Mentoring Program

Our mentoring network is a network of practicing congregational leaders from across Canada. These groups meet regularly via video conference to support one another and be equipped for service. This program began as an effort to support graduating students as they entered congregational work. Today the groups include new and seasoned leaders from across Canada who share a mutual calling to lead and serve congregations.

Our mentoring groups are communities of praxis and support the critical movement from experience to reflection and study, to new actions and experience. This process cultivates not only personal renewal in ministry, but also critical skills for leading renewal in congregations.

Monthly mentoring groups

Each of our groups is led by an experienced congregational leader and has its own rhythm and focus. Below are a few of the themes some of our groups have explored over the years.

  • Navigating Transition – For ministers navigating congregational or vocational seasons of transition
  • Spiritual Direction – For new ministers, seminarians, or anyone looking for additional spiritual direction in their vocational journey
  • Vocational Growth – Examining oneself and growth in relation to the work of ministry
  • Generosity & Stewardship – Learning and coaching stewardship in our congregations
  • Congregational Growth and Vitality – Supporting those leading change and congregational renewal

These groups provide a confidential environment for ongoing support, prayer, reflection on ministry, and soul care. The mentoring program is open to all ministers ordained to a ministry of Word and Sacrament.

If you would like to join a group or attend a group meeting as a visitor, please contact us.

An annual retreat for pastoral leaders

In addition to our monthly meetings, The Presbyterian College hosts an annual mentoring retreat on our campus in downtown Montreal. The yearly onsite meeting is a time of retreat, reflection, community building and learning. Our schedule is intentionally light and includes morning prayers and worship, selected seminars, and time for personal solitude and reflection. In addition groups enjoy the opportunity to meet face-to-face in the lovely environment of the McGill campus in Montreal.

The annual Mentoring Group retreats for 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due
to the pandemic. We are pleased to announce that the retreat will take
place in May, 2022 in conjunction with a wider conference. See here.

Why join a Mentoring Group?

  • Because serving in ministry is a lifelong journey of learning and vocational growth.
  • Ministers will further develop their leadership skills and explore effective ways of engaging a rapidly-changing world.
  • Exchange ideas and discover new church leadership strategies.
  • Foster a lifelong prayer partnerships with others.
Our current mentoring team

Joan Ashley, Jeremy Bellsmith, and Chuck Congram

Annual cost of mentoring program.

Registration fee is $250/year, September to May (the mentoring “year” ends with the conference in May). Please email us at [email protected] for more information on registration and payments.

The Presbyterian College

Leadership Centre

The Presbyterian College, shaping transformational leaders for church and community since 1865.

The Presbyterian College, Montreal
3495 University Street
Montreal, QC
H3A 2A8

Mon – Fri 9:00A.M. – 4:30P.M.
+1 514 288-5256
[email protected]

In partnership with the Montreal School of Theology, McGill University, and the Institut de Théologie pour la Francophonie.

Program Areas

The Leadership Centre of the college was established in 2015, in response to a need to support young and newly ordained pastoral leaders—the Mentoring Program was its beginning. Since that time we have worked to support the life and leadership of congregations and individuals through programs in the area of discernment, of faith and work, and of congregational vitality.

Mentoring Program Faith and Work Cong. Vitality

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” — Francis Chan

“This is our time on the history line of God. This is it. What will we do with the one deep exhale of God on this earth? For we are but a vapor and we have to make it count. We’re on. Direct us, Lord, and get us on our feet.” — Beth Moore