Design for Elder Training Miniversities
January, 2003
“Keep the Flame Burning”
The following design
is for 5 hours including two breaks. At the outset it will be
important to have a good grasp of the number of participants. Be
aware that the larger the number of participants the more time it will
take to form groups. Also be aware that the smaller the small
group the less time required to process an assignment. Some of the
activities call for elders/pastors from the same congregation to work
together. If a congregation only has 1 elder or pastor present help
that person get assimilated into a group; you may form groups with
persons who are there in small numbers from their congregation.
The activity titles on the “Map for the Journey” (schedule) follow the
scripture passage of Moses’ call from God in the wilderness.
Preparation:
You might recruit a pianist to play the hymns or songs used in worship
if there is one from the group gathered. If not, you might sing
the hymns without accompanying music. The closing worship includes the
song “Here I Am, Lord.” This is a less familiar song and
participants may have difficulty singing it. It is on the
accompanying CD. You may choose to use another song/hymn that has
a “commissioning/sending” theme or you may play the song on the CD
player and invite persons to listen and/or sing along as they wish.
Packets:
Each participant will receive a packet of “resources” at the check-in
table for the event. Included will be all the hand-outs for the
miniversity. You will simply need to have persons retrieve the
appropriate work sheet at the respective time for its use. The
hand-outs, in order of use are:
• “Map for the Journey” (Goals and Schedule)
•
Song Sheet (“Amazing Grace” and “Called As Partners in Christ’s
Service”) Note: Will be used again during closing worship.
• “I Hear A Call”
• Constitution (Articles related to elders)
• Everyday Creative Worksheet
• Four Leadership Styles & A Reading for the Saints
• Spiritual Gifts Inventory, Short Form & Explanation
• Seven R’s: A Spiritual Development Model for Session Meetings
• Evaluation Form
• Resources
•
Song Sheet (“Here I Am Lord”) Note: On reverse side of the sheet
with “Amazing Grace” and “Called As Partners in
Christ’s Service.”
Room Arrangement:
Hopefully most all the miniversities will be in church fellowship halls
so that persons can move about more freely. We will request a set
up where participants can group around tables for some activities and
form groups in open spaces for others.
Needed: Masking
Tape (to post goals), Pencils, CD Player/TV/VCR (provided by host
church), CD with songs “I Hear A Call” and “Here I Am, Lord”
(provided), “Everyday Creativity” video (provided), blank 8 ½ x
12 paper, Candle or some other object(s) as a focus symbol for use with
the Seven R’s (You may check with someone at the host church for
potential objects like candles, crosses, Bible, etc. if you wish to
have an object for each group. This is not a necessity. See the
activity for additional information.)
12:30 - 12:45— Keeping the Flock — Beginnings
Purpose: To help build community and develop an atmosphere for sharing.
Needed: Open space for easy movement of persons in greeting one another.
Beginnings: Invite
persons to free themselves from chairs in order to move around and meet
other people. Give the following instructions, allowing time
after each for persons to find someone and share their response.
A. You have been appointed
to serve as greeter for your church today. Meet and greet as many
persons as you can telling them where you’re from, the church you serve
and how long you’ve been an ordained elder or pastor. (Allow 2 or 3
minutes for this activity.)
NOW: Get the group’s
attention and tell persons to join as a partner with the last person
with whom they spoke. Make sure everyone has a partner.
B. Share with your partner what you remember about
being called to be an elder or pastor. (Allow about a minute or so for
sharing.)
C. Find someone else and share three things that you
like most about your church. (Allow about a minute or so for sharing.)
D. Find someone else and share something that would
change your church for the better. (Allow about a minute or so for
sharing.)
E. As partners, find another set of partners
and identify the persons whose birthday is nearest today. Starting with
that person and going clockwise, share the ways in which your spirit is
nurtured (Allow about 3 or 4 minutes so for sharing.) Call time
and invite persons to be seated.
12:45- 12:50— Beyond the Wilderness — Map for the Journey: Introductions/Schedule
Purpose: To introduce leadership and help persons know where you are leading them today.
Needed: Goals (provided) for the event posted on wall with masking tape, “Map for the Journey.”
Leader
Introductions: One leader introduces him/herself and then the other
team leader for this event. Take no more than a couple of minutes for
the entire introductions.
Map for the Journey:
Share with the group the primary purposes of this event (Have these
posted on the wall and invite persons to get a copy of the Map for the
Journey sheet from their packets.):
to engage participants in: exploring the call to serve as elders;
discovering leadership styles and unique gifts; examining how groups
work in addressing concerns; embracing the responsibilities and
opportunities given; expanding creativity potentials; gaining a vision
for session meetings that enhance spiritual development; and affirming
God’s presence and blessings.
Call attention to the schedule. Inform them that the titles of
the elements for the event come from the Exodus story of God’s call to
Moses in the wilderness. Alert persons that we will be doing a lot in a
short period of time and their trust and participation is invited.
