These advocates are volunteers who partner with Pastoral Ministry Director Eric Schumacher to foster gospel-centered community among pastors in their region. Their role is simple but significant: build relationships, encourage pastors, and create regular opportunities for prayer and fellowship.

Each advocate helps facilitate regional gatherings, often informal breakfasts or lunches, where pastors can connect, share ministry updates, pray for one another, and find encouragement from others who understand the unique challenges of pastoral leadership.

In addition to organizing gatherings, advocates help connect pastors with resources, events, and opportunities offered through BCI. They also maintain regular contact with pastors in their region, ensuring no one feels like they are serving alone.

The time commitment is intentionally manageable, typically three to six hours per month, but the impact can be significant. When pastors know they are supported and connected, their ministries become healthier and more sustainable.

Already we are seeing encouraging signs as pastors gather, share burdens, celebrate ministry wins, and build deeper friendships across churches and communities.

The vision behind the Advocate Team is simple: healthy pastors help lead healthy churches.

We are grateful for the pastors who have stepped forward to serve in this role and for the growing community of ministry leaders across Iowa who are committed to strengthening one another in the work of the gospel.

Next week, we’ll feature profiles of each PMT Advocate along with details on where pastors can join regional gatherings for encouragement, prayer, and fellowship.