HIGHER CALLING:
Empowering Priests for Purposeful Ministry
We are all very familiar with Saint Paul’s quote in his Epistle to the people of Corinth: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7). In fact, our priests are cheerful givers. They give from the heart because they yearn for Christ. And it is largely through this giving spirit that so many of the spiritual lives of countless laypeople are sustained.
Being there for his flock in mind, body, and soul means everything to a priest. But our priests must also be supported in their needs, as well as encouraged to do better through opportunities to grow. This is precisely why the Metropolis of Chicago’s Higher Calling program was created.
Through Higher Calling, our priests are afforded the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their sacred roles, support their congregations, and have a positive impact on the communities in which they live and minister. To achieve this, the Metropolis is creating and implementing several programs that ensure our priests continue to be the best spiritual fathers they can be. The Metropolis of Chicago aims to achieve this by supporting our priests in each of their roles as husbands, fathers, citizens, and servants of God.
Higher Calling has been in existence for one year as of this writing and we are proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in that time. I invite you to learn more about what we’ve done and, specifically, how you can support your priests’ participation in these programs.
Fundamental to the success of Higher Calling is the promotion of self-care and well-being for our priests, including how to manage stress, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and seek support when needed. We also ask for their commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and compassionate service so others are inspired to be positive influences within the communities in which they live.
From a distance, Higher Calling may appear as business between the Metropolis and its priests. It is so much more than that. These programs, along with the intention and importance placed behind them, exist to reflect and acknowledge the sacrificial duty that our priests freely and joyfully deliver every day. My continued prayers are that the faithful of the Metropolis do God’s work to support our priests, as our priests do God’s work to bring the faithful closer to Christ.
In Christ’s love,
+ Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion
Chancellor, Holy Metropolis of Chicago
Image courtesy of Lex Alexander Photography
SPOTLIGHT: HIGHER CALLING PROGRAM DETAILS
CLERGY SERMON RETREAT
With its inaugural session held over the summer of 2023, the Clergy Sermon Retreat was created to help good preachers become great preachers. The sermon retreat was the direct result of a survey of 750 parishioners seeking to understand what they found most meaningful in the liturgical experience.
Twenty priests came together for two day-long sessions that focused on strategies for strengthening sermon preparation emphasizing an approach that integrates preaching with an ongoing spiritual life. Participants also explored the biblical and rhetorical foundations for effective preaching and learned methods for soliciting quality feedback so sermons may have a meaningful impact.
Keep an eye out for information on the 2024 Clergy Sermon Retreat at: chicago.goarch.org/clergysermonretreat
LEADERSHIP TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Two structured leadership programs were offered in 2023. These customized programs were designed to develop and enhance leadership qualities in our Priests. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, 360 feedback, practical exercises and experiential learning, participants in the Advanced Leadership courses were exposed to various concepts, strategies and techniques related to effective leadership.
Both courses helped our priests become more effective and impactful leaders in their personal and professional lives. The training provided them with the necessary skills, knowledge and mindset to support their parish, their peers and their community by teaching them how to navigate challenges, inspire others and achieve goals.
CONTINUING EDUCATION & MINISTERIAL EXCELLENCE PROGRAMS
In support of the Vision for Growth core priority, Develop Clergy, the Metropolis of Chicago implemented a Professional Development Tuition Assistance program as well as Educational Tuition Programs.
The Professional Development/Tuition Assistance Program was created in order to promote self-development and education efforts of our clergymen by providing reimbursements for many of the expenses associated with continuing education courses. The program is open to all full-time clergy of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago who are pursuing a degree or taking individual courses at approved/accredited institutions provided that the course of study is related to the priest’s current parish or a possible future assignment.
The Educational/Tuition Assistance Program reimburses Metropolis of Chicago priests up to a maximum of $10,000 per year for a degreed program or $1,500 for non-degreed continuing education through an accredited program that offers growth in an area related to his current assignment or that may lead to new opportunities.
Learn more: chicago.goarch.org/tuition-assistance
“Unity in Christ cultivates relationships with family, friends, and neighbors—bearing fruit for vibrant communities and a flourishing Church” – Metropolis of Chicago Vision for Growth
Help us accomplish our Vision and support the growth of our parishes, ministries, and philanthropic organizations.
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