1. WHAT IS A TCC GROUP?
2. WHAT HAPPENS AT A TCC GROUP MEETING?
3. WHAT IS A ONE-TO-ONE SESSION?
4. WHO LEADS A TCC GROUP?
5. WHAT MAKES TCC WORK?
6. WHO NEEDS TCC?
7. HOW DOES TRAINING HAPPEN?
8. WHAT DO TCC TRAINING PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE?

WHAT IS A TCC GROUP?
TCC groups usually have ten or twelve members who covenant with one another to meet for one full day a month for at least a year. The group agrees to follow the TCC Model of group operation.

I have learned to be more of a non-anxious presence within my congregation, which I believe benefits the congregation in its confidence and focus for ministry. I have also experienced a renewal of energy and enthusiasm, which has spilled into my congregation, renewing them for service and growth, as well. I have also started a small group within my annual conference, which in the long run will benefit many churches beyond the church that I currently serve. (TMF [Texas Methodist Foundation] participant)

WHAT HAPPENS AT A TCC GROUP MEETING?
Half of the monthly meeting day is devoted to a presentation or workshop on a topic selected by the group and led by a highly qualified resource person. The other half-day is spent in a structured peer consultation process to address strategic opportunities, decisions or concerns that are presented by members of the group.

WHAT IS A ONE-TO-ONE SESSION?
Between monthly meetings, each member of the group has a one-to-one, hour-and-a-half to two-hour meeting with another participant in the group, usually the facilitator.
Conversation topics are:

  1. personal concern and support delivered in the intimacy of a one-to-one conversation
  2. follow-up on learning and action commitments from previous group meetings
  3. review of the member's experience in implementing commitments made in the group
  4. issues for presentation at the next monthly meeting.

WHO LEADS A TCC GROUP?
A trained facilitator who is not a member of the group conducts meetings. The facilitator’s role is to keep the group focused on work within the meeting structure.

WHAT MAKES TCC WORK?
TCC works because it provides a safe place for pastors and other leaders in religious organizations to bring personal and professional issues to be addressed by the collective creativity and wisdom of a group of peers. TCC has identified key components that are critical for any effective peer support group:

  • Trained, competent facilitators who organize, facilitate and maintain integrity in the group’s work.
  • One-to-one conversations that encourage accountability for learning and action in a supportive setting.
  • Solid educational content relevant to expressed needs of group members.
  • A structured process that enables a group to give peer consultation to three or four members at every meeting.

WHO NEEDS TCC?
A growing body of research and anecdotal evidence voices concern for excellence in religious leadership. For example, when the Lilly Endowment announced a grant program, “Sustaining Pastoral Excellence,” more than 700 program proposals were submitted. From these proposals, The Endowment selected sixty three religiously affiliated institutions in 25 states and the District of Columbia to receive grants totaling over 100 million. Announcing the grants, the Endowment said, “Peer group learning that is, small groups of pastors who meet regularly for several years for ongoing renewal and mutual support form the basis for most projects.” (Descriptions of all 63 funded projects are at http://www.pastoralexcellence.org)

TCC has expertise to train a cadre of facilitators to organize and conduct groups for peer learning among clergy. Training includes attention to adapting and using this model in a wide variety of contexts and circumstances.

The group helped me to see myself as a leader and gently pointed out behaviors I would not have recognized on my own. My group encouraged me when I was going through hard times at my former church, and prayed tearfully with me when I did not want to go on. My group helped to make a very crucial turn in my current appointment. Because of the group's love and support I believe I am a better pastor. (TMF participant)

HOW DOES TRAINING HAPPEN?
Training events are offered in regional centers around the United States. TCC is committed to take training to any location where ten to fifteen persons desire to be equipped as facilitators in peer support and development of religious professionals. These events are usually a three day experiential workshops.

WHAT DO TCC TRAINING PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE?
Participants can expect

  1. To experience one another in a peer learning community that uses TCC's monthly meeting model as the context for individual skill development.
  2. Hands-on experience using group development tools provided in the TCC Group Facilitator Manual.
  3. To create a personal plan for organizing a TCC peer support group. Help will be offered to adapt the TCC model to local needs and opportunities. Other topics include funding and support, recruitment, collaborating with existing programs, and action steps.
  4. To provide for their own peer support and continuing development as skilled peer group facilitators. Some form of continuing life for the training group is an option.