Participant`s Workbook

Transcription

Healthy Church Initiative
Leadership Workshop Series I
Participant’s Workbook (2014 Edition)
Adapted with permission by Phil Carver for use by the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church
from materials written and developed by Ken Willard of Leadership Base Camp.
Name___________________
Session
Date
Time
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ii
Location
CONTENTS
Workshop Summaries
Introduction: History and Background
vii
Summary of the Healthy Church Initiative Process .................................... ix
United Methodist Theology ........................................................................... x
Reading List .................................................................................................. xi
Contact Information ................................................................................... xvi
Session One: 21st Century Ministry
1
You Lost Me by David Kinnaman
Centering (Jeremiah 29:11) ...........................................................................3
Group Covenant ............................................................................................. 5
Challenges for the Church ............................................................................. 7
The New Face of Ministry ..............................................................................9
Connections That Transform ...................................................................... 11
Reverse Mentoring ...................................................................................... 11
Action Plan ................................................................................................... 13
Preparation for Session Two ....................................................................... 14
Session One Evaluation ............................................................................... 15
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Participant’s Workbook
Session Two: Mission-Centered Ministry
17
Vital by Jorge Acevedo
Centering (Matthew 28:18-19, Luke 4:16-21) ............................................ 19
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 21
A Movement on a Mission........................................................................... 23
Intentional Faith Development................................................................... 25
Connecting in Our Communities ............................................................... 27
Three Simple Rules ..................................................................................... 27
Demographic Analysis: MissionInsite ........................................................ 27
Action Plan .................................................................................................. 29
Preparation for Session Three .................................................................... 30
Session Two Evaluation .............................................................................. 31
Session Three: Ministry of Transformation
33
Direct Hit by Paul D. Borden
Centering (Matthew 16:24-25, John 1:1-4, Acts 1:8) .................................. 35
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 37
Factors in Leading Change.......................................................................... 39
Creating Leadership Teams ........................................................................ 41
Community Conversations.......................................................................... 43
Action Plan .................................................................................................. 45
Preparation for Session Four ...................................................................... 46
Session Three Evaluation ............................................................................ 47
Session Four: Outwardly Focused Ministry
49
The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson
Centering (Luke 9:6, Ephesians 2:8-10) ......................................................51
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 53
Our Church’s Outward Focus...................................................................... 55
Helping People Grow .................................................................................. 57
Asset Mapping ............................................................................................. 59
Action Plan .................................................................................................. 61
Preparation for Session Five ....................................................................... 62
Session Four Evaluation ............................................................................. 63
iv
Iowa Annual Conference
2014 Edition
CONTENTS
Workshop Summaries
Session Five: Leadership Practices
65
Shaped by God’s Heart by Milfred Minatrea
Centering (Mark 1:11, Acts 6:1-7, Romans 12:3-6) ...................................... 67
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 69
Missional Churches ..................................................................................... 71
The Life Cycle of a Church ........................................................................... 73
Managing Transitions .................................................................................. 75
Writing God’s Vision for Your Church ........................................................ 75
Action Plan ................................................................................................... 77
Preparation for Session Six .........................................................................78
Session Five Evaluation ...............................................................................79
Session Six: Clarity of Purpose
81
Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger
Centering (Matthew 22:37-40, Hebrews 12:1-2a) ..................................... 83
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 85
Four Elements for Simplicity ......................................................................87
Effective Measurements ............................................................................. 89
S.M.A.R.T. Goals......................................................................................... 89
Ministry Audit .............................................................................................. 91
Action Plan .................................................................................................. 93
Preparation for Session Seven .................................................................... 94
Session Six Evaluation .................................................................................95
Session Seven: Communication Skills
97
Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones
Centering (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) .............................................................. 99
Homework Review ..................................................................................... 101
A Focused Message ................................................................................... 103
Get Organized ............................................................................................ 105
Hone Your Skills ........................................................................................ 107
Action Plan ................................................................................................. 109
Preparation for Session Eight.................................................................... 110
Session Seven Evaluation ........................................................................... 111
United Methodist Church
v
Session Eight: Real Life Evangelism
113
Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reese
Centering (John 4:39, Romans 15:14-17) ................................................. 115
Homework Review ..................................................................................... 117
A Trinity of Relationships .......................................................................... 119
Bandwidths of Evangelism ......................................................................... 121
Faith Sharing ............................................................................................. 123
Action Plan ................................................................................................ 125
Additional Resources ................................................................................ 126
Session Eight Evaluation............................................................................127
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INTRODUCTION
History and Background
Enhancing the skills of pastors and laity to lead growing, vibrant,
spirit-filled churches
Summary of the Healthy Church Initiative Process .................................... ix
United Methodist Theology ........................................................................... x
Reading List .................................................................................................. xi
Contact Information ................................................................................... xvi
vii
NOTES
“Effective congregations
are led by pastors and a
team of leaders who are
clear about their mission
and focused on
achieving a vision.”
—Paul Borden,
Direct Hit, p. 22
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2014 Edition
INTRODUCTION
Summary of the Process
The Healthy Church Initiative is an intentional leadership development process
designed to enhance the skills of pastors and laity to lead growing, vibrant, spiritfilled congregations. In the Missouri Conference, where the HCI process was first
developed, 45% of participating churches have experienced significant growth. An
additional 25% have improved in at least one of four key areas: worship attendance,
baptisms, membership, and outreach. Study groups gather in continuous learning
communities to pray and study together throughout the process. Every meeting
results in a self-selected action step for each person and congregation. This cycle of
action and reflection, similar to the class meetings of the early Methodist movement,
strengthens leaders and produces the fruit of ministry God desires.
vote
Workshops
vote
Consultation
vote
Coaching
The process consists of three basic components: a series of workshops, a local church
consultation, and individualized coaching. At each step, the church council—with the
support of the pastor and superintendent—votes to affirm involvement in the
Healthy Church Initiative.
WORKSHOPS
An initial series of eight workshops involves pastors and laity from neighboring
churches in an examination of the church’s mission and the role of leaders in
fulfilling that mission. Both pastors and laity are strongly encouraged to attend all
sessions in order to remain in the process and to receive continuing education
credits when desired. Peer mentoring groups, especially for pastors, meet in the
same spirit throughout the consultation and coaching phases. A second or third
workshop series may be offered before scheduling a church for a consultation.
LOCAL CHURCH CONSULTATION
Following the workshops, churches may apply for a three-day, on-site consultation to
provide an opportunity for more members to engage in the process. A prayer team
and a vision team form prior to the consultation to guide this phase of the Healthy
Church Initiative. Leaders also complete a self-study of the congregation and their
community. On the first day of the consultation (typically Friday) the consultants
interview local church leaders, including the pastor(s), paid and volunteer staff,
committee chairpersons, and others who have investment in ministry. An all-church
workshop on Saturday morning, primarily for the church council but open to
anyone, addresses selected topics explored in the previous workshops. On Sunday
the congregation receives up to five prescriptions, outlining areas of ministry to
address for the future development of the church. If the prescriptions are accepted in
full, the church will receive up to two years of monthly coaching support.
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United Methodist Theology
The United Methodist Church is sometimes criticized for “not believing in anything,”
because we do not require a particular creed for accepting persons into membership.
We do, however, have distinctive emphases inherited from our spiritual ancestors,
including John Wesley, Philip William Otterbein, Martin Boehm, and Jacob Albright
among many others. The beliefs outlined below—and reflected throughout the
Healthy Church Initiative process—are the foundation of United Methodist theology
and our witness to Christ in the world. More details can be found in The Book of
Discipline of The United Methodist Church: 2012 in “Part III: Doctrinal Standards
and Our Theological Task,” ¶¶102-105, pp. 45-89.
LOVE GOD, LOVE NEIGHBOR (MATTHEW 22:34-40)
“Scripture is the primary source and criterion for Christian doctrine” (Discipline,
¶105, p. 81), and it is understood in relationship with the tradition, experience, and
reason of the faith community and informed by scholarly inquiry and personal
insight. The Bible as a whole gives testimony to the love of God for
all of creation and calls us to reflect that love to others in Christian
discipleship. The Christian symbol of the cross reminds us of our
relationships with God (vertically) and our neighbors (horizontally).
FAITH IN THE MYSTERY OF SALVATION IN AND
THROUGH JESUS CHRIST (EPHESIANS 2:8-10)
Jesus is the fullest revelation of God. In Jesus Christ, “we see the
splendor of our true humanity” and the depth of “God’s intention for
us—holiness and happiness of heart” (Discipline ¶ 102, p. 50). We understand those
gifts of salvation to be present for us today and not merely the promise of going to
heaven. We see in Jesus’ example a way of life that seeks good for all of creation.
