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Eighteen new clergy from around the country arrived at �Ļ�ӰԺ last summer for four days of rest, reflection and connection. As the Gaede Institute’s first New Frontiers cohort, they participated in a program designed to help sustain pastors through times of uncertainty, change and vulnerability so they can flourish throughout their careers.

“The research shows that the key to thriving in ministry is having peers and mentors outside your staff and congregation with whom you can openly and honestly share the journey,” says Christian Hoeckley, director of the Gaede Institute. “What a gift to see those relationships begin to grow just in our brief time together.”

The group, which included six �Ļ�ӰԺ alums, met with three seasoned pastors, who served as mentors. Together they took part in spiritual practices, reflective exercises and activities that build community.

Kelsey McDougal Guckenberger ’14, a pastor at Christ Community Church in Des Moines, Iowa, says the retreat provided what she needed most: space for stillness. “It’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of sermon writing, to-do lists, pastoral visits and all sorts of odds and ends that come with pastoring a small church,” she says. “It’s easy to get ready for the next thing and never be still. But so often God is in the still, small voice, and it’s easy to miss what God is doing when I’m in a hurry. New Frontiers had great space for stillness: lectio divina (divine reading), centering prayer and walks in silence. These were treasures, and I’m still seeing the fruit weeks later back at home.”

Brett Stuvland ’07, pastor of Westside United Methodist Church in Beaverton, Oregon, benefited from informal time to meet people. “I enjoyed hearing their stories and struggles and speaking openly and honestly about the fears, concerns, joys and fulfillments of being in ministry,” he says. “I started some meaningful relationships with some younger ministers and reconnected with an old partner in ministry, Doug Ranck, one of the mentors.”

Other activities included a sunrise, low-tide beach walk, a coastal cruise, a hike along Paul Willis’ trails on campus and a guided reflection on hope in the midst of uncertainty led by Lisa DeBoer, professor of art history.

“Many of these pastors face daunting upheaval and uncertainty,” Hoeckley says. “Several are in brand-new calls. Others were called to one role but find themselves with several more roles. Their congregations and denominations are also experiencing significant flux. The ground beneath them is shifting. Their energy and dedication impressed me as did their love for their work and their congregations — all without being naive about the challenges.”

The program spans a year, with three retreats in person and gatherings with their small groups as well individual meetings with their mentors that occur remotely each month.

In October, the same cohort met in Malibu with a focus on intellectual renewal. Amanda Sparkman, associate professor of biology, invited the pastors to ponder how the gospel is good news for all of creation — the acorn woodpecker and the red wolf, as well as for the human community. Felicia Song, professor of sociology, led a workshop reflecting on the harmful effects of digital practices such as replying immediately to text messages and checking email before we’re out of bed. She suggested some “counter-liturgies” that can help Christians especially resist the negative influences of our digital world.

In May 2022, the cohort returns to �Ļ�ӰԺ, where participants will explore discernment and prepare for the path ahead.

Lilly Endowment Inc. made a significant gift to create the program, which is free to ministry professionals. For more information, please �Ļ�ӰԺ newfrontiers@westmont.edu.