Peer Learning & Wellness Groups
Overview
Connecting and Resourcing Disciples Health and Social Service Ministries
NBA calls together Peer Learning and Wellness Groups (PLWG) around common areas of ministry or professional roles. The Groups provide an opportunity for Disciples to engage in peer support and encouragement, mutual dialogue, spiritual renewal, and peer-to-peer learning.
“The peer group model is an effective way to help practitioners hone their craft and find much-needed support in the company of colleagues,” says Rev. Rebecca L. Hale, NBA Executive Vice President. “Disciples health and social service ministries benefit when we are connected in a strong network of care.” NBA also hopes, as appropriate, to hear the experiences and challenges of Disciples-related health and social service ministries in a way that allows us to deepen our effectiveness in supporting this work across the life of the church. “In each of our peer group meetings, we declare ‘you are not alone,’ creating a brave space for proclaiming our joys and challenges,” says Rev. Héctor J. Hernández Marcial, NBA Director of Community Engagement.
Our Collaborative Vision for Learning and Wellness
The vision of NBA Peer Learning & Wellness Groups is to provide an opportunity for likeminded individuals to cultivate community focused on:
- Education: Peer-to-peer learning, sharing experience and expertise on leadership/ministry related issues, and sharing resources.
- Inspiration: Spiritual renewal, self-care, peer support/encouragement.
- Justice: Each cohort gives particular attention to the current issues affecting their communities, work and/or ministries and identify collective strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of injustice.
- Well-being: Cohorts explore and experience together throughout their journey, rest, play, and renew during the virtual meetings and in-person gatherings in an effort to achieve a better balance in their lives.
The Peer Learning and Wellness Groups cultivate practices of radical care that nourish the soul, ignite the spirit, and fuel inspired leadership. Our vision of a future where no leader walks alone but is upheld by the compassionate presence of peers drives our efforts every day. By transforming isolation into belonging, we are empowering prophetic voices to lead with wisdom, courage, and hope. NBA Peer Learning and Wellness Groups:
- Create sacred spaces for peer support, horizontal accompaniment, mutual dialogue, spiritual renewal, and peer-to-peer learning for Disciples of Christ leaders around common areas of ministry and/or professional roles.
- Support leaders of Disciples-related health and social service and justice ministries and connect them and their work across the life of the church.
- Create collaborative relationships between the NBA, our nonprofit partners, Disciples Ethnic Ministries, Congregations, Regions, General Ministries, and Ecumenical Partners.