The Company of Pastors

Your congregation expects many things from you: preacher, teacher, programmer, manager, counselor! And you do a lot to meet those expectations. But what about the desire you have to help people think prayerfully and practically about the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit?

In fact, what about the desire you have to do that for yourself so that you will be prepared to help others? You know you're not alone, but it often feels like it. In response to such expressed needs of Presbyterian pastors, the Office of Theology and Worship has established The Company of Pastors.

The Company of Pastors is open to all ministers, commissioned lay pastors and Christian educators. Those who join The Company commit themselves to daily disciplines of prayer, reading of Scripture and The Book of Confessions. Members also agree to be part of a book subscription program through which they will, three times a year, buy and read selected books of theological significance for pastors. As well, they will receive a subscription to The Register, a journal of theology written by and for pastors. Join the Company of Pastors.

The Covenant of The Company

When you join The Company of Pastors, you will become part of a covenant community of colleagues who will practice common spiritual, intellectual, and vocational disciplines:

• Daily reading of Scripture using the daily lectionary readings, including the Psalms.
• Daily prayer for the congregation you serve, your colleagues, the denomination, and the church.
• Daily reflection of an assigned portion of one of the church's confessions.
• Reading of assigned theological books concerning issues of faith and life that are central to ministry. The books will be sent out automatically
• Reading of The Register of The Company of Pastors, a semi-annual theology journal written by and for pastors concerning theological matters of importance in parish ministry.
• Regular, regional gatherings with your colleagues in The Company of Pastors for prayer, discussion of readings, and reflection on theological and pastoral issues.

There is also an annual gathering for members of The Company of Pastors, as well as those who are interested in becoming members. To date, these have been held in conjunction with the General Assembly. Speakers have included William Placher, Cynthia Campbell, Thomas Long, Leanne Van Dyk, Richard Mouw, Eugene Peterson and Laura Mendenhall.

How It Works

Upon joining The Company of Pastors you will receive the following:

• A Day Book containing a two-page-per-week calendar format with
  • the daily lections and the day’s selection from one of the church’s confessions
  • suggested orders for daily prayer
• An oak plaque, laser-engraved with the logo of The Company of Pastors, as a visible reminder of your covenant with your colleagues
• Twice-yearly a copy of The Register of The Company of Pastors
• Publications in the Theology and Worship Occasional Paper series, as well as Hungryhearts, the denomination’s quarterly publication on spiritual formation.
• A copy of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s annual Mission Yearbook.

As part of this common discipline, you will also agree to be listed with our book subscription service through Presbyterian Distribution Services (PDS), which will automatically ship and bill the book selections, two times per year. These books are highly discounted and may be paid by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express or Discover) or check. You will also need a copy of The Book of Confessions, which is also available through PDS by calling (800) 524-2612.

Cost of Membership

• All pastors, commissioned lay pastors, and Christian educators: $55 for first year ($40 renewal)
• Retired/Seminarian: $30 first year ($25 renewal)
• Clergy Couple: $65 for both persons for the first year, with one copy of The Register ($50 renewal) or $80 for both persons for the first year, with two copies of The Register ($60 renewal)

To join The Company of Pastors, please see the different opportunities available on the Joining The Company page.