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.

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.

Praying for Our Church and Our Community

As part of Pastor Sherry and Deacon Loretta's continuing education, we are reading Prayer-walking: Praying on Site with Insight by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick. Our reading is part of our on going work with a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentor Group.

Prayer-walking begins by establishing prayer walking as a biblical practice. Abraham, Joshua and Jesus all prayed as they walked.

The authors, Hawthorne and Graham, suggest that the practice of prayer walking can bring our spiritual focus to our church and community. It can also prepare a community to receive the movement of God's Holy Spirit.

"Ordinary believers are stepping into the streets to pray effectively for their neighbors. With eyes open to real needs and with ears open to the promptings of God's Spirit, intercession becomes an adventure."

I remember Bishop Ott, a former United Methodist Bishop for the Michigan Area, telling the story of walking around and around a new church building with an entire congregation. They prayed intentionally for powerful ministry and outreach in their neighborhood before dedicating their new church building.

What would happen if we begin to walk in our own neighborhood, intentionally praying for our neighbors and asking God for opportunities to connect with our neighbors?

Praying for Our Church and Our Community

As part of Pastor Sherry and Deacon Loretta's continuing education, we are reading Prayer-walking: Praying on Site with Insight by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick. Our reading is part of our on going work with a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentor Group.

Prayer-walking begins by establishing prayer walking as a biblical practice. Abraham, Joshua and Jesus all prayed as they walked.

The authors, Hawthorne and Graham, suggest that the practice of prayer walking can bring our spiritual focus to our church and community. It can also prepare a community to receive the movement of God's Holy Spirit.

"Ordinary believers are stepping into the streets to pray effectively for their neighbors. With eyes open to real needs and with ears open to the promptings of God's Spirit, intercession becomes an adventure."

I remember Bishop Ott, a former United Methodist Bishop for the Michigan Area, telling the story of walking around and around a new church building with an entire congregation. They prayed intentionally for powerful ministry and outreach in their neighborhood before dedicating their new church building.

What would happen if we begin to walk in our own neighborhood, intentionally praying for our neighbors and asking God for opportunities to connect with our neighbors?

Lead Like Jesus: A Leadership Model Filled with Grace

As part of a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentoring Group, Deacon Loretta and I meet monthly with other clergy leaders who are part of Vital Church Initiative. Each month we are asked to read a book on leadership or spiritual practices. I recently finished the assigned reading Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) and Phil Hodges.

The authors suggest that in his life on earth, Jesus modeled effective leadership. The book is separated into four specific characteristics, The heart, head, hands and habits of servant leaders. While some of the conclusions of the authors, seem to simply tie Jesus' leadership style to leadership prescriptions popular today, there are some thought-provoking sections.

Blanchard and Hodges emphasize that Jesus put the interest of others over his own. They spend time helping readers to sort out whether their "EGO" is "edging God out" or "exalting God only". There is a difference between a self-serving leader and a servant leader. The servant leader accepts feedback graciously and seeks to grow with it. The servant leader assumes that there will be a successor and works to empower other leaders. The servant leader understands they have been entrusted with responsibility only for a season, and they hold leadership humbly.

I was especially interested in the authors' guide for the habits needed to lead like Jesus. The list of leadership habits are helpful for anyone in any sort of leadership role, in business, the church or at home:
      The Habit of Solitude - take time for quiet to rest in God.
      The Habit of Prayer - look to the Gospels, examine Jesus' prayer habits, practice them
      The Habit of Dwelling in the Word - use the Bible as a guide for daily living
      The Habit of Trusting in God's Unconditional Love - lead with trust and hope in God
      The Habit of Intimate Community - develop a circle of friends for support and accountability

At the end of the book, Blanchard and Hodges make a case for leading like Jesus. They suggest that their is spiritual benefit at servant leaders seek the reign of God, honor God and put the love of Jesus into action. Practical reasons for leading like Jesus include: providing better service and leadership and closing the gap we tend to create between success and significance. Leading like Jesus means to work for meaning in our lives.

I would recommend this book to leaders who are seeking to reflect Jesus in their leadership style, no matter the area in which they lead.

Lead Like Jesus: A Leadership Model Filled with Grace

As part of a Vital Church Initiative Clergy Mentoring Group, Deacon Loretta and I meet monthly with other clergy leaders who are part of Vital Church Initiative. Each month we are asked to read a book on leadership or spiritual practices. I recently finished the assigned reading Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard (author of The One Minute Manager) and Phil Hodges.

The authors suggest that in his life on earth, Jesus modeled effective leadership. The book is separated into four specific characteristics, The heart, head, hands and habits of servant leaders. While some of the conclusions of the authors, seem to simply tie Jesus' leadership style to leadership prescriptions popular today, there are some thought-provoking sections.

