Navigating Transition
Change presents us with new opportunities to grow and respond to what God is calling is to do. It can also be challenging. CBOQ is committed to assisting all our churches with transitions in leadership. Whether you are a church seeking to find a pastor or you are a pastor considering retirement, we have the tools you need.
New to CBOQ
Considering ministry with CBOQ?
New to ministry with CBOQ?
If you are new to ministry in the CBOQ, we want to extend to you our warmest welcome, and express our appreciation for your partnership in ministry with us. CBOQ is comprised of about 340 churches that are distinctly Baptist, yet diverse in almost every way imaginable—in our geography, size and style of worship and breadth of ethnicities and languages. While some would find such diversity frustrating, we celebrate the opportunities that it allows us in reaching far and wide into our communities, and around our world.
For those new to the CBOQ, this may be confusing. (Learn more about the major Baptist Distinctives.) This is why we believe an orientation process to the unique facets of the CBOQ and our churches is so important.
The Orientation Process
Every ministry leader who enters the CBOQ is required to participate in an orientation process. Part of this process is an annual retreat for all those who are new or who have not yet been accredited by CBOQ.
We believe that orientation is something that blesses the new leader as much as it enriches our fellowship. Through the orientation process a new pastor or leader is exposed to many different leaders within CBOQ and has the opportunity to ask important questions and to learn about the culture, values and distinctives of our shared kingdom work.
Orientation also allows a new pastor or ministry leader to enter the accreditation and ordination process within CBOQ. Accreditation is important both for CBOQ as a whole and for a ministry leader. An accredited pastor in CBOQ receives additional support and resources that are not available to others. Accreditation provides professional credibility through association with over 500 other ministry leaders. An accredited CBOQ pastor has met certain standards that enhance their effectiveness, assure others of accountability for professional, ethical and moral behaviour, and provide a network of support, encouragement and accountability.
For a full explanation of the accreditation and ordination process within CBOQ, please see the Accreditation Manual.
Seeking Opportunities
Whether you’re just starting out, seeking a change or investigating what’s available, CBOQ has current opportunities from our family of churches—and resources to help you and your church through change.
Ministry Placement Resources
Preparing for Retirement
After caring for a congregation for many years, it can be difficult to navigate letting go. Will your congregation be well cared for? How will you manage your finances? CBOQ supports its pastors throughout their ministry lives, including through retirement or transition into interim ministry.