GO DISCIPLE ALL PEOPLE (MATTHEW 28:16-20)
The Holy Spirit brought the community of believers—the church—into being “for the
healing of the nations” (Discipline, ¶102, p. 47). We practice means of grace that
daily connect us with God inwardly (through such activities as prayer, Bible study,
and fasting) and outwardly (through such activities as worship, evangelism, and
social witness). These disciplines enable us to accomplish our shared mission “to
make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the
good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and
neighbor” (Discipline, ¶121, p. 91).
CHRIST’S UNIVERSAL CHURCH (EPHESIANS 4:1-6)
We participate in an ecumenical expression of the faith in which all baptized
Christians “share responsibility for building up the church and reaching out in
mission and service to the world” (Discipline, ¶102, p. 48). We look forward in the
hope that our present actions point to the fulfillment of God’s intentions for all of
creation, saving us from cynicism and resignation and empowering our ongoing
witness to God’s love and grace.
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2014 Edition
INTRODUCTION
Reading List
The Common English Bible and The United Methodist Hymnal are primary
resources for the workshops in this material. Participants are invited to bring their
own study Bibles to the sessions to deepen their engagement with the scriptures.
Course books include:
Session One: 21st Century Ministry
You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church and Rethinking
Faith by David Kinnaman (Baker Books, 2011).
Session Two: Mission-Centered Ministry
Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World by Jorge Acevedo
(Abingdon Press, 2012).
Session Three: Ministry of Transformation
Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field by Paul D. Borden
Session Four: Outwardly Focused Ministry
The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson (Group
Publishing, 2004).
Session Five: Leadership Practices
Shaped by God’s Heart: The Passion and Practices of Missional Churches by
Milfred Minatrea (Jossey-Bass, 2004).
Session Six: Clarity of Purpose
Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger (B&H Publishing Group,
2006).
Session Seven: Communication Skills
Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones (Multnomah
Books, 2006).
Session Eight: Real Life Evangelism
Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, 2nd Edition by Martha Grace
Reese (Chalice Press, 2008).
Scholarly inquiry is a long-time commitment of United Methodist people. The
following reading list is a comprehensive compilation of the references from all of
the workshops, representing a wide range of resources to support your ministry.
2013-2016 United Methodist Handbook: Let’s Go Fishing—Making Disciples of
Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World (http://shop.umc.org/
product/productinfo/2013-2016-handbook-making-disciples-/142?cid=20).
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A.K.A. Lost: Discovering Ways to Connect with the People Jesus Misses Most by
Jim Henderson (Waterbrook Press, 2005).
Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders by
Aubrey Malphurs (Baker Books, 2005).
The Age of Paradox by Charles Handy (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Business School
Press, 1994).
Beyond the First Visit: The Complete Guide to Connecting Guests to Your Church by
Gary L. McIntosh (Baker Books, 2006).
The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (United Methodist
Publishing House, 2012).
Breaking the Missional Code: Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Own
Community by Ed Stetzer and David Putman (Broadman & Holman, 2006).
Building a People of Power: Equipping Churches to Transform Their Communities
by Robert C. Linthicum (Authentic Media, 2006).
Can These Bones Live? Bringing New Life to a Dying Church by Kevass J. Harding
The Church of the Perfect Storm by Leonard Sweet (Abingdon Press, 2008).
Common English Bible (Abingdon Press, 2011).
Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No
Matter What by Peter L. Steinke (Alban Institute, 2006).
Courageous Leadership: Field-Tested Strategy for the 360° Leader by Bill Hybels
(Zondervan, 2002).
Covenant Discipleship: Christian Formation through Mutual Accountability by
David Lowes Watson (Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2002).
Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy
Stanley (Zondervan, 2012).
Deepening Your Effectiveness: Restructuring the Local Church for Life
Transformation by Dan Glover and Claudia Lavy (Discipleship Resources,
2006).
A Disciple's Path: Deepening Your Relationship with Christ and the Church (Daily
Workbook) by James A. Harnish and Justin LaRosa (Abingdon Press, 2012).
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INTRODUCTION
Finding the Missional Path by Barry E. Winders (Xulon Press, 2007).
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase (Abingdon Press, 2007).
Get the Name: Grow Your Church by Building New Relationships by Bob Farr,
Doug Anderson, and Kay Kotan (Abingdon Press, 2013).
The Great Permission: An Asset-Based Field Guide for Congregations by Bob Sitze
(Evangelical Luthern Church of America, 2002).
A Guide to Covenant Discipleship Groups by Gayle Turner Watson (Discipleship
Resources, 2000).
If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg
(Zondervan, 2000).
The In-Between Church: Navigating the Size Transitions in Congregations by Alice
Mann (Alban Institute, 1998).
Inside the Small Church edited by Anthony G. Pappas (Alban Institute, 2002).
Jim and Caspar Go to Church: Frank Conversation about Faith, Churches, and
Well-Meaning Christians by Jim Henderson, Matt Caspar, and George Barna
(Tyndale House Publishers, 2007).
The Journey for Adults: Becoming a Deeply Committed Christian, The United
Methodist Church of the Resurrection, www.cor.org/programsministries/adults/thejourney.
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell (Thomas
Nelson, 2002).
Leadership in the Wesleyan Spirit by Lovett H. Weems Jr. (Abingdon Press, 1999).
Leading Beyond the Walls: Developing Congregations with a Heart for the
Unchurched by Adam Hamilton (Abingdon Press, 2002).
Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History selected and introduced by William
Safire (W. W. Norton and Company, 1997).
Life is a Series of Presentations: 8 Ways to Punch Up Your People Skills at Work, at
Home, Anytime, Anywhere by Tony Jeary (Fireside, 2004).
The Little Church that Could: Raising Small Church Esteem by Steven E. Burt and
Hazel Ann Roper (Judson Press, 2000).
Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley (Zondervan, 2007).
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Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, 3rd edition by William Bridges
(Da Capo Press, 2009).
Ministry Nuts and Bolts: What They Don’t Teach Pastors in Seminary, 2nd edition
by Aubrey Malphurs (Kregel Publications, 2009).
Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy
Churches, 7th edition by Christian A. Schwarz (ChurchSmart Resources,
2006).
“Nones on the Rise” at Pew Research: Religion and Public Life Project,
www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise.
Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton (Free
Press, 2001).
Operation Inasmuch: Mobilizing Believers Beyond the Walls of the Church by David
W. Crocker (Chalice Press, 2005).
The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life by Laurie Beth
Jones (Hyperion, 1996).
The Power of Asset Mapping: How Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts by
Luther K. Snow (Alban Institute, 2004).
The Power of Vision: Discover and Apply God's Vision for Your Life & Ministry, 3rd
edition by George Barna (Regal Books, 2009).
The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church by Diana Butler Bass
(Alban Institute, 2004).
Pursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation by George W. Bullard
Jr. (Chalice Press, 2006).
The Race to Reach Out: Connecting Newcomers to Christ in a New Century by
Douglas T. Anderson and Michael J. Coyner (Abingdon Press, 2004).
Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Postmodern Age by Richard L. Hamm
(Chalice Press, 2007).
Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We
Should Let Them by Earl Creps (Jossey-Bass, 2008).
Roadmap to Renewal: Rediscovering the Church’s Mission by Douglas R. Ruffle
(General Board of Global Ministries, 2009).
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INTRODUCTION
“There’s a S. M. A. R. T. Way to Write Management Goals and Objectives” by George
T. Doran, Management Review (AMA Forum), November 1981, pp. 35-36.
Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben P. Job (Abingdon Press,
2007).
Unbinding Your Church (Pastor's and Leaders' Guide to the Real Life Evangelism
Series) by Martha Grace Reese with Dawn Darwin Weaks and Catherine
Riddle Caffey (Chalice Press, 2008).
Unbinding Your Heart: Forty Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing by Martha Grace
The United Methodist Hymnal (United Methodist Publishing House, 1989).
Unleashing the Potential of the Smaller Church edited by Shawn McMullen
(Standard Publishing, 2006).
Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World by Jorge Acevedo (Abingdon
Press, 2012).
When Better Isn’t Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st Century by Jill M. Hudson
Winning on Purpose: How to Organize Congregations to Succeed in Their Mission
by John Kaiser (Abingdon Press, 2006).
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Contact Information
For more information about the Healthy Church Initiative in the Iowa Conference,
visit our website at www.iaumc.org/hci or contact:
Rebecca Fisher
Leadership Development Minister
for Evangelism and New
Ministry
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
Telephone—515. 974.8926
Email—[email protected]
Website—www.iaumc.org/hci
Barb Mann
Administrative Assistant
Iowa Conference Center, United
Methodist Church
2301 Rittenhouse Street
Des Moines, IA 50321
Telephone—515.974.8905
Website—www.iaumc.org/hci
Or contact the field outreach minister in your district (www.iaumc.org/districts):
Central District—Karen Nelson
Telephone—515.963.0440, Email—[email protected]
East Central District—Jill Sanders
North Central District—Katharine Yarnell
Northeast District—Jaymee Glenn-Burns
Northwest District—Ryan Christenson
South Central District—Jaye Johnson
Southeast East District—Phil Carver
Southwest District—Melissa Drake
Materials for the Healthy Church Initiative were originally written and developed by
Ken Willard of Leadership Base Camp for use in the Missouri Annual Conference of
the United Methodist Church. To learn more, contact:
Ken Willard
Leadership Base Camp
Telephone—636.346.7172
Website—www.leadershipbasecamp.net
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2014 Edition
1
SESSION ONE
21st Century Ministry
Discovering God’s calling to the church, using our gifts in
partnership with each other.
