Retreating with Rev. Dr. Kristine O’Brien
This week on the podcast Rev. John Borthwick chats with Rev. Dr. Kristine O'Brien, the Executive Director of Crieff Hills Retreat Centre. Kristine reflects on her shift from congregational ministry to leading Crieff Hills, stressing how vital Sabbath rest and breaks (or "intermissions") are for avoiding burnout and sparking creativity in ministry. She talks about how taking intentional time for rest can refresh ministry leaders, helping them serve more effectively. Kristine also shares how Crieff Hills has evolved, now welcoming a variety of groups—from nonprofits to different faith traditions. The centre focuses on hospitality, spiritual renewal, and even innovative projects like ecological farming. This discussion highlights the importance of rest, creativity, and adaptability for healthy and thriving ministry.
Understanding Inter-Mission in the PCC.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada (PCC) offers a unique opportunity for its ministers known as "Inter-Mission." Established in 1992 and updated in recent years, Inter-Mission is designed to support church leaders by providing them with a dedicated period for spiritual renewal and personal growth. This policy, while primarily aimed at ministers, extends its spirit to all church workers, encouraging a holistic approach to well-being and ministry effectiveness.
Dear Ministry Leader: YOU Matter Too.
One finding that fascinated me - and connects with how we may be feeling at the moment - was this: almost 100% of pastors acknowledge that it is somewhat true that their mental health is important while half use none of the identified services for personal, spiritual, or mental health support (like counsellors, spiritual directors, coaches, psychotherapists, etc)…
What is Inter-mission?
A passionate proponent of regular sabbaticals, our Director, John shares his experience around the benefits of taking intentional breaks as a way of sustaining one for the life of ministry. If you’ve never heard of Inter-mission, then this webinar is definitely for you. The session will not be recorded since we want to ensure the safety and confidentiality of our attendees.