WILSON, N.C. — August 30, 2023 — Barton College, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is proud to be the home of the Center for Vocation and Rural Ministry (CVRM). CVRM is focused on supporting pastors of small congregations and congregations of color in the region of Eastern North Carolina. The CVRM is supported through the generous support of Lilly Endowment, Inc., which awarded Barton College, in 2021, a generous grant for this work.
The Center, functioning as a program of the Barton College Center for Religious Studies, focuses on assisting pastors who serve in full-time and bi-vocational ministry. The program offers short-term sabbatical experiences, spiritual support, and intellectual and social opportunities, as well as the possibility of mentorship and relational development with other regional pastors.
Each year, Eastern North Carolina pastors may apply to participate in renewal experiences at no cost. These experiences offer pastors opportunities in retreat experiences, spiritual direction, and myriad holistic support. Cohort pastors focus on their well-being throughout their time in the program. As an institution, Barton College is committed to personal wellness and wholeness, and CVRM’s offerings invite local pastors to experience the same. The Center is ecumenical in nature.
The Center for Vocation and Rural Ministry is now accepting applications for the 2024 Cohort. Online applications can be made at barton.edu/cvrm/.
For more information, please contact the Reverend Malinda Fillingim, CVRM Director at mdfillingim@barton.edu or 252-399-6357.
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