Early Ministry Institute (EMI) 2023

Early Ministry Institute (EMI) is a 3-year ministry initiative for Pastors in their first 5 years of ministry. This year, EMI was held in the scenic location of Silver Bay which is located on Lake George. What an ideal location. Pastors were able to take in the breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. Some played shuffleboard. Some walked the Labyrinth. Some sat on the extended wrap-around porch. And others enjoyed having the time to reflect & relax. Some did it all.

The plenaries and workshops consisted of:

·       Appreciative Inquiry (Family Systems Theory)

·       Navigating the Gospel and Politics: Addressing Racial Justice and White Privilege

·       Yes….And (an interactive improv session)

·       Nurturing Your Own Spiritual Life While Tending to Others

·       Trauma Informed Care

·       Setting Boundaries

·       You’re Not as Broke as You Think (Church Finances)

·       Navigating Personal Finances as a Pastor

·       Chaplain’s Chat

·       How to Run a Meeting

EMI helps to foster relationships, grow networks of support, provides tangible and applicable training sessions and so much more. It especially addresses the loneliness experienced by many first-call pastors. The faculty and cohort groups provide accompaniment as new pastors negotiate the growing pangs of ministry.

Our participating pastors have stated at the end of EMI they felt refreshed, revitalized, and rejuvenated. If you have answered God’s call and are wondering if EMI is for you, the answer is YES!!!!! If you have entered into your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd call, we hope you will join us next year. For more information, please contact the Synod’s Administrative Coordinator, Nichol Burris by phone: (315) 460-5282 or via email: nichol.burris@synodne.org