Clergy Training Part of Vital Church Initiative

When Brighton First agreed to adopt the recommendations of the Vital Church Initiative Consultation Team, the congregation understood that they were accepting a two-year process that would bring significant changes to Brighton First's ministry. One part of the process that was not mentioned in the consultation document was that Brighton First's clergy would be required to enroll in a VCI Clergy Peer Mentoring Group.

A group of clergy whose church's are in the midst of VCI recommendations meets monthly. Brighton First hosts the Thursday morning gathering, which includes clergy from Central UMC of Waterford, First UMC of Adrian, Hope UMC of Flint, and St. Matthews UMC of Livonia. Rev. Rick Dake, the senior pastor at Clarkston UMC, is our facilitator.

First UMC of Adrian

This last week, at our June meeting, one of the clergy said, "Remind me again. Why are we doing this?" His question brought laughter and knowing nods from the other clergy. Implementation of VCI is a time-consuming project for church leaders. Clergy are involved in program development, strategic planning, and developing new team for ministry. Along with the regular responsibilities of clergy, this might seem enough. However, as part of the the VCI Clergy Peer Mentoring Group, clergy are required to read an assigned book and be prepared to discuss it monthly.

Under normal circumstances this would not be that challenging, but with VCI implementation, clergy, staff and church members are already reading several books connected to implementation of prescriptions for the church.

My clergy colleague's question rose out of frustration. It's hard to keep up with all that needs to be done.

Rev. Dake asked the group to share their thoughts about the monthly clergy group meeting. What parts of the meeting were helping their ministry and which were not? I shared that the monthly meeting was holding me accountable. I'm not sure I would read as much about church leadership or work on my leadership skills if I did not have a deadline. In addition, I told the group that I appreciated being with colleagues that are experiencing the same challenges and joys that I am.

Central UMC of Waterford

When the group was finished sharing their perspectives, Rev. Dake said, "The two years of intense study is a two year process of intervention for clergy." I'll admit that I hadn't thought of the clergy group in this way. Dake explained that the most effective way to lead churches toward vital ministry was to have well-trained, committed pastors. Early on in developing the VCI process, leaders determined that the two years of intense clergy training would be necessary for success.

If I had any notion that church vitality would come simply by making changes at the church, I was reminded in this conversation that I was wrong. Dynamic church ministry requires dynamic, committed, well-trained church leadership.

St. Matthews of Livonia

Today I am giving thanks to the congregation of Brighton First for allowing me to be a part of the Vital Church Initiative process. I am a better pastor for it. I am blessed.