Leadership Development at Brighton First

Growing vital churches make it a practice to be continually developing and equipping leaders. The Vital Church Initiative Consultation Report observed that while Brighton First is blessed with wonderful people resources in its congregation, there is little effort to develop, train, deploy and encourage leadership. The congregation agreed, by voting to implement the consultation report, to strengthen leadership development.

The first action was carried out in December 2015 and January 2016, when there was a church-wide call to take part in a Spiritual Gifts Inventory. The Inventory, authored by Rev. Loretta Job, provided many congregation members with insights into their spiritual gifts and how those gifts could be used in ministry within the church and beyond. Brighton First now has a database of church members' spiritual gifts, and leaders are able to use the information to seek out those who have gifts for particular areas of service. In addition, the database continues to grow as new church members are encouraged to complete the inventory. It is also the plan that there will be an annual call for those who have not completed the Spiritual Gifts Inventory to do so.

As another part of leadership development, the senior pastor is tasked with providing clear, measurable goals for church staff and all church leaders. This process has begun with the Staff-Parish working to clarify staff job descriptions. Once this process is done, goals based on the mission and vision of the church can be developed. Goals for boards and committees within the church are nearing completion with the development of a Strategic Plan that should be in place by the fall.

When Bob Fuchs was approved to become a candidate
for pastoral ministry, the congregation commissioned him
in prayer.

A third portion of leadership development includes training for leaders. Bob Fuchs, Director of Discipleship, is assisting me in developing an on-going training program for church leaders. The short-term class will include education about the mission and vision of Brighton First, development of individual spiritual practices, and training in leadership skills and intentional goal setting. Those who attend the class will receive a booklet that will answer basic administrative questions. The majority of class time will be used to develop skills for faith-filled leadership.

I have determined that while it is a joy for me to lead Bible studies and other topical classes, my teaching time must be spent in leadership development. I look forward to the first leadership course this semester and to implementing on-going training for our church leaders. Please keep leadership development at Brighton First in prayer.

Finally, the leaders of Brighton First are determined to continue as a church with a "culture of call". This means that we are not only committed to developing leadership for the local church, but for the greater church. Brighton First nurtures, encourages and equips those who are called into professional ministry. While this is not a stated goal of the Vital Church Initiative, we recognize the importance of this work and have included it in our Strategic Plan.