Do You Minister Outside the Church?

The Montreal School of Theology (MST) has supported people with pastoral mentoring groups for nearly a decade. However, many of our graduates minster in non-parochial contexts such as hospitals, the military, prisons, or universities and colleges. It is our desire to support people doing God’s work in these contexts.

Healthcare Mentoring Groups

Beginning in the Fall 2024, we are excited to launch mentoring groups for healthcare chaplains, spiritual care providers, and psychospiritual therapists. MST deeply values the work of integrating spiritual experience with the physical, emotional, and mental lives of people. We also recognize the unique pressures faced by those ministering in the healthcare sector. This can include compassion fatigue and burnout or working in a multifaith or crisis environment.

Mentoring groups are confidential and safe places led by experienced chaplains and spiritual care providers. The groups will meet online once a month for prayer, mutual sharing, and discussion of pertinent literature. The groups also provide peer-support, peer-learning, and an opportunity to network.

Please Contact

If you are interested in joining a cohort, would like more information, or have any questions please contact the Director of Programs at Presbyterian College, Adrian Langdon, [email protected].

To register, please go here.

If you or someone you know works as a chaplain in prisons, higher education, or the military, we are interested in extending the program in these areas as well. MST is an ecumenical institution with official ties to Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Church traditions, though people from other denominations are welcome as well.

 

The Need for Spiritual Care Mentoring

In past generations, people often turned to pastors in times of crisis. However, our complex urban and secular contexts have led to a growing disconnect from the church and traditional religious practices. To fill this gap and continue God’s mission of healing in the world, chaplains, spiritual care practitioners, and psychospiritual therapists have risen in prominence.

While seminaries and denominations now incorporate counseling and psychotherapy into theological programs, ongoing support for professionals in these fields often falls through the cracks. Those ministering in hospitals, prisons, the military, higher education, and private practices face unique challenges, requiring creative support systems.

The Montreal School of Theology (MST) mentoring program is designed to provide such support. While not a replacement for seminary education or a certification program like the Canadian Council for Spiritual Care, our mentoring groups offer ongoing spiritual, personal, and intellectual support for individuals serving in these demanding contexts. Our goal is to help people thrive in these ministries.

For over a century, the Montreal School of Theology, in collaboration with the Montreal Diocesan Theological College and The Presbyterian College, has been equipping pastoral and lay leaders. Our mentoring program supports graduates, pastors, and priests from the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Churches, and welcomes participants from various traditions.