Communitas International partners with networks across the world, supporting church plants and church planters. Launch, a joint project of Communitas International and the Scottish Network of Churches, is 10-month program for emerging church leaders and church planters in Scotland, that include multi-day residencies, weekly Zoom gatherings, on-site visits to innovative missional communities, coaching, and practical engagement in a church planting, church, or emerging ministry context as well as practical tools for sustainable, ministry through soul care practices. Craig and Lynn Sumey are a part of the leadership team developing the program.
In early February, the Launch participants and team experienced a Soul Care retreat at Pluscarden Abbey, established in the 1200s, near Elgin, Scotland. This retreat is one of two weekend residential gatherings in the Launch program and focuses on developing and practicing skills for reflection, rest, and renewal for church leaders. Many church leaders burn out because of a lack of rest or work-life balance. Learning skills for reflection, rest, and renewal help leaders persevere and enjoy ministry for the long haul, as long as God wills it.
“Soul care for a ministry leader is essential for not only their well-being, but for those they lead,” said Lynn Sumey, Launch Soul Care Facilitator. “The soul care practices we share in Launch have been a highlight for so many of our participants this year.”
A highlight was hearing from one of the brothers at the Abbey, Father Benedict, who shared about the importance of a framework for sustainable, abundant, joyful living through a Rule of Life. In reflective theology, a Rule of Life is an intentional framework of spiritual practices and relational rhythms designed to help individuals and communities abide in Christ and grow toward godliness. Rather than a legalistic set of “rules,” it is often described as a trellis—a support structure that provides the necessary guidance and stability for a vine (the soul) to flourish and bear fruit. For the participants, developing their own Rule of Life will be a focus of the final few months of Launch, helping participants establish boundaries and practices that enable them to be effective and mature leaders in the years ahead.
Joshua, a current participant in Launch, shared that this was the weekend he most looked forward to in Launch. His quiet hours in the abbey by himself allowed him to be able to listen intently to the voice of the Holy Spirit and be refreshed for his busy life serving in West London.
Through networks and partners like Launch, Communitas equips church planters and leaders with the skills they need for ministry. To learn more about Communitas International and its partners, reach out to us.
