Welcome to Thresholds: A new name for a holy season of formation
In the Pacific Northwest Conference, we are naming, more clearly and faithfully, what many provisional clergy already know to be true: the formation program traditionally called Residence in Ministry is not simply a requirement to complete, but a holy and transformative threshold.
We are pleased to introduce Thresholds, the new name for our Conference’s Residence in Ministry program. A threshold is a sacred space of transformation—the space between calling and commissioning, between formation and full connection. Rooted in the spirit and landscape of the Pacific Northwest and grounded in our M.I.L.E. vision, Thresholds invites emerging leaders to cross boldly into deeper faithfulness, sharper justice, and embodied grace. Thresholds is not just a program; it is a community of becoming.
In recent years, the leadership of Residence in Ministry has intentionally shifted from a checklist-based model to a transformational, cohort-based experience guided by the M.I.L.E. framework, with a deeper focus on anti-racism and justice, ministry innovation in a rapidly changing context, and leadership formation rooted in covenant and community. Thresholds marks a formative pause, providing a space to deepen faith, sharpen leadership, and practice justice-rooted ministry in covenant with others.