Listening Partner Support Network

Ministry is a unique vocation, one filled with purpose and meaning, but it can also feel lonely and isolating. Leaders need spaces where they can process experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and talk through ideas with someone who gets it, but also isn’t evaluating their performance. Sometimes peers are the best teammates, and sometimes the dynamics or politics can get in the way of genuine sharing and connecting. Sometimes it’s tricky to “take off the mask” with those in our direct community. Even for our leaders who feel they are not isolated, we don’t always feel that our direct colleagues or community are the right people to process everything with. Sometimes just an outside set of eyes and ears can bring much-needed fresh perspective. We know that when leaders feel supported, they are more resilient.

The Listening Partner Network is where leaders can turn for the support, wisdom, encouragement, and understanding they need to remain resilient and lead with confidence.

What is the Listening Partner Network?

  • A network if trained listeners who provide confidential space for pastoral leaders (clergy and lay) to process challenges and experience, explore ideas, celebrate and receive encouragement, and discern next steps

  • One-on-one conversations accessible from anywhere through a virtual platform

  • Thoughtful and non-judgemental questions to provoke meaningful, challenging, and validating conversations

  • Partnerships that are matched intentionally based on need and experience

  • Group discernment and listening conversations when a group, team, Board, committee etc. could benefit from an outside listener

What the Listening Partner Network is not:
Therapy, Coaching, Mentoring, Crisis Response

Listening Support Network Initiative Launching January 2027

Questions?

We’d love to talk with you about this new initiative from Ministry Forum. Connect with Heather Powers at heather@ministryforum.ca

Heather Powers RSW, MSW | Innovation Animator and Evaluations and Impact Assessment Specialist

Heather Powers is a Registered Social Worker, Family Therapist, and Organizational Consultant. She has worked in diverse non-profit spaces since 2009 including churches, para-church organizations, grass roots community programs, and large international development organizations. She currently has the pleasure of supporting non-profits in Canada and globally as they navigate growth and transition. With a deep background of program development and facilitation, as well as leadership development and coaching, Heather is excited to support ministry leaders across Canada by developing programing that is supportive and connecting.