Personhood of the Pastor

An exploration of one’s sense of call will be one focus of the course.  In addition, various   contemporary methods of self-assessment will be used to increase self-understanding and to analyze pastoral leadership style.  These insights will be used to develop a personal plan for self-care.

Nancy TannerThies, is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  She has both congregational and judicatory experience.  Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston, a Masters in Religious Studies and a Doctor of Ministry from the University of Chicago.  Her doctoral work considered the development of a reformist response to new theological ideas.  She further explored how such a response might affect women's self-image, their relationship with God and their leadership in the church. 

Dr. TannerThies has additional credentials in the areas of training, mediation, congregational consultation and conflict utilization.  For more than fourteen years she was Associate Regional Minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America, working with a variety of pastors in various sized congregations.

Currently she and her husband, Roger, are proprietors and teachers at Sapattu: A Sabbath Place.  Sapattu is a small retreat center located on their five acre homestead.  She and her husband lead classes in spiritual well-being and spiritual practices.  They also provide private retreat space and facilitate church staff retreats.  Nancy also offers Spiritual Companionship to interested individuals.  She is the author of a column called “Personal Journey – Public Ministry.”  The column explores how who we are as persons is related to our ministry.

Dates:  August 2 through September 24, 2010 

Cost:  $390