Communities of Practice

A Community of Practice (COP) as defined by Etienne Wenger are “groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.”  Not all communities are COPS; for example, a neighborhood is considered a community, but not a COP. COPs have three defining characteristics.

The Domain: The COP’s identity is defined by a shared interest and their commitment to ongoing development of competence in ministry (in a variety of settings). Topics, issues, and concerns form a common domain of interest that creates a bond among participants. They value their collective competence and learn from each other to strengthen pastoral leadership.

Typical examples of domains include Active clergy, Retired clergy, BIPOC clergy, Chaplains, New clergy to the NCNC, etc.

The Community: Members engage in joint activities and discussions, help each other, and share information. Over time, they build relationships with one another, and trust develops. Members come to share their deepest questions, their expertise, as well as uncertainties. Mutual accountability becomes their way of caring for one another.

Typical examples of shared activities include problem solving, requesting information, seeking experience, reusing assets, coordination and synergy, growing confidence, discussing new developments, and identifying gaps in competence.

The Practice: Knowledge within a community is practice-based. Knowledge is developed and tested through practice as it is refined into common wisdom. Skills develop within the group as it helps members to craft practices that members can use to address specific issues or growing edges of their ministry. This is in short, a shared practice, that takes time and sustained interaction.

Other important notes:

• COPs are not therapy groups and facilitators should have lists of mental health resources to make a good referral.
• COP facilitators are experienced pastors who love ministry, are deeply faithful theologically inquisitive, and articulate. They are emotionally mature, see themselves as learners, and respected by their peers.
• COPs regularly meet in-person, virtually, or hybrid. It’s up to the group to decide what’s best.

NCNC would like to understand what COPs already exist, plus create COPs based on your needs.

So first, do you belong to a COP? Second, are you a trained COP facilitator? Finally, do you want to join a COP? Please reach out to Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Melissa Tumaneng at melissa@ncncucc.org or call (925)430-4745 indicating your current involvement, interest, or questions. We are hoping to form COPs in the fall for those interested.

On a personal note, I have belonged to an NCNC COP for Chaplains for the past 4+ years. I also joined a BIPOC COP for Chaplains across the USA. Both are incredibly supportive and part of my self-care routine. I highly recommend considering a COP. We are not meant to be alone or do ministry alone. We need each other.