Centering (Jeremiah 29:11) ...........................................................................3
Group Covenant ............................................................................................. 5
Challenges for the Church ............................................................................. 7
The New Face of Ministry ..............................................................................9
Connections That Transform ...................................................................... 11
Reverse Mentoring ...................................................................................... 11
Action Plan ................................................................................................... 13
Preparation for Session Two ....................................................................... 14
Session One Evaluation ............................................................................... 15
1
NOTES
“I know the plans I
have in mind for
you, declares the
Lord; they are
plans for peace,
not disaster, to
give you a future
filled with hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11
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SESSION ONE
Centering
OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets
are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
—United Methodist Hymnal, p. 6
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. How does our guiding scripture (Jeremiah 29:11 on page 2)
reflect our identity as Christians? as United Methodist people
in Iowa? as local churches?
2. What gifts do we each bring to our ministries and this learning
community?
INTRODUCTIONS
Your name
Your church
Length of ministry
Something about your family
Your biggest challenge in ministry
Expectations of the Healthy Church Initiative experience
3
NOTES
As disciples we are
“to witness to
Jesus Christ in the
world, and to
follow his teachings through acts
of compassion,
justice, worship
and devotion,
under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit.”
—Discipline,
¶1117, p. 596-7
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2014 Edition
SESSION ONE
Group Covenant
As we meet together in the next several months for prayer and reflection in the
Healthy Church Initiative process, I offer myself to God and to our study group in
the following ways:
1. Praying regularly for all participants.
2. Completing all of the assigned reading and other
homework between each session so that I will be
prepared for our next time together.
3. Arriving on time for each session and returning
promptly from breaks in order to keep us on
schedule.
4. Engaging in discussions openly and honestly in
all group sessions.
5. Being curious by asking questions and seeking
clarification when needed.
6. Interacting in a respectful manner as we share
our unique personal perspectives and ideas.
7. Keeping confidential any personal matters shared by others in the group.
8. Keeping my phone on vibrate or silent and only checking email and voicemail on
breaks.
9. Using a person’s real name only if sharing a positive example.
10. Being patient with others as we all learn and grow.
11. Understanding that each session goes quickly and that the facilitator may need
to move things along in order to keep us on track.
12. Others?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Signed: _________________________________
Date: _____________
Thank you for being a participant in the Healthy Church Initiative. May God richly
bless you, the leaders, and the churches with whom you work and serve.
5
NOTES
“God is leading us
to move from
maintenance to
mission.”
—Richard Hamm,
Recreating the
Church, p. 117
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2014 Edition
SESSION ONE
Challenges for the Church
MENTORING NEW LEADERS
wisdom
WHAT
would you offer a
new leader in your
current position?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
CHANGE THAT TRANSFORMS
Recreating the Church by Richard Hamm, p. 11
____________ ___________ corrects “ordinary problems in a system as it is.”
____________ ___________ change addresses fundamental values and
demands “innovation, learning, and changes in the system itself.”
RELIGIOUS ATTENDANCE OF ADULTS IN THE U.S., 2003-2012
45
40
35
39
39
39
34
34
33
25
26
26
Percentage
30
25
20
39
32
28
38
38
38
37
36
37
34
33
33
34
34
33
27
27
28
28
28
29
15
Weekly or more
10
Monthly to Yearly
5
Seldom or Never
0
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Source: Aggregated data from surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
7
NOTES
“Our cultural
moment demands
of us . . . clarity
and leadership.”
—David
Kinnaman,
You Lost Me, p. 14
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2014 Edition
SESSION ONE
The New Face of Ministry
“NONES” ON THE RISE
www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise
One fifth of the U.S. public are _______________ ________________ today,
including _________ _____________ of adults under the age of thirty.
OVERPROTECTIVE
The church is “more concerned with safety than its mission to transform the
world” (p. 94).
DISCERNMENT
We should engage with our media-driven culture to “watch, listen, and read
together and do _______________ _________________ as a faithful
community” (p. 104).
SHALLOW
“Christianity seems boring, ________________ , sidelined from the real
issues people face (p. 114).”
APPRENTICESHIP
We must develop _______________ with new believers and ask: “How
can you be on mission for Christ in the world, based on what you’re gifted to
do?” (p. 128).
ANTISCIENCE
“Millions of young Christians perceive Christianity to be in opposition to modern
science (p. 131).”
STEWARDSHIP
“The best-prepared young Christians are encouraged to think for themselves.
. . . They are taught ________ to think well, not simply ________ to
think,” in order to address the important ethical issues of our time (p. 145).
9
NOTES
“Preach faith till
you have it, and
then, because you
have it, you will
preach faith.”
—Peter Böhler in
John Wesley’s
Journal,
March 4, 1738.
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2014 Edition
SESSION ONE
Connections That Transform
REPRESSIVE
Young adults “feel torn between the false purity of traditionalism and the empty
permissiveness of their peers” (p. 150).
RELATIONAL
“We need a new mind to cultivate a deeper, more ____________ , more
Christ-filled ethic of sex” (p. 160).
EXCLUSION
Many people “believe that Christians have an insider-outsider mentality . . .
always ready to bar the door to those who don’t meet their standards” (p. 171).
EMBRACE
Jesus lived a more excellent way, “becoming one of us, one of the ‘other,’
identifying with us to embrace us in solidarity, __________ , and selfless
agape love” (p. 180).
DOUBTLESS
“Doubt is not always faith’s _____________” (p. 186).
DOING
“Creating ___________ ____________________ where doubts of all
kinds can be honestly, openly, and relationally explored” helps us build
bridges to others (p. 197).
1. How do these themes of our modern world impact our leadership in our local
churches?
2. What are some practical ways we can respond to these challenges?
11
NOTES
“Let us rediscover
who we are and
what our gift to
the wider Church
and world is.”
—Richard Hamm,
Recreating the
Church, p. 117.
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2014 Edition
SESSION ONE
Action Plan
How has God’s Spirit spoken to you in this session? List some specific ideas or
resources along with any other key learning from today’s session that you feel would
have value in your church.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
What is one action that your church is willing to commit to taking? Discuss this with
your leadership team of pastor(s) and laity and discern your response together.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Who will be responsible for what part of your action plan?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
How will you know your action plan is successful?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
How will you share your action plan with other leaders in your congregation?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
13
Preparation for Session Two
BEST PRACTICES
1. Read everything you can about leadership.
2. Go where leadership is taught.
3. Get around leaders who are ahead of you and ask them how they got there. Ask
them smart questions.
4. Lead something beyond your job to build experience.
5. _______________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
A Guide to Covenant Discipleship Groups by Gayle Turner Watson (Discipleship
Resources, 2000).
Covenant Discipleship: Christian Formation through Mutual Accountability by
David Lowes Watson (Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2002).
Deepening Your Effectiveness: Restructuring the Local Church for Life
Transformation by Dan Glover and Claudia Lavy (Discipleship Resources,
2006).
“Nones on the Rise” at Pew Research: Religion and Public Life Project,
www.pewforum.org/2012/10/09/nones-on-the-rise.
Recreating the Church: Leadership for the Postmodern Age by Richard L. Hamm
(Chalice Press, 2007).
Reverse Mentoring: How Young Leaders Can Transform the Church and Why We
Should Let Them by Earl Creps (Jossey-Bass, 2008).
HOMEWORK
1. Carry out your selected action plan from page 13 of this workbook together as a
leadership team of pastor(s) and laity.
2. Visit with a young adult in the spirit of reverse mentoring before the next session
to get some perspective about their view of the world.
3. Read Vital: Churches Changing Communities and the World by Jorge Acevedo.
14
2014 Edition
SESSION ONE
Session One Evaluation
Facilitator: _____________________________ Date: _____________
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1. Clearly stated focus
1
2
3
4
5
2. Useful and relevant materials
1
2
3
4
5
3. Effective presentation/pacing
1
2
3
4
5
4. Knowledge of content
1
2
3
4
5
5. Conducive to learning
1
2
3
4
5
6. Temperature, seating, etc.
1
2
3
4
5
7. Rating of entire session
1
2
3
4
5
8. Likely to recommend to others
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
What, if anything, would you suggest to improve this session in the future?
___________________________________________________
What did you find most helpful about this session?
