The Three-Legged Stool Leg Two: Congregational Formation

The image of a three-legged stool is often offered as a metaphor for healthy, well-balanced Christian formation. As I discussed in last week’s missive (link here), our August 15, combined presbyteries meeting at Mission del Sol in Tempe, will be supported bythe three legs of spiritual formation, congregational formation and missional formation. Last week I began with spiritual formation, for our relationship with the Lord is foundational for all things in our faith. Today I would like to describe the workshops offered for congregational formation. In a sense, we are moving from a personal relationship with Christ to our corporate and communal relationship.

 

There are nine workshops offered in the area of congregational formation. These workshops.

• Developing Congregational Leaders for Action: led by our keynote speaker, Steve Easom, this workshop will describe lessons Steve learned about leadership development from 35 years of pastoral ministry leading single pastor and multi-staff congregations. Steve’s passion is helping ruling elders launch ministries that serve the ministry and mission of the congregation.
• Congregational Renewal: will help congregations understanding the promise and possibilities for church renewal and give insight about ways to discover clear, compelling, Christ-focused mission.
• Church Life Cycle and Renewal: the prelude to Andy’s workshop described above, will ask the question, “How do we know when renewal is needed?” The short answer is “If you are asking the question, the answer is yes!”
• Handling Conflict: will provide tools for avoiding the potholes of problem personalities and how to overcome the obstacles of obstinate souls found within the church...yes, even churches have difficult people...sometimes...so I am told.
• Scripture Reading Practicum: will develop skills and offer tools for making the reading of Scripture the high point of a worship service that it is supposed to be and can become.
• A New Look at Your Benefits: Clayton Cobb, our Board of Pensions representative, will discuss new proposals for extending insurance coverage to lay employees to help you attract, retain and care for staff.
• Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Training: A representative from Praesidium, the leading abuse prevention provider, will discuss the new, online training programs available to help educate and protect our congregations.
• Risk Assessment: Mary Lammermeier from Hugh Wood / Insurance Board will discuss the most common liability risks for churches and how to minimize and manage risk.
• Clerk’s Tool Kit: Bob Schulz, our Stated Clerk, will train up clerks in all things decent and orderly - the Presbyterian Way!

To register for the August meeting and to reserve your place in one of the workshops, click here.

For a compplete list of workshops click here

Grace and peace,

Brad Munroe