflection on scripture

            Check-in (a time of general catch up)

            Specific feedback (someone asks for help on a ministry or personal issue)

            Case study (someone comes prepared to discuss a specific ministry situation)

            Study (books or articles on relevant topics are worked over)

 

The usual approach to issues has been from a Bowen theory perspective, but this will depend upon the theoretical orientation of the facilitator. When Bowen theory is the theoretical framework, then the participants are invited to reflect upon their functioning in the context of the emotional process in their family of origin.

 

Formation of a group can be initiated by anyone interested person.  All you have to do is find four other pastors who are interested, then contact CTC for a list of approved facilitators (or you may suggest someone with facilitation training), and you are on your way.