• Mentorship for New Ministers in the United Church of Canada

    Reimagining Theological Education Across the United Church of Canada Affiliated Schools: Confronting the Narrative of Decline (Lilly Endowment Inc.)

  • In an effort to address the changing landscape of ministry, Vancouver School of Theology received a grant of $9,923,200 USD from Lilly Endowment Inc. in December of 2025 to help establish Reimagining Theological Education (RTE) Across The United Church Of Canada Affiliated Schools: Confronting The Narrative Of Decline. 

    Rooted in collaboration among the eight theological institutions affiliated with the United Church of Canada—including Atlantic School of Theology (AST)—the RTE project closely aligns with the denomination’s Toward 2035 strategic plan. 

    Part of this grant includes developing and implementing a mentorship program for new ministers. This program will allow recent graduates to continue to gather regularly with their peers and with a trusted mentor, someone with experience in ministry and training in mentoring. They can bring their hopes and concerns to this group and receive support, ideas, and affirmation.

    We would appreciate if you could complete this survey to give us insight into the areas you believe to be important for ministers in their first five years. 

  • Section 1

    About you
  • What is your current role within the United Church of Canada? Select all that apply.
  • What is your primary ministry location in Atlantic Canada?
  • How many years of experience do you have in ministry or church leadership?

  • Section 2

    Understanding the needs of new ministers
  • In your experience, what are the greatest challenges facing new graduates and newly ordained ministers as they begin ministry? Select up to seven.
  • Which aspects of the transition into ministry would benefit most from ongoing mentorship? Select up to five.
  • What balance should the program strike between practical guidance and personal or spiritual support?

  • Section 3

    Designing the mentorship program
  • How frequently should mentors and mentees meet?
  • Which methods of meeting would work best for participants across Atlantic Canada? Select all that apply.
  • What topics or activities should be included in the mentorship program? Select all that apply.

  • Section 4

    Recruiting and supporting mentors
  • Would you consider serving as a mentor to an AST graduate or newly ordained minister?
  • What qualities or experience should AST prioritize when recruiting mentors? Select up to five.
  • What support or preparation would mentors need to participate effectively?
  • What would be a reasonable commitment for a volunteer mentor?

  • Section 5

    Roles of congregations and denominational partners
  • What role should congregations, regional councils, and other United Church bodies play in supporting new ministers? Select all that apply.

  • Section 6

    Accessibility and implementation
  • What factors might make it difficult for a new minister to participate? Select all that apply.

  • Section 7

    Measuring Success
  • What outcomes would indicate that the mentorship program is successful? Select up to five.
  • How should the program's effectiveness be evaluated?

  • Section 8

    Staying involved
  • Would you be interested in contributing to the development or delivery of this program?
  • What roles is the best use of your gifts and talents?

  • If you are interested in further involvement, please provide your name and contact information.

  • Should be Empty: