Pastoral Care Director
Eric Young
In pursuit of a healthy network, the health of each minister is paramount. We are aware of the increasing level of spiritual and emotional resilience demanded of ministry leaders.
Not only do we desire to offer support and restoration, but we want to equip you with the tools you need to STAY healthy.
Our goal as a network is to provide support, coaching, a safe place for counsel, and access to resources to strengthen and equip you.
MEET your pastoral CARE TEAM
Jonathan went to David and helped him find strength in God… 1 Samuel 23:16
Finding someone who you can trust with your struggles in confidence can be difficult for ministry leaders. It can be a lonely profession as you often carry the weight of others on your shoulders while not knowing who can help hold your tired arms.
The care team is here for you as you need support. We prioritize a safe, confidential atmosphere. They are here to help you and let you know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Check out your pastoral care team below. You’ll find a variety of leaders from different walks of life who are here for you. Help & encouragement is just a call away.
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Amanda Young
Women
520-272-8406
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David Groff
North Area
928-848-9660
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Lavon Reep
Women
317-752-0542
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Jim Lopez
Native American Reservations
623-680-6892
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John Luttman
North Area
520-425-4827
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Tom Rakoczy
South Area
602-695-4116
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Roy Cheriyan
Intercultural
480-390-1217
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Jerry Strandquist
Central Area
612-802-1819
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Mark & Barbara Swee
North Area
605-366-8323
MEET your network coaches
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another… Proverbs 27:17
A coach is a thinking partner who helps you overcome assumptions and obstacles by promoting self-awareness. They ask reflective questions to discover new solutions and pathways to achieving your goals for life and ministry.
Coaching is not the same as consulting, mentoring, or counseling. Mentors and consultants provide guidance based on their experience, while counseling and therapy focus on diagnoses and treatment plans. Coaches encourage self-reflection and discovery, empowering individuals to find new paths forward.
We encourage you to contact one of our Network certified coaches below. You will find a variety of coaches from different walks of life that can assist you with one of your challenges.
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Barry Sappington
619-726-1146
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Bill Weaver
480-437-4955
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Candace Mayer
520-240-5035
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David Lopez
714-654-9560
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Gary Floyd
575-418-8861
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Joy West
520-303-7595
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Mo Howard
520-230-9962
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Russ Smith
406-396-1833
need a day off?
In ministry, our lives are often filled with busy schedules, caring for others, and pursuing ministry goals. In the midst of fervent service, it is crucial to remember that rest is not only a necessity, but, also, a means to honor God. If we are not careful, we can easily fall into burnout due to not prioritizing time to replenish our own inner reservoir. We forget that we need to take a day off and actually enjoy it! We would love to make that process easier for our AZMN pastors. Fill out this form to connect with Eric Young about getting a much needed day off.
Resources
Resources
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Community is such a powerful gift from God! A study by Barna asked the questions: “What is your preferred way to grow spiritually?” Surprisingly, 38% of people said they prefer to grow by their self…Just me, Jesus, and the Bible. Our society even pushes us to be alone & not trust. However, God’s Word actually encourages us to pursue community. Why? Because people influence people.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return in drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Sometimes all you need is an informal environment to create thoughtful discussion and for great ideas to flow. Ministry is fun when it’s not done alone. One of the ways that we do this is through our Zoom book studies. Join us as we take time to learn, grow healthy together, and take time to encourage one another each week. They are offered throughout the year, offering a variety of subjects with a variety of groups.
OUR SUMMER ZOOM BOOK STUDIES BEGIN THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY!!!
We have 3 life giving books and a health huddle this semester that we will journey together through.
On TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS, we will be going through the books DANGEROUS CALLING and SOUL CARE.
On MONDAY evenings, Amanda and I will walk through the book CHOOSING MARRIAGE with you and your spouse as we all grow in our marriages.
We are also offering an opportunity for pastors to take back their health by partnering with Fit Pastors. This Zoom huddle will be for 12 weeks and is led by Ricky Van Pay, who is a health coach and a two-time Iron Man. THE COST FOR THE FIT PASTORS HEALTH HUDDLE IS $150.
To buy the book on Amazon, click the title of the book for the study you want to join.
DANGEROUS CALLING by Paul David Tripp: Tuesday @ 9am, Thursday 10:30am
SOUL CARE by Debra Fileta: Tuesday @ 10:30am, Thursday 9am
CHOOSING MARRIAGE by Debra Fileta: Tuesday @ 7pm
FIT PASTORS HEALTH HUDDLE by Health Coach Ricky Van Pay: Monday @ 9am (no book link)
SIGN UP for our summer Zoom Book Studies by clicking here.
For questions, email Eric Young at eyoung@azag.org.
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“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16
Retreat: “An act or process of withdrawing/a place of privacy or safety/ a period of withdrawal.”
It is our prayer that you find Sabbath, are energized, and are refreshed in your ministry vision at one of the retreats offered.
Granite Hills Campgrounds:
An an AZAG Pastor you have access to the cabins at Granite Hills Campground. These cabins are available on a first come first serve basis. Find more information or reserve your free stay by contacting Jason Dyer at jdyer@ghcaz.org or 928-445-2785.
Annual Marriage Retreats
Join other minister couple from around the AZAG network for a couple of days to relax, fellowship, laugh, and enjoy a great time sharpening your marriage at the Wigwam Resort. Dates and cost are posted online and emailed out each year.
Other Retreat Resources:
Desert Fathers Collective - contact stevelummer@gmail.com