Blanchard and Hodges emphasize that Jesus put the interest of others over his own. They spend time helping readers to sort out whether their "EGO" is "edging God out" or "exalting God only". There is a difference between a self-serving leader and a servant leader. The servant leader accepts feedback graciously and seeks to grow with it. The servant leader assumes that there will be a successor and works to empower other leaders. The servant leader understands they have been entrusted with responsibility only for a season, and they hold leadership humbly.

I was especially interested in the authors' guide for the habits needed to lead like Jesus. The list of leadership habits are helpful for anyone in any sort of leadership role, in business, the church or at home:
      The Habit of Solitude - take time for quiet to rest in God.
      The Habit of Prayer - look to the Gospels, examine Jesus' prayer habits, practice them
      The Habit of Dwelling in the Word - use the Bible as a guide for daily living
      The Habit of Trusting in God's Unconditional Love - lead with trust and hope in God
      The Habit of Intimate Community - develop a circle of friends for support and accountability

At the end of the book, Blanchard and Hodges make a case for leading like Jesus. They suggest that their is spiritual benefit at servant leaders seek the reign of God, honor God and put the love of Jesus into action. Practical reasons for leading like Jesus include: providing better service and leadership and closing the gap we tend to create between success and significance. Leading like Jesus means to work for meaning in our lives.

I would recommend this book to leaders who are seeking to reflect Jesus in their leadership style, no matter the area in which they lead.

Intentional Spiritual Practices Lead Toward Trusting in God's Grace

This morning I was with a group of clergy who were challenged with this question, "Where do you struggle to trust God's love or goodness?" I'll admit that I did not have to ponder too long before coming up with places where I have not trusted God's gracious presence. In both my vocation as a United Methodist pastor and in my personal life, I have areas where I have forgotten (or even dismissed!) God's persistent love.

The question was posed to a group of clergy who are leading churches through the Vital Church Initiative. The group, which includes Deacon Loretta Job and me, meets monthly for learning and mutual support. This month we were reminded of the transforming power of intentional spiritual practices.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, considered spiritual practices like prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping with fellow believers and participating in the sacraments of baptism and communion "means of grace". In other words, when we take on holy practices, we open ourselves to perceiving and receiving God's grace.

We were asked to fill out a questionnaire (for our reflection only) that asked about the time we spend in Bible reading, prayer and quiet time listening for God. The last question on the page was "How would Jesus describe your spiritual journey?" My answer? "You have great potential. Follow me."

It's good to do a "spiritual inventory" every so often. I helps me to see what's working and what isn't. in my spiritual life. The important step that I often neglect, however, is doing anything purposeful to change what isn't working. At the end of the session today, we were asked to commit to one action we would take based on what we'd learned.

I decided that I needed to step up my game when it comes to trusting God's love and presence every day, so I've made this commitment: Before I leave my church office for the day, I will ask, "Where have I seen or experienced the presence of God today?"

After the meeting, I went to my office, took out a sharpie marker and wrote the question on a piece of paper. I slid the paper under the glass top of the desk where I'll see it daily. I'm committed to recognizing God and God's love. In the coming days, feel free to ask me what I'm noticing at Brighton First.

Intentional Spiritual Practices Lead Toward Trusting in God's Grace

This morning I was with a group of clergy who were challenged with this question, "Where do you struggle to trust God's love or goodness?" I'll admit that I did not have to ponder too long before coming up with places where I have not trusted God's gracious presence. In both my vocation as a United Methodist pastor and in my personal life, I have areas where I have forgotten (or even dismissed!) God's persistent love.

The question was posed to a group of clergy who are leading churches through the Vital Church Initiative. The group, which includes Deacon Loretta Job and me, meets monthly for learning and mutual support. This month we were reminded of the transforming power of intentional spiritual practices.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, considered spiritual practices like prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping with fellow believers and participating in the sacraments of baptism and communion "means of grace". In other words, when we take on holy practices, we open ourselves to perceiving and receiving God's grace.

We were asked to fill out a questionnaire (for our reflection only) that asked about the time we spend in Bible reading, prayer and quiet time listening for God. The last question on the page was "How would Jesus describe your spiritual journey?" My answer? "You have great potential. Follow me."

It's good to do a "spiritual inventory" every so often. I helps me to see what's working and what isn't. in my spiritual life. The important step that I often neglect, however, is doing anything purposeful to change what isn't working. At the end of the session today, we were asked to commit to one action we would take based on what we'd learned.

I decided that I needed to step up my game when it comes to trusting God's love and presence every day, so I've made this commitment: Before I leave my church office for the day, I will ask, "Where have I seen or experienced the presence of God today?"

After the meeting, I went to my office, took out a sharpie marker and wrote the question on a piece of paper. I slid the paper under the glass top of the desk where I'll see it daily. I'm committed to recognizing God and God's love. In the coming days, feel free to ask me what I'm noticing at Brighton First.