Reports from Friends for the Journey Network Training
I first came into contact with MTM in the spring of 2002. I had undergone a difficult experience in my previous congregation where I was forced to resign. I felt very little support from my fellow colleagues in ministry. I first heard about MTM as a result of an article published in USA Today. I made contact with Charles Chandler and he told me they provided a "Healthy Transitions Wellness Retreat" for ministers who were going through similar situations that I had experienced.
With all the pain, anger, heartache, and frustration that I was going through, I thought, "Why not?" MTM was a godsend! I felt compassion and concern. After going through a long and difficult journey, I have been renewed and restored in ministry. I have referred other clergy couples to MTM and they have participated in the retreats. They have spoken very highly of the retreats and the facilitators.
Since March 2004, I have developed a network of support and care for other ministers who are "burned out" and facing pressures to resign. "Friends for the Journey Network" provides an ongoing ministry of care for ministers where they can gather and share their stories and support one another.
I continue to use the ministry in my working and counseling with clergy couples. I am serving as a specialized interim minister and as a Pastoral Care Coordinator for a district of my denomination where I am responsible for the care, encouragement, and nurture of over 80 clergy.
A pastor from Michigan
The conspiracy of silence is one of the most devastating aspects of dealing
with a forced termination from a church ministry position. The group
that engineers the process demands secrecy from the minister and family.
Ministerial colleagues seem to stay away. The minister is reluctant to
tell the story of termination as a result of not knowing who will believe
the details and understand. Frequently, the minister and family must
deal with the turmoil and uncertainty of a forced termination alone.
This is where "Friends for the Journey" has its most important impact, in our opinion. Through the training received by the FFTJ participants, we can walk alongside a minister and spouse in emotionally turbulent days following a forced termination. An important part of the healing process lies in the ability to tell the story to someone who understands and who will be available. When I experienced a forced termination, my spouse and I were fortunate to attend a Wellness Retreat. The therapeutic sharing, caring, and listening were vital to our healing process and return to ministry. Unfortunately, not everyone who suffers a forced termination has this opportunity.
That is why [my wife] and I were eager to become part of the FFTJ network. We know how important it is. We knew that we could broaden the scope of the ministry of MTM and be part of a far-reaching web of support for hurting ministers and families.
Unfortunately, more and more ministers in every region of the country need this support. That is why it is vital to provide additional training sessions to prepare others to support those wounded ministers and families.
A pastor & spouse from Kansas