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
15
2
SESSION TWO
Mission-Centered Ministry
Vital by Jorge Acevedo
Understanding the mission of the church as a movement that
invites new people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Centering (Matthew 28:18-19, Luke 4:16-21) ............................................ 19
Homework Review ....................................................................................... 21
A Movement on a Mission ...........................................................................23
Intentional Faith Development ...................................................................25
Connecting in Our Communities................................................................. 27
Three Simple Rules ...................................................................................... 27
Demographic Analysis: MissionInsite ........................................................ 27
Action Plan .................................................................................................. 29
Preparation for Session Three .................................................................... 30
Session Two Evaluation ............................................................................... 31
17
NOTES
“Go and make
disciples of all
nations, . . .
teaching them to
obey everything
that I’ve commanded you.”
—Matthew
28:18-19
18
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
Centering
OPENING PRAYER
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings,
with your most gracious favor,
and further us with your continual help,
that in all our works,
begun, continued, and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name,
and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(after The Book of Common Prayer)
LUKE 4:16-21
Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the
synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. The synagogue assistant gave
him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place
where it was written:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
to proclaim release to the prisoners
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to liberate the oppressed,
and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every
eye in the synagogue was fixed on him.
1. How does your church understand its mission? How do you understand your
mission as a leader?
2. In what ways do you feel anointed (called, gifted) to pursue God’s mission?
19
NOTES
“We are learning
how to pass on a
faith worth claiming in a new
context.”
—David
Kinnaman,
You Lost Me,
p. 201
20
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
Homework Review
REVIEW OF YOUR ACTION PLAN
1. What was the one action that your church committed to do since our last
session?
2. Who was responsible for what part of your action plan?
3. How did you hope to know your action plan
was successful?
MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY
1. What were you able to do?
Continuous
Learning
2. What got in the way or didn’t go as planned?
Community
APPLICATION OF OUR LEARNING
1. What ideas from the previous session were helpful to your action plan?
2. What surprised you about the results of your action plan?
PEER MENTORING AND SUPPORT
1. What questions do you have for each other about what you have heard?
2. What words of encouragement can you offer one another?
21
NOTES
“Help the congregation see, set, and
achieve a biblical
vision.”
—Jorge Acevedo,
Vital, p. 34
22
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
A Movement on a Mission
HEALTHY PERSONAL PRACTICES
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
MOVEMENT
The United Societies (divided into smaller companies of about twelve persons called
classes), first in Europe, and then in America were gatherings of individuals “having
the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to
receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may
help each other to work out their salvation.”
—The Discipline of the United Methodist Church, ¶104, p. 76
MISSION
“The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world. Local churches provide the most
significant arena through which disciple-making occurs.”
—The Discipline of the United Methodist Church, ¶120, p. 91
THREE SPIRITUAL REALITIES
Vital by Jorge Acevedo, p. 127ff
1. _______________ fruit grows on ________________ plants.
2. _______________ fruit comes from _________________ plants.
3. _______________ fruit is ___________________ !
23
NOTES
“The incubator for
spiritual maturity
is the Body of
Christ.”
—Jorge Acevedo,
Vital, p. 47
24
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
Intentional Faith Development
SEASONS OF GRACE
Prevenient Grace: “God’s wooing”
Justifying Grace: “a light-switch moment”
Sanctifying Grace: “more and more like
Jesus”
MINISTRY
WESLEY
Reach
United Societies
Connect
Class meetings
Form
Send
Bands
DREAM-RELEASING CONGREGATIONS
reach
send
connect
form
25
NOTES
“Only after we
have loved God
and one another
well are we ready
to do the work of
the church.”
—Jorge Acevedo,
Vital, p. 97
26
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
Connecting in Our Communities
LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS
Vital by Jorge Acevedo, p. 107-108
1. We love our neighbors by giving immediate aid.
2. We love our neighbors by giving ongoing advancement.
3. We love our neighbors by our continual advocacy.
THREE SIMPLE RULES
Vital by Jorge Acevedo, p. 113
Do no
harm
Do good
Stay in love
with God
DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
MissionInsite.com can help us take
the emotion and guess work out of
demographic analysis. Visit with your
field outreach minister or look on the Iowa Conference website at
www.iaumc.org/pages/detail/2078 for more information. Have your leadership
team run at least one report and review it together before our next session.
27
NOTES
“Vigorous vitality
is the hope and
dream of God for
every church in
every place.”
—Jorge Acevedo,
Vital, p. 132.
28
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
29
Preparation for Session Three
BEST PRACTICES
1. Connect with your local Chamber(s) of Commerce, city government, and other
agencies where you can get demographic information about your community.
2. Meet with a local realtor—you may have one in your congregation—who can keep
you updated on trends in the market.
3. _______________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
2013-2016 United Methodist Handbook: Let’s Go Fishing—Making Disciples of
Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World (http://shop.umc.org/
product/productinfo/2013-2016-handbook-making-disciples-/142?cid=20).
The Church of the Perfect Storm by Leonard Sweet (Abingdon Press, 2008).
Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy
Stanley (Zondervan, 2012).
A Disciple's Path: Deepening Your Relationship with Christ and the Church (Daily
Workbook) by James A. Harnish and Justin LaRosa (Abingdon Press, 2012).
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by Robert Schnase (Abingdon Press, 2007).
The Journey for Adults: Becoming a Deeply Committed Christian, The United
Methodist Church of the Resurrection, www.cor.org/programsministries/adults/thejourney.
Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben P. Job (Abingdon Press,
2007).
HOMEWORK
2. Explore www.missioninsite.com to learn more about the demographics of the
community you serve. Register for free through the Iowa Conference at
www.iaumc.org/pages/detail/2078. Run at least one report and review it with
your leadership team.
3. Read Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field by Paul D. Borden.
30
2014 Edition
SESSION TWO
Session Two Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
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4
5
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2
3
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5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
31
3
SESSION THREE
Ministry of Transformation
Direct Hit by Paul Borden
Assessing potential and creating momentum for change in our
churches to makes disciples of Jesus Christ who transform the
world.
Centering (Matt. 16:24-25, John 1:1-4, Acts 1:8) ........................................ 35
Homework Review ....................................................................................... 37
Factors in Leading Change ......................................................................... 39
Creating Leadership Teams ......................................................................... 41
Community Conversations ......................................................................... 43
Action Plan ...................................................................................................45
Preparation for Session Four...................................................................... 46
Session Three Evaluation ............................................................................47
33
NOTES
“You will receive
power when the
Holy Spirit has
come upon you.”
—Acts 1:8a
34
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Centering
PRAYER
Renew your church, Lord,
your people in this land.
Save us from cheap words
and self-deception in your service.
In the power of your Spirit
transform us,
and shape us
by your cross.
Amen.
ACTS 1:8
Energy
Direction
Power
MATTHEW 16:24-25
Jesus said to his disciples, “All who want to come after me must say no to
themselves, take up their cross, and follow me. All who want to save their lives will
lose them. But all who lose their lives because of me will find them.”
1. As you have reflecting on your reading of Direct Hit, what concerns do you have
about your ability to lead your congregation into a more missional expression of
its ministry with the community?
2. What skills and disciplines do you need to cultivate in yourself to respond to
God’s calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the
world?
3. What barriers will you have to overcome in yourself and in your congregation to
achieve a missional focus for ministry? Is it worth it?
35
NOTES
“God has done
God’s part. . . .
Let’s join Jesus in
his mission!”
—Jorge Acevedo,
Vital, p. 132
36
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Homework Review
session?
3. How did you hope to know your action plan was
successful?
Continuous
Learning
Community
37
NOTES
Congregations are
“God’s primary
tool for making
individual disciples and for
changing entire
communities.”
—Paul Borden,
Direct Hit, p. 23
38
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Factors in Leading Change
JOHN 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was with God
and the Word was God.
The Word was with God in the beginning.
Everything came into being through the Word,
and without the Word
nothing came into being.
What came into being
through the Word was life,
and the life was the light for all people.
BARRIERS TO LEADING CHANGE
Direct Hit, p. 20-21
1. Pastors only understanding themselves as ____________ ____________.
2. Faithful work is honored, but ____________ results are not expected or
demanded.
3. “Many congregations are led by a handful of people that have gained that position
by default. . . [who] resist any change that tampers with their influence and
control.”
4. The structures of our congregations separate _____________ from
_____________________ , resulting in little if any accountability for results.
LEADERSHIP DISCIPLINES
Passion
Courage
Flexibility
Missional Focus
Wisdom
Positive Attitude
Responsibility
39
NOTES
“Leadership involves a person
seeing a need and
taking the responsibility to see that
the need is met.”
—Paul Borden,
Direct Hit, p. 31
40
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Creating Leadership Teams
TEAM ONE: DEVELOPING RESOURCES — PRAYER TEAM
Prayer with an outward focus
Success and failure hinge on this area
TEAM TWO: DEVELOPING IDEAS — VISION OR DREAM TEAM
What are the needs of our community? (Do not assume anything!)
