Mentoring Program

Our mentoring network is a network of practicing congregational leaders from across Canada. These groups meet regularly via video conference to support one another and be equipped for service. This program began as an effort to support graduating students as they entered congregational work. Today the groups include new and seasoned leaders from across Canada who share a mutual calling to lead and serve congregations.

Our mentoring groups are communities of praxis and support the critical movement from experience to reflection and study, to new actions and experience. This process cultivates not only personal renewal in ministry, but also critical skills for leading renewal in congregations.

Monthly mentoring groups

Each of our groups is led by an experienced congregational leader and has its own rhythm and focus. Below are a few of the themes some of our groups have explored over the years.

• Navigating Transition – For ministers navigating congregational or vocational seasons of transition
• Spiritual Direction – For new ministers, seminarians, or anyone looking for additional spiritual direction in their vocational journey
• Vocational Growth – Examining oneself and growth in relation to the work of ministry
• Generosity & Stewardship – Learning and coaching stewardship in our congregations
• Congregational Growth and Vitality – Supporting those leading change and congregational renewal

These groups provide a confidential environment for ongoing support, prayer, reflection on ministry, and soul care. The mentoring program is open to all ministers ordained to a ministry of Word and Sacrament.

If you would like to join a group or attend a group meeting as a visitor, please contact us.

An annual retreat for pastoral leaders

In addition to our monthly meetings, The Presbyterian College hosts an annual mentoring retreat on our campus in downtown Montreal. The yearly onsite meeting is a time of retreat, reflection, community building and learning. Our schedule is intentionally light and includes morning prayers and worship, selected seminars, and time for personal solitude and reflection. In addition groups enjoy the opportunity to meet face-to-face in the lovely environment of the McGill campus in Montreal.

The annual Mentoring Group retreats for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due
to the pandemic. We are pleased to announce that the retreat will take
place in May, 2022 in conjunction with a wider conference. See here.

Why join a Mentoring Group?

• Because serving in ministry is a lifelong journey of learning and vocational growth.
• Ministers will further develop their leadership skills and explore effective ways of engaging a rapidly-changing world.
• Exchange ideas and discover new church leadership strategies.
• Foster a lifelong prayer partnerships with others.

Our current mentoring team

Joan Ashley, Jeremy Bellsmith, and Chuck Congram

Annual cost of mentoring program.

Registration fee is $250/year, September to May (the mentoring "year" ends with the conference in May). Please email us at [email protected] for more information on registration and payments.