Have You Heard: The NCNC Has Two New Trained Community of Practice Facilitators!

“Communities of Practice are groups of people who share a concern about a set of problems, or a passion about a topic and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.” — Etienne Wenger

The purpose of Communities of Practice (COP) is to bring seasoned clergy, new clergy, AND lay people together focusing on strengthening your ministry. The participants share a common interest in their commitment to ongoing development of competence in ministry (in various settings).

In COP knowledge within the group is developed and is tested through the member’s actual practice of ministry. Group members develop skills and craft practices that members can use to address specific issues or the growing edges of their ministry. Many authorized ministers have the participation in a COP in their call agreement.

Members of COP groups have experienced deep connection in their experiences of spiritual practices, share community, and collegiality. They have developed into long term friendships after meeting together for years. Most COP meetings are held on Zoom, but groups can meet face-to-face monthly, or for a lunch meeting once a quarter.

There are unlimited possibilities for COP groups. Some examples:

· New clergy

· Congregation and Association Moderators

· Chaplains

· Retired Clergy

· Bi-vocational pastors

· Clergy serving with Dual Standing

· Associate Pastors – Children and Youth Ministry

· Associate Pastors – Christian Education

If you are interested in becoming a part of a COP, contact Rev. Dr. Celestine Fields.