What are Connection Groups?
They are small groups of pastoral peers that meet to grow each other in health and effectiveness in both their personal lives and ministries. These groups are a priority for the ongoing development of strong, collaborative local church mission in the region. While we don’t have a functioning group in every locale yet, many are taking shape in exciting ways. We believe they will be the key to an increasing, Christ-centered impact through us and among us.
And why are they a priority? Simple. Studies over many years including some very recent ones indicate that pastors who participate in peer groups like these are healthier and have more longevity, effective ministry, growing congregations, greater community impact, happier families and an overall better experience in ministry effectiveness than those not connected to groups. A full report on one of the studies can be found at www.austinseminary.edu/cpl.
Bert Downs – The Importance of Mentoring http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=797U4-2rhlk&feature=related
Our current groups and contacts are listed below:
VALLEY CHURCHES:
East Valley - Ed Clavell, SWCC Regional Facilitator, eclavell@swchurchconnection.org
Central and North Phoenix - Dan Gavaza, Palmcroft Baptist, dang@palmcroft.com & Dan Eymann, North Mountain Church, pastordan@northmountainchurch.org
West Valley - Steve Doerkson, Mountain Vista Community Church, Buckeye, pastor@mtvistaonline.org
COPPER REGION: Joe Palmer, Fellowship Baptist, Kearny, joeandsuzy@myway.com
NORTHERN ARIZONA & UTAH: Wayne Ballard, Grace Baptist, Chino Valley, pastorwayne@cvgrace.com
SOUTH EASTERN ARIZONA: AB Blair, FBC Benson, bensonfbc@qwestoffice.net
SOUTHERN ARIZONA & TUCSON: Steve Van Kley, Canyon Del Oro, Tucson, svankley@cdobaptist.org
WESTERN ARIZONA & NEVADA: Rick Seltzer, Grace Bible, Yuma, pastorrick@gracebibleyuma.org
