Lead with Courage
Ministry is not meant to be navigated alone. Bridge to Ministry supports new clergy as they move from theological education into their first call, helping them grow into confident, grounded, and faithful pastoral leaders. We offer a community of support for pastors stepping into leadership with faith, humility, and hope.
Who should apply for the Bridge to Ministry new clergy cohort?
The Bridge to Ministry cohort is designed for newly ordained or newly called ministers who are navigating the transition from seminary into the lived realities of pastoral leadership.
You should consider applying if you are:
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In your first call or within your first 1–3 years of ordained ministry and have graduated from an accredited seminary within the last 3 years.
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Experiencing the joys of ministry alongside the questions, uncertainties, and growing edges that come with early leadership
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Longing for collegial support, honest conversation, and companions who understand both the rewards and the weight of ministry
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Open to reflection, shared learning, and mutual encouragement in a cohort setting
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Seeking practices that support sustainable, resilient ministry rather than survival alone
Who should apply to serve as a facilitator for the Bridge to Ministry cohort?
Bridge to Ministry facilitators are experienced pastoral leaders who are passionate about accompanying newly ordained ministers as they transition from seminary into the lived realities of ministry. Facilitators are not expected to have all the answers; rather, they serve as skilled guides who create hospitable, reflective, and trustworthy spaces where new clergy can grow in confidence, resilience, and vocational clarity.
Ideal facilitators include:
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Ordained ministers with at least seven years of ministry experience and in good standing with their denomination
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Leaders with a commitment to sustainable ministry practices, including attention to boundaries, wellness, and vocational longevity
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Individuals skilled in group facilitation, active listening, and fostering peer learning rather than directive mentoring
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Clergy who value collegiality, confidentiality, and the formation of authentic pastoral relationships
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Ministers who are reflective about their own leadership, open to learning alongside others, and grounded in their sense of call
Facilitators should be able to hold space for both the deep joy and the real challenges of ministry—celebrating moments of pastoral fulfillment while also tending to isolation, uncertainty, and fatigue.
Bridge to Ministry facilitators serve not as experts standing apart but as companions walking alongside new clergy—helping build the bridge from classroom learning to faithful, resilient ministry.
The Bridge to Ministry Team
Sarah Allen,
Grant Director
Sarah serves on the faculty of Austin Seminary as Associate Dean of Ministerial Formation and Advanced Studies and is the Borders and Bridges Grant Director.
Angelica Gomez, Program Coordinator
Angelica provides administrative support and helps coordinate operations and communications for the Bridge to Ministry initiative ensuring the program's successful execution.
Contact us to ask a question or receive news and updates.
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