Idea people and critics who can help the pastor develop arguments for urgency
and create vision in order to address the urgency.
TEAM THREE: DEVELOPING PERSONNEL — LEADERSHIP TEAM
People change before structure
Curriculum = the development of healthy leaders + development of healthy
congregations
Prayer
Vision
Leaders
God's Mission
41
NOTES
“Structure never
changes first.”
—Paul Borden,
Direct Hit, p. 112
42
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Community Conversations
Robert C. Linthicum, Building a People of Power, Chapter Five
The basic technique to help the church connect to people is to build relationships one
person at a time. After the meeting, fill out the form immediately—but not in the
presence of the person you interviewed. Turn the completed form in to a designated
person in your congregation so that a coordinating team can analyze the information
for common themes that might become avenues for new or expanded ministry.
Individual Meeting Form
Church: _______________________
Name of Listener: ___________________ Date: __________
Name of Person to Whom I Listened: _____________________
Address: ________________________________________
Telephone: ____________ Email Address: _______________
Joys, Hopes, Likes about life in this community:
Issues, Concerns, Worries about life in this community:
Good Stories:
Important Ideas to Remember:
How will this person be followed up?
Did s/he suggest another contact? Will s/he credential you?
43
NOTES
“Leadership
behavior is a
practice, not a
gift.”
—Paul Borden,
Direct Hit, p. 30.
44
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
45
Preparation for Session Four
BEST PRACTICES
1. Work with a church/pastor who has already put the three teams in place to learn
from them what potential challenges might be in your situation.
2. Have your staff (paid and unpaid) and key lay leaders read the book Direct Hit.
3. Learn about outreach ministries at Broadway United Methodist Church in
Indianapolis by visiting www.broadwayumc.org. They pursue a ministry to name,
bless, and connect the people of their community with each other, partially
through the work of their Roving Listener, De'Amon Harges.
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________
Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders by
Aubrey Malphurs (Baker Books, 2005).
Building a People of Power: Equipping Churches to Transform Their Communities
by Robert C. Linthicum (Authentic Media, 2005).
Finding the Missional Path by Barry E. Winders (Xulon Press, 2007).
If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg
(Zondervan, 2000).
The Power of Vision: Discover and Apply God's Vision for Your Life & Ministry, 3rd
edition by George Barna (Regal Books, 2009).
When Better Isn’t Enough: Evaluation Tools for the 21st Century by Jill M. Hudson
HOMEWORK
2. Have your vision team pursue community conversations, as outlined on page 43
of your workbook, to learn more about your mission context. Begin to formulate
some ideas for expressing your congregation’s vision statement.
3. Read The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson.
46
2014 Edition
SESSION THREE
Session Three Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
47
4
SESSION FOUR
Outwardly Focused Ministry
The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric
Swanson
Recognizing the biblical mandate for outreach and discovering
techniques for achieving it.
Centering (Luke 9:6, Ephesians 2:8-10) ..................................................... 51
Homework Review ....................................................................................... 53
Our Church’s Outward Focus ...................................................................... 55
Helping People Grow ................................................................................... 57
Asset Mapping .............................................................................................59
Action Plan ................................................................................................... 61
Preparation for Session Five ...................................................................... 62
Session Four Evaluation ............................................................................. 63
49
NOTES
“They departed
and went through
the villages proclaiming the good
news and healing
people everywhere.”
—Luke 9:6
50
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Centering
PRAYER
Thanks be to thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which thou hast
given us; for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for us. O most
merciful Redeemer, friend, and brother, may we know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, for thine own sake.
Amen.
—Richard of Chichester, United Methodist Hymnal, p. 493
EPHESIANS 2:8-10
“You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith.
This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you
possessed. It’s not something you did that you can be
proud of. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment,
created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God
planned for these good things to be the way that we
live our lives.”
1. How does the Bible reinforce our calling to focus outside of the walls of the
church?
2. What examples do you see in your congregation of people living a grace-filled life
for others?
51
NOTES
“Our culture is
changing rapidly,
and if we do not
change, we will
lose the ability to
effectively influence it for
Jesus.”
—Paul Borden,
Direct Hit, p. 27
52
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Homework Review
session?
successful?
Continuous
Learning
Community
53
NOTES
“Christians . . .
cannot grow if
they remain
uninvolved in
ministry and
service.”
—Rick Rusaw and
Eric Swanson,
The Externally
Focused Church,
p. 26
54
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Our Church’s Outward Focus
Inward
Maintenanceminded
FALSE
Both
Neither?
?
Outward
Missionminded
TRUE
1. Our church demographics (age,
race, gender, education, etc.)
closely match our community.
2. We belong to, and are active in,
at least one community agency
(e.g., Chamber of Commerce).
3. A new visitor to our church
would see, hear, and read about
our outreach on their first visit.
4. We have had at least three events
or programs in the past year for
people outside of our church.
5. Our discussions include as much
about outreach as they do about
facilities and budgets.
6. People from our congregation
regularly serve in the community
(e.g., food pantry or school).
7. We are known in the community
as “the hands of Christ” due to
our involvement and action.
8. Our prayers in worship,
meetings, and small groups
include the community.
9. Our church budget reflects a
focus on our community and
being in mission to it.
10. We train our congregation to go
out to minister to the community
(and the world).
Where would you place your church’s focus on this scale?
INWARD FOCUS
What world?
It’s all about us!
Most congregations
fall somewhere
in the middle.
OUTWARD FOCUS
What church?
It’s all about them!
55
NOTES
“We are never exempt from service
because we ‘don’t
have that gift.’ ”
—Rick Rusaw and
Eric Swanson,
The Externally
Focused Church,
p. 65
56
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Helping People Grow
THE POWER OF SERVICE: THE TRANSFORMATIONAL “SWEET SPOT”
The Externally Focused Church,
Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson, p. 78
Needs and
1. Service gets small groups out of
their comfort zones.
Dreams of the
City
2. Service causes groups to bond
together in tighter relationships.
3. Service is a vehicle for
evangelistic opportunities.
4. Service provides goodwill in the
community.
Service
Calling and
Mandates and
Capacity of the
Desires of God
Local Church
External Focus
Goals: Serving the least
Internal Focus
Good Deeds – Galatians 2:10. . . Demonstration
FOUR TYPES OF CHURCHES
The Externally Focused Church, p. 125
Goals: Building up the saints
Belief: Transforming the
community leads to
transforming individuals.
Focus: Grace
Actions: Showing
Belief: Good teaching and
truth will change and heal
people.
Focus: Teaching truth
Actions: Caring for their own
External Focus
Goals: Serving the lost and
serving the least
Belief: We are most effective
when we transform individuals
and communities.
Focus: Truth and grace
Actions: Showing and telling
Goals: Saving the lost
Belief: Transformed people
will lead to transformed society.
Focus: Truth
Actions: Telling
External Focus
Good News – Romans 1:15 . . . Proclamation
57
NOTES
“Given enough
opportunities,
everybody will
find the intersection of passion
and purpose.”
—Rick Rusaw and
Eric Swanson,
The Externally
Focused Church,
p. 85
58
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Asset Mapping
Luther K. Snow, The Power of Asset Mapping
As a part of your homework assignment, complete the asset mapping exercise below
in order to identify the top two or three strengths of your church. What is your
unique niche in the community? You should also come up with one way to build on
that strength or niche. Try something new that you are not currently doing.
Physical Assets
Financial Assets
Building
Pastoral Support
Rooms
Program Budget
Equipment
Spent last year
Location
Other available funds
Program/Ministry Assets
People Assets
Lay Servants
What we do well
Gifted Leaders
Needs we address
Gifted Workers
Community connections
I can offer …
Dreams
What is one thing your church could do—that you are not already doing—to
become more significant in your community based on your assets?
59
NOTES
“Many goodhearted people in
your church would
love to serve and
minister, but they
lack a mechanism
to turn desire into
action.”
—Rick Rusaw and
Eric Swanson,
The Externally
Focused Church,
p. 209
60
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
61
Preparation for Session Five
BEST PRACTICES
1. Plan and host two or three events for people of your community: a carnival on
church property, a picnic in a nearby park, etc. Find ways to get people’s names
and do follow up to build relationships.
2. Pray by name for people your members know who are not in church or are not
people of the Christian faith—and encourage members to invite these people.
Mention this kind of praying on a regular basis.
3. Invite prayer teams to pray by name for people who are not Christian or do not
have a church home.
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________
Breaking the Missional Code: Your Church Can Become a Missionary in Your Own
Community by Ed Stetzer and David Putman.
The Great Permission: An Asset-Based Field Guide for Congregations by Bob Sitze
(Evangelical Luthern Church of America, 2002).
