Perissos Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perissos?

Perissos is care for you, your ministry team and their spouses. Founded by pastors turned counselors, we know that proactive support is required and desired to stay healthy in the ministry. It’s a unique and challenging world for those in the ministry and Perissos facilitates bringing people in the ministry together in what we call 10:10 groups for monthly teaching and weekly support. Four to five ministry leaders or spouses, from geographically diverse areas if possible, and one trained facilitator learn, love, and work through issues together. It’s a program like none other for people in a job like none other.

How do we all get together?

Perissos uses an online platform called ZOOM. Used in many business settings, it’s a fantastic online video conferencing platform for multiple users and multiple devices. Not that we encourage it, but you technically could “meet” while you’re driving down the road or at your daughter’s dance recital.

Can I join if I’m not a Pastor?

We currently have groups for pastors or ministry leaders, both male and female. In July 2018 we launched a spouse version as well. We understand that various denominations use different terms so we’re open for all those leading a ministry in a church environment. Whether you are a pastor, priest, associate pastor, or bi-vocational lay minister, we want to care for you.

Is Perissos denominationally specific?

Nope. We are Christians that care for pastors of all Christian denominations. Different denominations (and non-denominations) experience different challenges at some level, but we feel God has created us all in his image and we foundationally deal with similar struggles. Diversity in denomination is an advantage to a healthy discussion between believers.

What is Perissos’ Statement of Beliefs?

The Bible – We believe that Scripture in its entirety originated with God and that it was given through the instrumentality of chosen men.

God – We believe that there is one true, holy God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ is the eternal second Person of the Trinity who was united forever with a true human nature by a miraculous conception and virgin birth.

Human Destiny – Death occurs for all mankind, with a resurrection of the body to a judgment determining the fate of each individual—either eternal separation from God or eternal communion with God.

Salvation – The central purpose of God’s revelation in Scripture is to call all people into fellowship with Him.

The Holy Spirit – The essential accompaniment of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ is a life of holiness and obedience, attained by believers as they submit to the Holy Spirit.

The Church – The corollary of union with Jesus Christ is that all believers become members of His body, the Church.

Faith and Practice – The Holy Scripture is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Is this counseling?

No. Although some of our facilitators may be counselors, some are life coaches or ex-pastors (or some combination of all of these) but state counseling guidelines are specific on counseling criteria. Perissos is a support group structure designed to provide encouragement, guidance and support to pastors.

Who are the facilitators?

Our facilitators are counselors and life coaches, many of whom have been directly involved in ministry as pastors or educators. They all go through a Facilitator training program to specifically equip them for leading a 10:10 group.

Is this just an accountability group?

A Perissos 10:10 group is so much more than accountability. Each group has a time of teaching and guided curriculum for growth and education. Discussion then leads to application in your personal ministry setting as participants work through current issues. And of course the group also includes prayer, support and yes, accountability.

What else does my membership cover?

In addition to the monthly teaching and weekly support, your monthly subscription provides access to current resources on pastor care, including recommended books and articles that our team finds. We provide self care resources that cater to pastors and we are available to help with issues as they arise.

Do I have to be present for every meeting?

We would hope that you can make this a part of your weekly routine for your sake but we understand things come up. Like any program you get out of it what you put into it so you are free to attend as many or a few as you like. Please understand that others that have been assigned to your group are counting on your presence so see if you can make it work out as much as possible.

Can I be in a group with my friend?

We feel that by being in groups with people you don’t know, there’s a greater freedom of vulnerability as well as the avoidance of cliques and inside stories. We do what we can to keep this dynamic in play so we would recommend against joining a group with a friend. But do have your friend sign up!

How can I be vulnerable in a group where I don’t know anyone?

It sounds counter-intuitive but we find that it’s the connections to our own churches that limit some of the freedom to share and be vulnerable. We hope to gain vulnerability and authenticity through diversity.

Can I change groups if my schedule changes?

If there is no away around your schedule conflict we can put you a new group that is starting the following month.

How many people are in my group?

Our goal is to start each group with 5 pastors and a facilitator. Some groups start with less if demographic and subscriptions call for it. We would rather start a small group than compromise the integrity of the system.

Where do the teachings come from?

We write our own curriculum based on our years of experience working with pastors and thoughts on what pastors are dealing with. Current media trends, and cultural issues are used and founded on biblical truths.

Can I buy the curriculum?

How much?

Can I use the curriculum for my staff or other ministry leaders?

Our desire is for the curriculum to be used within the setting of a Perissos subscription. We strongly desire that you use the principles taught and discussed to affect change in your organization as you feel led, but wholesale use of curriculum is discouraged. We are available to work with your staff team by scheduling time with one of our teacher’s or facilitator’s for an onsite workshop or training.

How long is my commitment?

We hope to provide continual value to your life and support you in ministry as long as you would allow us to. We feel a 12-month commitment would provide a fair assessment of value as some months teaching may not be as applicable to your walk as other months. However, there is no contractual obligation and your subscription is monthly.

Why do I need this?

If you’ve made it this far there’s a good chance you’re looking for help or know someone who is. We get it. We’ve been there. Ministry leaders are real people with real needs but an even greater persecution by the enemy. Often it feels lonely and hopeless and that’s not what God intended. Our His-Story ministry was founded in part on Genesis 2:18 where God said “it is not good for man to be alone, I will create a helpmate for you.” This includes you. You need someone alongside you, free from the politics but versed in the dialogue. We don’t want to send you to a burnout retreat to get a shot in the arm and sent back to battle, we want to walk with you now, and every week, to avoid that burnout.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes. We have partnered with church funding sources who have made dollars available for partial scholarships in some situations. If you feel you need assistance please contact our director at jody@his-story.org

Is there a group rate?

Our regular subscription fee is $129/month. During the course of the pilot program, our fee is a low $89/month for everyone. Anyone who signs up during the pilot gets to keep that rate as long as they stay in the program. After the pilot, we will offer group rates for those interested. Please contact our director for more information at jody@his-story.org for more information.