Pastors and wives who do not experience the sense of isolation that often accompanies the transition from seminary life to parish ministry. Pastors whose ministries are more readily valued and accepted by their congregations. Pastor-congregation relationships that are positive and joyful and that result in extended first call ministries. Pastors who continue to develop the necessary skills to give positive and healthy leadership to their congregations. Pastors and parishes who value continuous learning as an important and on- going ingredient of pastoral ministry.
Facilitators are generally from the same geographical area as their assigned group of new pastors.
In the spring of each year when seminary candidates receive their calls, they will also receive information from the CMGS regarding the PALS program. This information includes an outline of the program and a congregational history research instrument designed to help pastors become familiar with their new parishes. In the late summer of the year, each Facilitator contacts the pastors and wives assigned to him to begin the formation of their PALS group and to arrange for a social event to provide opportunity to become acquainted with one another. He is also available to offer assistance incompleting the congregational history research instruments. PALS group meetings begin in the fall of the year, meeting the equivalent of six full days each year.