General Theological Seminary (GTS) seniors recently received an invitation to be part of Launching into Ministry, a mentoring program for clergy in their initial years of ministry. Research shows that mentoring in the first three years of the practice of ministry makes a significant difference for healthy habits and holy leadership formation.  With a mentor, new clergy navigate the transition from seminary to parish with support, a safe place to reflect, and timely answers to questions.  

A program of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), Launching into Ministry is a two-year program that provides one-on-one mentoring and peer relationships. Lifelong Learning invests in GTS and VTS alumni/ae with life-long and life-wide formation.  
 Forging a relationship with a mentor enables new clergy to build a solid foundation of pastoral identity that is informed by the type of practices and knowledge that will serve them throughout their career.  

The Launching into Ministry team provides resources to spark introductory conversations with potential mentors and support the mentor/mentee relationship. As a GTS student, to learn more about the program and opt in contact Carol Pinkham Oak, cpinkhamoak@vts.edu. As a GTS graduate to learn about mentoring through Launching, contact Carol Pinkham Oak – cpinkhamoak@vts.edu