When Pastors Read Together

Each month, a group of pastor friends gathers in the Naga Christian Fellowship Shillong Pastor’s office for a time of shared learning, encouragement, and spiritual refreshment through book reading. These meetings begin with laughter, lighthearted teasing, and stories from our ministry contexts. The atmosphere is warm, honest, and deeply communal. We always begin with prayer – acknowledging God’s presence and inviting His guidance over our time together.

More Than a Reading Group 
Before each session, a couple of pastors are assigned to lead the discussion, preparing a reading schedule, identifying key themes, and posing thoughtful questions to provoke deeper reflection. This structure ensures we each come as more than readers – we come as participants in each other’s spiritual and intellectual growth.

Each gathering is blessed by the gracious hospitality of Rev. Vemuriyi Vadeo’s wife, Mrs. Ano Peseyie, who lovingly prepares refreshments. Her faithful service adds warmth and delight to our fellowship, reminding us that ministry flourishes not only through study but through the generosity of simple acts.

What began as a monthly reading group has grown into a spiritual and relational lifeline. These gatherings have become a sacred rhythm of connection and renewal. They are not just about reading – they are about being known, challenged, and encouraged. In a vocation that can often feel isolating, this shared pursuit has become essential to our well-being.

The Power of Reading in Community 
Books speak differently to each of us. One pastor may find theological insight, another may reflect on pastoral challenges, while someone else feels personally convicted. These diverse responses enrich our discussions and draw out deeper meaning than we might have discovered alone. We experience the blessing of collective interpretation – where the Spirit often speaks through the insights of others.

When a section of the book feels difficult or unclear, someone often shares a story, a context, or a question that brings fresh clarity. These moments not only illuminate the text but deepen our understanding of one another. The discipline of reading together fosters accountability, encourages consistency, and inspires us to press on even when life feels overwhelming.

Group reading also teaches us to listen actively, express ideas clearly, and engage respectfully with differing viewpoints. It sharpens our thinking, deepens our understanding, and fosters humility – the reminder that we do not grow in isolation, but in community.

Books That Transform Us
Some chapters we’ve read speak directly to our pastoral challenges – burnout, doubt, suffering, or the pressures of ministry. Others surprise us, stretching our thinking and igniting new ideas. But what we’ve discovered is this: when we reflect together, the impact of the book is amplified. The Holy Spirit often uses these communal moments to convict, renew, and inspire.

Difficult themes become conversation starters. We wrestle honestly, ask hard questions, and share struggles we’ve carried alone for too long. This trusted circle becomes a fellowship of the broken and the hopeful – reminding us that we are not alone in our calling.

Reading also breaks the echo chambers we sometimes fall into. A different author’s perspective may shake us out of complacency or introduce new theological depth. Laughter, tears, renewed calling, deeper conviction – these are the fruits of learning together.

Why Pastors Must Keep Learning 
Pastors cannot afford stagnation. Lifelong growth – spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and relational – is vital for effective ministry. The Gospel is unchanging, but the context in which we preach it constantly shifts. New generations bring fresh questions. Cultural realities demand thoughtful responses rooted in Scripture.

Reading widely keeps us relevant, connected, and compassionate. It equips us to better understand the people we serve – students, skeptics, strugglers, seekers. Sermons become richer when they draw from a well of learning and lived experience. Good books help us illustrate biblical truths with power and authenticity.

Today’s pastors are also called to more than preaching. We manage teams, resolve conflict, counsel the wounded, cast vision, and lead change. Reading books on leadership, trauma, emotional health, and spiritual formation expands our pastoral toolkit and ensures we serve with competence and care.

Theological depth is also essential. In an age of confusion and misinformation, we must be rooted in solid doctrine. Reading trusted Christian thinkers sharpens our discernment and deepens our biblical convictions. It strengthens us to disciple faithfully, speak truth boldly, and love wisely.

Why Group Reading Matters More Than Ever 
In today’s complex ministry landscape, group book reading offers timely support. It builds humility, sharpens insight, and strengthens fellowship. It keeps us accountable to our callings and to each other. These sessions aren’t interruptions to ministry – they sustain it.

We’ve laughed, cried, debated, prayed, and grown together. We leave these meetings lighter, wiser, and more centered in Christ. The conversations often spill into our sermons, counseling, and daily lives. We are better pastors because of them.

We also stay alert to pressing issues – mental health, addiction, technology, parenting, identity, church hurt. Reading helps us pastor with both biblical conviction and cultural sensitivity. It models discipleship, reminding our congregations that their leaders are still learning too.

Mentorship, Unity, and Mission 
These groups naturally create space for mentorship. Senior pastors offer wisdom and experience, while younger pastors contribute energy and new perspectives. These intergenerational conversations enrich everyone and foster deep unity in the Body of Christ.

There’s also a missional dimension. As we learn to engage complex issues with grace and truth, we are better equipped to reach out to seekers and skeptics. We become more confident in giving a reason for our hope – gently and respectfully (1 Peter 3:15).

Embracing the Journey Ahead 
We encourage pastors across regions, denominations, and cultures to consider starting reading fellowships. You don’t need a formal setting or elaborate resources – just a desire to grow and companions who share that hunger. Start small. Choose a book. Pray. Talk. Listen. Reflect. See what God does.

Book by book, conversation by conversation, God is renewing pastors, equipping them for ministry, and binding them together in Christlike fellowship. The ripple effects reach congregations, communities, and even beyond.
Sometimes a single paragraph sparks a sermon. A line opens the door to healing. A chapter births a ministry idea. Books can ignite not just the mind, but the spirit.

Conclusion 
Group book reading is more than a spiritual habit – it’s a transformative practice. It cultivates deeper roots in Christ and stronger ties with fellow laborers. In a noisy, hurried world, it invites us to slow down and grow together.
Dear pastor, don’t walk the path alone. Surround yourself with friends who will challenge, encourage, and sharpen you. Let good books become windows into God’s truth – and let the conversations they spark shape you into a wiser, humbler, more compassionate shepherd.

Read together. Learn together. Grow together.

In doing so, we reflect the beauty of Christian fellowship and the power of shared spiritual pursuit.

Meyu Changkiri