Communities of Practice are now forming for Fall 2025. If you’re ready to apply for this opportunity, please click here to fill out the Google Form. Want to learn more about COPs? Keep reading!
What is a Clergy Community of Practice?
We have often participated in “communities of practice” without even calling it that. Whenever a group forms to work together on similar concerns, explore new ways of approaching their work or helping each other cope, they are part of a community of practice. A clergy community of practice is one that is intentionally focused on learning how to do better what we do as we interact and gather wisdom from the perspectives and practices of others in the group.
There are three necessary and interacting dimensions of a community of practice:
1. THE FOCUS IS MINISTRY: A clergy community of practice are identified by their shared interest in and their commitment to the ongoing development of competence in ministry (in a variety of settings). There are topics, issues and concerns that form a common domain of interest that creates a bond among participants.
2. THE COMMUNITY IS ESSENTIAL: As clergy engage in discussions, shared activities, help each other, and share relevant information v•äth one another, they build relationships with one another. Over time, trust develops in these relationships and members come to share their deepest questions, their expertise, as well as their uncertainties. Mutual accountability becomes a way of caring for one another.
3. KNOWLEDGE IS PRACTICE-BASED: Knowledge within a community of practice is developed and is tested through actual practice as it is refined into common wisdom. Skill develops within the group as it helps its members to craft practices that members can use to address specific issues or the growing edges of their ministry.
The combination of each of these three dimensions creates a clergy community of practice. As a clergy community of practice develops each of these dimensions will require emphasis. A trained COP facilitator can often review which of these dimensions is strong and/or which needs attention. A careful cultivation of each of these brings about the potential of a clergy community of practice to become a valued, trusted resource in the lives of clergy.
Communities of Practice Now Forming for Fall 2025
A Community of Practice is a group of 4-5 people that meets monthly to support one another in the work of ministry. They’re community focused, which means that group topics are based on the needs of the group, and resources are drawn from the group. The fee is $200 for one year, which helps honor the time the facilitator puts into planning and leading the group. We’re hoping to form two groups, one for ministers in congregational settings, the other for ministers in non-church settings. Questions? Email Amelia Richardson Dress at adress@ucclongmont.org. Already know what a COP is and ready to register? Do that here.