Operation Inasmuch: Mobilizing Believers Beyond the Walls of the Church by David
W. Crocker (Christian Board of Publication, 2005).
The Power of Asset Mapping: How Your Congregation Can Act on Its Gifts by
Luther K. Snow (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2004).
The Race to Reach Out: Connecting Newcomers to Christ in a New Century by
Doug T. Anderson and Michael J. Coyner (Abingdon Press, 2004).
HOMEWORK
2. Invite your church council to complete the asset mapping exercise on page 59 of
your workbook. Discuss how your discoveries impact God’s vision for your
congregation’s ministry.
3. Read Shaped by God’s Heart by Milfred Minatrea.
62
2014 Edition
SESSION FOUR
Session Four Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
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2
3
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5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
63
5
SESSION FIVE
Leadership Practices
Shaped by God’s Heart by Milfred Minatrea
Molding our leadership skills to meet the responsibilities of the
contemporary church as it fulfills its mission.
Centering (Mark 1:11, Acts 6:1-7, Romans 12:3-6) ...................................... 67
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 69
Missional Churches ..................................................................................... 71
The Life Cycle of a Church ........................................................................... 73
Managing Transitions .................................................................................. 75
Writing God’s Vision for Your Church ........................................................ 75
Action Plan ................................................................................................... 77
Preparation for Session Six .........................................................................78
Session Five Evaluation ............................................................................... 79
65
NOTES
“You are my Beloved; with you I
am well pleased.”
—Mark 1:11
(NRSV)
66
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
Centering
PRAYER
O Holy God, open unto me light for my darkness, courage for my fear,
hope for my despair.
O loving God, open unto me wisdom for my confusion, forgiveness for
my sins, love for my hate.
O God of peace, open unto me peace for my turmoil, joy for my sorrow,
strength for my weakness.
O generous God, open my heart to receive all your gifts. Amen.
—Howard Thurman, United Methodist Hymnal, p. 489
ROMANS 12:3-6
Because of the grace that God gave me, I can say to each one of you: don’t think of
yourself more highly than you ought to think. Instead, be reasonable since God has
measured out a portion of faith to each one of you. We have many parts in one body,
but the parts don’t all have the same function. In the same way, though there are
many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other. We
have different gifts that are consistent with God’s grace that has been given to us.
ACT 6:1-7
About that time, while the number of disciples continued to increase, a complaint
arose. Greek-speaking disciples accused the Aramaic-speaking disciples because
their widows were being overlooked in the daily food service. The Twelve called a
meeting of all the disciples and said, “It isn’t right for us to set aside proclamation of
God’s word in order to serve tables. Brothers and sisters, carefully choose seven wellrespected men from among you. They must be well-respected and endowed by the
Spirit with exceptional wisdom. We will put them in charge of this concern. As for us,
we will devote ourselves to prayer and the service of proclaiming the word.” This
proposal pleased the entire community. They selected Stephen, a man endowed by
the Holy Spirit with exceptional faith, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicolaus from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. The community presented these
seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. God’s word
continued to grow. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased significantly.
Even a large group of priests embraced the faith.
1. What examples of naming, blessing, and connecting come to mind in your
ministry?
2. How do you experience feeling beloved by God in your ministry?
3. How can we help the leaders and members of our churches know they are
beloved?
67
NOTES
“The church has
missed the harvest
of an entire generation.”
—Rick Rusaw and
Eric Swanson,
The Externally
Focused Church,
p. 201
68
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
Homework Review
session?
successful?
Continuous
Learning
Community
69
NOTES
“Missional
churches are . . .
determined to
bring the transformational
influence of Jesus
Christ into their
world every day.”
—Milfred
Minatrea,
Shaped by God’s
Heart, p. 17
70
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
Missional Churches
THE FOUR DIMENSIONS OF MISSIONAL CHURCHES
Milfred Minatrea, Shaped by God’s Heart, p. 20
Love God
Empower
Worship
Equip
Obey
Lead them to follow
Live His Mission
Invite
Serve
Embrace
Shared
Love people
NINE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES OF MISSIONAL CHURCHES
Milfred Minatrea, Shaped by God’s Heart, “Part Two,” pp. 27-139
1. Have a High Threshold for Membership
2. Be Real, Not Real Religious
3. Teach to Obey Rather Than to Know
4. Rewrite Worship Every Week
5. Live Apostolically
6. Expect to Change the World
7. Order Actions According to Purpose
8. Measure Growth by Capacity to Release, Not Retain
9. Place Kingdom Concerns First
71
NOTES
“Becoming a new
kind of church—
moving to missional—is a deep
change that is
inherently difficult because it
requires leaving
established ways
of doing things.”
—Milfred
Minatrea,
Shaped by God’s
Heart, p. 173
72
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
The Life Cycle of a Church
George W. Bullard Jr., Pursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation
(cited by Paul Borden, Direct Hit, pp. 133-142)
Adulthood
VRMS
Maturity
vRMS
Empty Nest
vRmS
Adolescence
VRMs
Childhood
VRMs
Birth
Vrms
Retirement
vrMS
Old Age
vrmS
Infancy
VRms
V
-
Vision (Heart): Where are we going?
R
-
Relationships (Arms): Who is going with us?
M
-
Ministry (Hands and Feet): How will we get there?
S
-
Structure (Skeleton): What do we control?
Death
s
SIGMOID CURVE: “THE CURVE OF LIFE”
Charles Handy, The Age of Paradox
Cycle 3
Cycle 2
Cycle 1
73
NOTES
“Missional leaders
must see what is
not as though it
were.”
—Milfred
Minatrea,
Shaped by God’s
Heart, p. 171
74
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
Managing Transitions
BEGINNING ANEW
William Bridges, Managing Transitions, pp. 57-75
Purpose
Picture
Plan
Part
WRITING GOD’S VISION FOR YOUR CHURCH
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
75
NOTES
“Missional leaders, along with
their leadership
teams, have a clear
vision for creating
authentic missional communities.”
—Milfred
Minatrea,
Shaped by God’s
Heart, p. 167.
76
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
77
Preparation for Session Six
BEST PRACTICES
1. Start a leadership class using our resource book for this session.
2. Get a coach to guide you personally as a leader.
3. Take a personality inventory to assess your style of leadership, such as DISC,
LEAD, Myers-Briggs, or the Gallup StrengthsFinder. A free version of DISC can
be found online at http://discpersonalitytesting.com/free-disc-test.
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________
The Age of Paradox by Charles Handy (Cambridge, MA: Harvard Business School
Press, 1994).
Can These Bones Live? Bringing New Life to a Dying Church by Kevass J. Harding
Courageous Leadership: Field-Tested Strategy for the 360° Leader by Bill Hybels
(Zondervan, 2002).
The In-Between Church: Navigating the Size Transitions in Congregations by Alice
Mann (Alban Institute, 1998).
Managing Transitions, 3rd Edition by William Bridges (Da Capo Press, 2009).
Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton (Free
Press, 2001).
The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life by Laurie Beth
Jones (Hyperion, 1996).
Pursuing the Full Kingdom Potential of Your Congregation by George W. Bullard
Jr.
Unleashing the Potential of the Smaller Church edited by Shawn McMullen
(Standard Publishing, 2006).
PREPARATION FOR SESSION SIX
2. Discern and write a vision statement for your congregation—God’s mission in
your unique context—in prayer with your leadership team.
3. Read Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger.
78
2014 Edition
SESSION FIVE
Session Five Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
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4
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1
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4
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1
2
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4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
79
6
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Simple Church by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger
Four basic concepts of a simple church in order to focus our
churches more on transformation and less on programs.
Centering (Matthew 22:37-40, Hebrews 12:1-2a) ..................................... 83
Homework Review ...................................................................................... 85
Four Elements of Simplicity ........................................................................87
Effective Measurements ............................................................................. 89
S.M.A.R.T. Goals......................................................................................... 89
Ministry Audit .............................................................................................. 91
Action Plan .................................................................................................. 93
Preparation for Session Seven .................................................................... 94
Session Six Evaluation .................................................................................95
81
NOTES
“Love the Lord
your God with all
your heart, soul,
and mind. . . .
Love others as
much as you love
yourself.”
—Matthew
22:37-40
82
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Centering
PRAYER
Teach us, good Lord,
to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labor and not to ask for any reward,
except that of knowing that we do your will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Ignatius of Loyola, United Methodist Hymnal, p. 570
HEBREWS 12:1-2a
So then let’s also run the race that is laid out in front
of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses
surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get
rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on
Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter.
1. What is the race that God has laid our for your congregation?
2. What baggage do you need to throw off to pursue your ministry together?
83
NOTES
“The decisions you
make must be informed by your
church and your
community as you
seek God’s heart.”
—Milfred
Minatrea,
Shaped by God’s
Heart, p. 183
84
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Homework Review
session?
was successful?
