"Because of Ministry Integrity Circles, I'm still a pastor" - David Moser
Channel: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary
Date: 2023-02-27

David Moser, pastor of Southside Fellowship in Elkhart, Indiana, shares his testimony about how Ministry Integrity Circles supported him as he helped his congregation transition into a new phase of their life together.

Learn more about Ministry Integrity Circles: https://www.ambs.edu/ministry-integrity-circles/

"A little before the pandemic, I hit a wall. A brick one."

"I began to doubt myself and my calling. South Side Fellowship needed to go in a new direction. I was not sure whether I was the pastor for that job to lead them through a time of transition. I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to stay in the ministry maybe I needed to make a transition myself. ... I reached out for help. I signed up for an Integrity Circle."

"Maybe you're a pastor who's wondering what new direction your congregation should go. Or maybe you're a pastor who's wondering if it's time to retire. Or maybe you're a pastor wondering if it's time to take up a new ministry in a new location. All of those conversations can be held safely in these Integrity circles and you can build deep connections with others who will help you make that journey."

Ministry Integrity Circles
Ministry Integrity Circles are focused on pastors facing a transition in their life and/or ministry. In this program, you will reflect theologically on your transition and develop relationships of support with peers.

Reflect theologically on your transition
As part of Ministry Integrity Circles, you will write reports on the specific ministry transitions and challenges you are facing. Each report will include a description of a ministry encounter or event and a personal reflection on the experience in order to develop better self-awareness. The reports will also include a theological reflection to frame the experience theologically and biblically, as well as discernment of possible follow-up actions or attitude shifts.

Pastors will share these reports with each other and the consultants during the gatherings. Through the sharing and conversations, pastors will gain greater awareness of what barriers stand between them and wholeness, insight into situations of brokenness around them, and clarity about how to take the next steps toward healing and restoration for themselves and the congregations they lead. 

Develop relationships of support
Through meeting and sharing together with peers, you will build relationships and gain support from others who are also navigating important life transitions. Your circle will be led by two thoughtful consultants—one with expertise in pastoral leadership and one with expertise in intercultural competence—to help you gain the needed insight and skills to navigate in your particular setting.

Each participant has the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the consultants via video for two 90-minute sessions. Each participant will take the Intercultural Development Inventory at the beginning and end of their time in the program and work to develop intercultural goals, which will help them in their time of transition.

Learn more about Ministry Integrity Circles: https://www.ambs.edu/ministry-integrity-circles/