Clusters

Every senior pastor must participate in a cluster. A cluster consists of senior pastors from 5-10 churches who meet at least 6 times a year for training, fellowship, and accountability. The cluster is the entity to which the congregations and pastors are primarily accountable. The UB Discipline contains a chapter about clusters called "Connections."

Four Types of Clusters

Pastors can choose from four different types of clusters:

1. Geographical Clusters. Pastors that serve in a certain geographical area.
2. Affinity Clusters. Pastors who have the same focus, church size, ministry philosophy, whatever. This Cluster would probably involve more driving.
3. Social Clusters. A cluster that has fellowship as its primary purpose.
4. CECL. We will allow 10-15 pastors to participate in this type of Cluster, and we will help offset the costs. You can read about it here.

The Clusters are Divided into Four Regions

• East region (Pennsylvania, the Virginias, and other points east)
• Central region (Ohio)
• North region (Michigan)
• West region (Indiana and everything west of Indiana)

Bi-vocational Pastors

Because of the unique schedule of bi-vocational pastors, they aren't expected to meet regularly with a cluster. However, they will receive the training materials and should watch/read them on their own, and then set up a system to discuss the materials with others.

Staff Pastors

Only senior pastors must attend cluster meetings. Staffpersons may attend cluster meetings, but it's not required. For staffpersons, we offer annual leadership meetings in their area of specialty--youth, children, worship, pastoral care, etc.

Frequency of Meetings

Clusters must meet at least six times per year. The clusters set their own meeting dates. Clusters are encouraged to meet during the summer months for fellowship (picnic, lake day, golf, whatever).

If your church or pastor is not yet part of a cluster and you would like some direction, please contact Bishop Phil Whipple.