Continuous
Learning
Community
85
NOTES
“Out of complexity, find
simplicity.”
—Albert Einstein,
quoted in Simple
Church, p. 3
86
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Four Elements for Simplicity
BACK TO BASICS
_________________________________________________
HOW have you
helped a child learn
_________________________________________________
walk or talk?
_________________________________________________
to
CLARITY
The ability of the process to be communicated and
understood by the people.
MOVEMENT
The sequential steps in the process that cause people to
move to greater areas of commitment.
ALIGNMENT
The arrangements of all ministries and staff around
the same simple process.
FOCUS
The commitment to abandon everything that falls
outside of the simple ministry process.
1. What is the most challenging element for you? for your church?
2. Where is one place you could apply these principles in your ministry?
3. How effective are your communications practices in your congregation?
87
NOTES
“If you want a
process to be clear,
you must define it,
illustrate it,
discuss it, and
measure it.”
—Thom Rainer
and Eric Gieger,
Simple Church,
p. 111
88
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Effective Measurements
QUALITATIVE GOALS
Christian A. Schwarz, Natural Church Development, p. 47
Area of Ministry
Examples of Qualitative Goals
Ministry
At the end of nine months 80 percent of those attending
worship services will have discovered their spiritual gifts and
50 percent will be active in a ministry corresponding to their
gifts.
Small Groups
Within the next six months, we will divide our home Bible
study with the co-leader assuming the leadership of the new
group.
S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
George T. Doran, Management Review
Choose a ministry from your
congregation and write
sample goals:
S = Specific
1. What to accomplished?
2. Why accomplish it?
3. When and how?
M = Measurable
1. How much? How many?
2. What results are expected?
3. What will be observable?
A = Achievable
R = Relevant
T = Time-Based
1. Is the desired result of the
goal attainable?
2. How challenging is this
goal?
3. How much direct control
do I have over the goal?
Is this goal something I have
authority and responsibility
to accomplish?
When will this goal be
accomplished?
89
NOTES
“You must insist
that all ministries
align to the process, and you must
refuse to allow it
to become cluttered.”
—Thom Rainer
and Eric Gieger,
Simple Church,
p. 240-241
90
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Ministry Audit
Based on the work of Paul Borden and Milfred Minatrea
following discussion in The Externally Focused Church, p. 125
Use the grid below to complete a ministry audit of all of your congregation’s
ministries, programs, and activities. (Compare it to the grid found at the bottom of
page 57 in your workbook from The Externally Focused Church.) The top boxes of
the grid represent ministries that benefit people outside of the church, while
ministries in the bottom boxes serve focus mostly on members of the church. The
boxes to the left describe ministries primarily for fellowship or teaching. The boxes
on the right refer to those that take the congregation into the community.
EXTERNAL
INTERNAL
FOCUS
Take a few minutes as a church team to place your ministries on the grid. As you add
ministries to each box, avoid attempts to place anything in more than one quadrant.
Be honest about where the ministry most directly applies, even when it could be
listed on both sides of the grid. You may want to invite your church council to do the
same exercise in more depth at a later time.
ENTERTAIN/EDIFY
OUTREACH/SERVICE
PURPOSE
91
NOTES
“It is time for
change. The
alternative is to
continue leading
dying churches
filled with spiritually anemic
people.”
—Thom Rainer
and Eric Gieger,
Simple Church,
p. 229.
92
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
93
Preparation for Session Seven
BEST PRACTICES
1. Adopt the accountable leadership strategy by studying Winning on Purpose by
John Kaiser. Be sure all staff and leaders have job descriptions and are being held
accountable for accomplishing their goals.
2. Invite your laity to study Simple Church and simplify your structure as much as
possible.
3. _______________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No
Matter What by Peter L. Steinke (Alban Institute, 2006).
Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell (Thomas
Nelson, 2002).
The Little Church that Could: Raising Small Church Esteem by Steven E. Burt and
Hazel Ann Roper (Judson Press, 2000).
Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley (Zondervan, 2007).
Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy
Churches, 7th edition by Christian A. Schwarz (ChurchSmart Resources,
2006).
The Practicing Congregation: Imagining a New Old Church by Diana Butler Bass
“There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management Goals and Objectives” by George T.
Doran, Management Review (AMA Forum), November 1981, pp. 35-36.
Winning on Purpose: How to Organize Congregations to Succeed in Their Mission
by John Kaiser (Abingdon Press, 2006).
HOMEWORK
1. Carry out your selected action plan from page 93 of this workbook.
2. Complete your ministry audit from page 91 of this workbook with your church
leaders given your vision for the future as a congregation.
3. Read Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones.
94
2014 Edition
SESSION SIX
Clarity of Purpose
Session Six Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
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2
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1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
95
7
SESSION SEVEN
Communication Skills
Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane
Jones
Improving our ability to inspire and transform lives to reflect the
love of Christ.
Centering (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) .............................................................. 99
Homework Review ..................................................................................... 101
A Focused Message .................................................................................... 103
Get Organized ............................................................................................ 105
Hone Your Skills ........................................................................................ 107
Action Plan ................................................................................................. 109
Preparation for Session Eight.................................................................... 110
Session Seven Evaluation ........................................................................... 111
97
NOTES
“I have become all
things to all people, so I could save
some by all possible means.”
—1 Corinthians
9:22b-23
98
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
Centering
PRAYER
Open wide the window of our spirits, O Lord, and fill us full of light;
open wide the door of our hearts, that we may receive and entertain
thee with all our powers of adoration and love. Amen.
—Christina G. Rossetti, United Methodist Hymnal, p. 477
1 CORINTHIANS 9:19-23
Although I’m free from all people, I make myself a
slave to all people, to recruit more of them. I act like a
Jew to the Jews, so I can recruit Jews. I act like I’m
under the Law to those under the Law, so I can recruit
those who are under the Law (though I myself am not
under the Law). I act like I’m outside the Law to those
who are outside the Law, so I can recruit those outside
the Law (though I’m not outside the law of God but
rather under the law of Christ). I act weak to the weak,
so I can recruit the weak. I have become all things to
all people, so I could save some by all possible means.
All the things I do are for the sake of the gospel, so I
can be a partner with it.
1. How have you practiced Paul’s speaking technique described in 1 Corinthians in
presentations you have made to others?
2. What speech have you heard that was so effective that you still remember it
today? What do you recall most vividly?
99
NOTES
“Complexity is
often synonymous
with mediocrity.”
—Thom Rainer
and Eric Geiger,
Simple Church,
p. 232
100
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
Homework Review
session?
was successful?
Continuous
Learning
Community
101
NOTES
“The communicator should
attempt to pick
everyone up at the
same station and
deliver them to the
same destination.”
—Andy Stanley,
Communicating
for a Change,
p. 101
102
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
A Focused Message
ELEVATOR SPEECH
Pick a key ministry of your congregation and create a brief speech you might deliver
on an elevator ride with a stranger. What main ideas would you want to express in a
minute or two? Write them below.
1. Determine your ______________. “Teach people how to live a life that reflects
values, principles, and truths of the Bible” (Communicating for a Change, p. 95).
2. Pick a _________________.
Dig until you find it.
Build everything around it.
Make it stick.
103
NOTES
“There are ways to
use notes without
anyone knowing
you are using
notes.”
—Andy Stanley,
Communicating
for a Change,
p. 139
104
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
Get Organized
3. Create a _______________.
ME
Application
WE
Orientation
GOD
Inspiration
YOU
Identification
WE
Illumination
4. Internalize your __________________.
“When a communicator rushes through material it sends a very specific message:
I am more concerned about covering the material than I am about
communicating with my audience” (Communicating for a Change, p. 123).
Before you stand to deliver a message you must own it.
Reduce your entire message down to five or six pieces. Not points, pieces or
sections of information.
If something doesn’t support, illustrate, or clarify the point, cut it.
5. Engage your _____________________.
Presentation trumps information.
Raising the need.
— Answer a question they’ve been asking.
— Solve a mystery they have been unable to solve.
— Resolve a tension they have been unable to resolve.
Rules of engagement.
— Check your speed.
— Slow down on the curves.
— Navigate through the text.
— Add something unexpected to the trip.
— Take the most direct route.
105
NOTES
“The church needs
your voice and
your insight.”
—Andy Stanley,
Communicating
for a Change,
p. 193
106
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
Hone Your Skills
6. Find your _______________________.
Being yourself is not an excuse for poor communication habits.
Be yourself. But become the best communicator you can be.
Continally ask yourself, What works? What works for me?
7. ________________ all over.
What do they need to know?
Information
Why do they need to know it?
Motivation
What do they need to do?
Application
Why do they need to do it?
Inspiration
How can I help them remember?
Reiteration
1. Which of those five are already strong gifts for you?
2. Where do you feel you have the most room for growth?
3. What lingering questions do you have about the ideas in our resource book this
month?
