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At the Turner Ministry Resource Center, we are committed to serving and supporting you in your ministry. We offer a variety of programs and services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of clergy and their families, including:
Clergy in Crisis Program
As ministers of Word and Sacrament, clergy have many responsibilities and face new challenges each day. Most of the time, the responsibilities and demands of ministry are rewarding and bring great joy, but there are times when the demands of ministry are overwhelming. The Clergy in Crisis program provides a week of intensive counseling in a relaxed setting where emotional, relational and spiritual health can be restored.
Eligibility
Any ordained clergyperson and spouse may participate. There are no geographical or denominational restrictions.
Program Information
Participants arrive on Sunday evening and stay through Friday afternoon. Consultation sessions begin Monday at the Turner Ministry Resource Center of the Pastoral Institute.
Lodging in Columbus can be arranged at a minimum fee per night. Participants may choose to stay at Callaway Gardens, a 14,000 acre, man-made landscape in a unique natural setting in Pine Mountain, GA. Callaway Gardens is approximately 30 miles from the Turner Ministry Resource Center. Transportation and meals are the participant's responsibility.
Payment for the Clergy in Crisis program is provided by either the participant's health insurance, denominational resources or the participant. We make every effort to accommodate clergy with financial constraints and a payment plan is established before the week of counseling and consultation begins.
Program Components
On Monday participants spend two to three hours assessing key personal, relational, spiritual and work-related issues with a pastoral counselor at the Turner Ministry Resource Center. On occasion, a series of psychological tests are included in the program. Typically, the clergy participant attends two to three hours of consultation each day during the week. Professional consultants from the Pastoral Institute help the participant work to clarify his or her primary concerns. At the end of the week, our professional consultants work with the clergy member to provide mutually fashioned recommendations to resolve the concerns from the week. A follow-up strategy will also be developed.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at mrc@pilink.org, 706-649-6360 or 1-800-649-6446.
Ministry Assistance Program
Geared toward ministers living outside of the Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City and Lanett, Alabama regions, the Ministry Assistance Program (MAP) provides counseling services for ministers and their families. MAP is a joint ministry between a denominational body and the Pastoral Institute that is designed to help clergy be better prepared for the challenges and demands of parish life and work. We offer this program with the assistance of a network of approved counselors predominantly in Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Clergy Assessments
The Turner Ministry Resource Center offers specialized clergy assessment and career development services for people preparing for missions and ministry as well as those already involved in ministry. Either the individual clergy member or the denominational office may request these services.
Psychological Testing
The Turner Ministry Resource Center provides testing for candidates seeking ordination or placement in the mission field. Testing provides insight into an individual's leadership abilities, personality type and psychological fitness as well as his/her preparation for ministry. Once a candidate completes the testing, he/she will meet with a clinician for an additional evaluation. Candidate referral should be completed by the denomination.
Vocational Counseling
Vocational counseling can provide direction or affirmation of a current job for pastors or other religious professionals. We are happy to assist in the evaluation process of one's current position in the ministry by offering counseling and testing services. This service is available by individual or denominational request.
Denominational Agreements
The Turner Ministry Resource Center is actively involved with a number of denominational offices to maintain awareness of the requirements for ministry. Oftentimes, we enter into a contractual relationship with a denomination or group within a denomination to provide assessments on a regular basis. These agreements pertain to the Psychological Testing Services only, but are not required.
For denominations choosing an Agreement, the following can be expected:
- A collegial relationship between staff and candidate or clergy member
- A relaxed testing location
- Professional staff members who are sensitive to the emotional aspects of the testing process
- A personal summation interview
- A comprehensive report provided to the denomination and the candidate
- Turner Ministry Resource Center staff availability for follow-up questions and concerns
Scheduling and Costs
To schedule a psychological assessment or vocational counseling or to inquire about costs, contact us at mrc@pilink.org, 706-649-6360 or 1-800-649-6446.
Leadership Development
Pastoral Leadership During the Formative Years is a program designed for those in the early years of their ministry. Assisting new pastors with examining their own self-assessment and spiritual foundation are vital elements of this experience. The principles and philosophy of servant leadership provide the model for successful pastoral leadership. Participants can expect to have their confidence enhanced and skills for ministry increased after completing this year-long program. The program consists of 10 to 12 hours in a personal mentoring relationship, plus 55 to 60 hours of experiential leadership development through three retreats. Leadership assessments, reading assignments and writing projects are all components of this program.
Additional Services
Providing leadership for congregations can be very stressful for clergy and their families. We are frequently told by clergy that they feel isolated despite the fact that they are surrounded by congregation members and staff on a daily basis. The following services have been developed to provide an outlet for clergy to cope with the stresses of pastoral leadership.
The Clergy Care Program offers comprehensive counseling, consultation and support for ministers and their families. Any ordained minister and his/her family is eligible to take advantage of this program. We want to make seeking assistance easy and will do our best to provide it in a cost-effective manner.
Weekly support groups are offered for ministers in the Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama area. Currently there are weekly groups open to all ministers. In addition, there are monthly groups for denominations and senior pastors. Please contact us at mrc@pilink.org for times and locations.
To schedule an appointment or to take part in one of these programs, please contact us at mrc@pilink.org or call 1-706-649-6360 or 1-800-649-6446.
Events
Each year the Turner Ministry Resource Center provides the following special events:
The Denominational Executives Retreat is a gathering of religious leaders throughout the Southeast. It focuses on issues of mutual concern for denominational executives and offers opportunities for fellowship across denominational lines.
The Distinguished Lecture Series attracts clergy from across the Southeast. This day-long event brings nationally known speakers to address the needs of clergy.
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