107
NOTES
“The first thing I
do when I get
stuck is pray.”
—Andy Stanley,
Communicating
for a Change,
p. 184.
108
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
109
Preparation for Session Eight
BEST PRACTICES
1. Videotape your sermons, worship events, or other presentations and meet with
other leaders to critique what’s working and what needs improvement.
2. Ask a peer to work with you by providing feedback on the effectiveness of your
public speaking.
3. _______________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________
Get the Name: Grow Your Church by Building New Relationships by Bob Farr,
Doug Anderson, and Kay Kotan (Abingdon Press, 2013).
Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History selected and introduced by William
Safire (W. W. Norton and Company, 1997).
Life is a Series of Presentations: 8 Ways to Punch Up Your People Skills at Work, at
Home, Anytime, Anywhere by Tony Jeary (Fireside, 2004).
Ministry Nuts and Bolts: What They Don’t Teach Pastors in Seminary, 2nd edition
by Aubrey Malphurs (Kregel Publications, 2009).
HOMEWORK
1. Carry out your selected action plan from page 109 of this workbook.
2. Make one presentation in the next month using the seven imperatives suggested
by our authors.
3. Read Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, 2nd edition by Martha Grace
Reese. Consider joining other leaders in the 40-day personal prayer journal
found in the book.
110
2014 Edition
SESSION SEVEN
Session Seven Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
111
8
SESSION EIGHT
Real Life Evangelism
Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reese
Discovering authentic ways to talk about God so that others
might be led to a life in Christ.
Centering (John 4:39, Romans 15:14-17) .................................................. 115
Homework Review ......................................................................................117
A Trinity of Relationships.......................................................................... 119
Bandwidths of Evangelism ........................................................................ 121
Faith Sharing ............................................................................................. 123
Action Plan ................................................................................................. 125
Additional Resources ................................................................................. 126
Session Eight Evaluation ........................................................................... 127
113
NOTES
“A lot of Samaritans in that town
put their faith in
Jesus because the
woman had said,
‘This man told me
everything I have
ever done.’ ”
—John 4:39
114
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
Centering
PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have caused all holy scriptures to be written for our
learning. Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly
digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope
of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever,
and ever. Amen.
ROMANS 15:14-17
My friends, I am sure that you are very good and that you have all the knowledge you
need to teach each other. But I have spoken to you plainly and have tried to remind
you of some things. God was so kind to me! He chose me to be a servant of Christ
Jesus for the Gentiles and to do the work of a priest in the service of his good news.
God did this so that the Holy Spirit could make the Gentiles into a holy offering,
pleasing to him.
Because of Christ Jesus, I can take pride in my service for God. In fact, all I will
talk about is how Christ let me speak and work, so that the Gentiles would obey him.
Indeed, I will tell how Christ worked miracles and wonders by the power of the Holy
Spirit. I have preached the good news about him all the
way from Jerusalem to Illyricum. But I have always
tried to preach where people have never heard about
Christ. I am like a builder who doesn’t build on anyone
else’s foundation. It is just as the scriptures say, “All
who haven’t been told about him will see him, and
those who haven’t heard about him will understand.”
1. What parallels do you see between this passage of scripture and our
contemporary experience in the church?
2. What are the challenges for you and the members of your congregation in sharing
faith with people outside the church?
115
NOTES
“Our goal should
be life change. . . .
to teach people
how to live a life
that reflects the
values, principles,
and truths of the
Bible.”
—Andy Stanley,
Communicating
for a Change,
p. 100.
116
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
Homework Review
session?
successful?
Continuous
Learning
Community
117
NOTES
“Evangelism is
anything you do to
help another person move closer to
a relationship with
God, or into Christian community.
—Martha Grace
Reese, Unbinding
the Gospel, p. 9
118
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
A Trinity of Relationships
THE “E” WORD
_________________________________________________
WHAT do you think
and feel about the word
Evangelism?
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
A TRINITY OF RELATIONSHIPS
Martha Grace Reese, Unbinding the Gospel, p. 59
“Positively or negatively, these sets of relationships affect each other. If one area
grows and gets healthier, the other areas will change. Congregational leaders must
pay attention to all three areas if the church is to thrive and do healthy
ministry/evangelism.”
Relationships
with God
Relationships
with People
Outside the
Church
Relationships
between Church
Members
1. How does mission and service—the center of their diagram described as the
“sweet spot” in The Externally Focused Church (Participant’s Workbook, p. 57)—
contrast with or reinforce Martha Grace Reese’s ideas around faith sharing?
2. How do these three sets of relationships (with God, within the church, reaching
out to others) interact in your church?
119
NOTES
“The purpose of
rethinking evangelism is . . . to
help us be sensitive to opportunities that surround
us.”
—Martha Grace
Reese, Unbinding
the Gospel, p. 90
120
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
Bandwidths of Evangelism
Martha Grace Reese, Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism, pp. 87-93
101.1
Our children
101.2
Our children’s friends
101.3
Attenders of our church who never joined
101.4
Committed Christians from similar church backgrounds
101.5
Committed Christians from different church backgrounds
101.6
People raised in the church who drifted away
101.7
People raise in the church who were hurt
101.8
Not-yet Christians who are similar to church members
101.9
Not-yet Christians who are different from church members
101.1
People
different
from us
People
similar to us
People raised in
church, but hurt
People raised in church
who drifted
People transferring
from different churches
People transferring
from similar churches
Regular attenders of our church
Our children's friends
Our children
121
NOTES
“Evangelistic
churches concentrate on helping
people grow in
their faith lives
through spiritual
practices.”
—Martha Grace
Reese, Unbinding
the Gospel, p. 98
122
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
Faith Sharing
YOUR FAITH STORY
What was a recent experience of God that you have had? Write about it below.
THE HOLY AND PRACTICAL
Unbinding the Gospel, pp. 105-120
Everyone prays for everyone.
Pastors
— Set the priorities. See the big
picture.
— Preaching and worship are crucial.
— Dissolve barriers. Build bridges.
— Teach faith practices and faith sharing.
— Practice relationship leadership.
— Remember that you are God’s beloved.
— Keep your eyes on the Lord, not the status quo.
Church members
— The bedrock of sustainable Christian action is a spiritual life.
— Do what you love.
— Learn to talk about your faith.
— Members of congregations do more direct evangelism than pastors.
— Evangelists are all kinds of people.
— New Christians are evangelists.
— Your evangelism team is a prayer group.
— Pray for the people who have no one to pray for them.
1. What are some things your church is already engaged in these essential practices
of evangelism?
2. What new opportunities would you like your church to try to reach out to others
as bearers of God’s good news?
123
NOTES
“A decision to let
God use us to
share real faith
pries us loose from
old habits, perceptions and
moorings.”
—Martha Grace
Reese, Unbinding
the Gospel, p. 121.
124
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
Action Plan
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
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125
Additional Resources
BEST PRACTICES
1. Move the fellowship hall to the front door—upgrade hospitality.
2. Re-do your signage and upgrade the outside!
3. Hold two or three big events in the next year and invite, invite, invite.
4. Do neighborhood blitzes. Set up in a local supermarket.
5. Upgrade all print materials. Direct mail—internal cards and external mailings.
6. Liven up the worship experience. Go to a sermon series.
7. Call the newspaper with information.
8. Go off site if you need to. Link your mission work with evangelism.
9. Go online—have a strong web presence.
10. Upgrade nursery and front entrance.
11. Risk turning off some folks.
12. Pick two or three things you can do best and stick to them. It all starts with you!
13. Plan to do the full Unbinding the Gospel program in your church making it a
priority. Churches who do this find a great deal of growth in spirituality, small
groups, and openness of people to share their faith.
14. _____________________________________________________
15. _____________________________________________________
16. _____________________________________________________
FOR FURTHER READING
A.K.A. Lost: Discovering Ways to Connect with the People Jesus Misses Most by
Jim Henderson (Waterbrook Press, 2005).
Beyond the First Visit: The Complete Guide to Connecting Guests to Your Church by
Gary L. McIntosh (Baker Books, 2006).
Jim and Caspar Go to Church: Frank Conversation about Faith, Churches, and
Well-Meaning Christians by Jim Henderson, Matt Caspar, and George Barna
(Tyndale House Publishers, 2007).
Unbinding Your Church (Pastor's and Leaders' Guide to the Real Life Evangelism
Series) by Martha Grace Reese with Dawn Darwin Weaks and Catherine
Riddle Caffey (Chalice Press, 2008).
Unbinding Your Heart: Forty Days of Prayer and Faith Sharing by Martha Grace
126
2014 Edition
SESSION EIGHT
Session Eight Evaluation
Name: ______________________________ (optional)
Poor
Fair
Good
Strong Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Content
Facilitator
Environment
Overall
___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Other comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Thank You!
127

Participant`s Workbook

Transcription

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