12:30 p.m.— Keeping the Flock— Beginnings
12:45 p.m.— Beyond the Wilderness— Map for the
Journey (Introductions and Schedule)
12:50 p.m.— I Must Turn Aside— Worship
1:05 p.m.— From the Burning Bush, Gods Calls— Called to Service
1:30 p.m.— Pulling Off Our Sandals:
Challenges & Opportunities of Saying Yes
2:10 p.m.— Break
2:25 p.m.— You Can!— Everyday Creativity
3:10 p.m — Who Am I?— Leadership Styles/Bible Study
3:40 p.m.— Break with Refreshments
4:05 p.m.— What Is In Your Hand? — Gifts Survey/Spiritual Nourishment
4:25 p.m.— I Am Has Sent Me— Spiritual Development Model for Meetings
5:00 p.m.— You Shall Serve as God— What next? From Here to There
5:15 p.m. — But Suppose?— Questions/Answers/Evaluations
5:25 p.m. — I Will Be With You— Worship/Commissioning
5:30 p.m. — Going Forth
12:50-1:05—
I Must Turn Aside---Worship (Invite persons as we
prepare for worship to retrieve the Song/Hymn Sheet from their packet.)
Purpose: To provide opportunity for worship and raise awareness to God’s Word for us as we come together.
Needed: Song/Hymn Sheet, Pianist (if available)
Leader:
As Moses turned aside to see what was happening, so
now let us turn aside near the beginning of this miniversity to
worship. Let us prepare ourselves in silence. (Allow a full minute of
silence.)
Leader:
Psalm 30:10-12 (NRSV) Hear, O LORD, and be
gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!" 11 You have turned my mourning
into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I
will give thanks to you forever.
Hymn “Amazing Grace”
Litany Prayer:
(Tell persons that the prayer response to each statement is “O
God, keep the flame burning.” Repeat it and invite the group to
repeat the phrase to get it in mind. Also tell the group that
there will come a time when anyone who wishes can add to the prayer by
finishing the incomplete sentence of “When we....” After persons
make their statement, the group will repeat the common response: “O
God, keep the flame burning.”)
You have called us to be your servants
O God, keep the flame burning
When we lose sight of that calling
O God, keep the flame burning
When we let the ashes of “But we’ve never done it that way before” smother our creativity
O God, keep the flame burning
When we struggle to make right decisions for your church
O God, keep the flame burning
When we..... (response/repeat/response, etc.) (NOTE: silence is
okay....allow time for persons to think and respond.) After a
period of time or when it seems the response has slowed, conclude the
prayer with: We are your called out people, called to serve you, O
God. Keep the flame of your spirit and your love burning within
us, even as you did for Moses, even as you did for the disciples with
Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-14; 4:1-5, 10-16 (You may read or have someone else read.)
Exodus 3:1-14 (NRSV) Moses was keeping the flock of his
father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the
wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel
of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he
looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3 Then Moses
said, "I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the
bush is not burned up." 4 When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to
see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said,
"Here I am." 5 Then he said, "Come no closer! Remove the sandals from
your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." 6
He said further, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the
God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was
afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD said, "I have observed the
misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account
of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have
come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out
of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and
honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites,
the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 The cry of the
Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians
oppress them. 10 So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my
people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses said to God, "Who
am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of
Egypt?" 12 He said, "I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for
you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of
Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain." 13 But Moses said to
God, "If I come to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your
ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?'
what shall I say to them?" 14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." He
said further, "Thus you shall say to the Israelites, 'I AM has sent me
to you.'"
4:1-5, 10-16 Then Moses answered, "But suppose they do not
believe me or listen to me, but say, 'The LORD did not appear to you.'"
2 The LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" He said, "A
staff." 3 And he said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw the staff
on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses drew back from it. 4
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Reach out your hand, and seize it by the
tail"--so he reached out his hand and grasped it, and it became a staff
in his hand-- 5 "so that they may believe that the LORD, the God of
their ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob, has appeared to you."
10 But Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I have never been
eloquent, neither in the past nor even now that you have spoken to your
servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." 11 Then the LORD
said to him, "Who gives speech to mortals? Who makes them mute or deaf,
seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go, and I will be with
your mouth and teach you what you are to speak." 13 But he said, "O my
Lord, please send someone else." 14 Then the anger of the LORD was
kindled against Moses and he said, "What of your brother Aaron, the
Levite? I know that he can speak fluently; even now he is coming out to
meet you, and when he sees you his heart will be glad. 15 You shall
speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I will be with your
mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 16 He
indeed shall speak for you to the people; he shall serve as a mouth for
you, and you shall serve as God for him.
Leader: The Word of God for the people of God.
Response: Thanks be to God.
Message: “Keep the Flame Burning”
Now I could liken the experience of being called to serve as an
elder or pastor to that of Moses and his call to care for his people
and become part of God’s plan for liberating them. And the story would
play well because there are some strong similarities from which to
draw. But I would rather use the story in another way to open us to the
possibility of God calling us in and through this event called “Session
as Spiritual Leaders.” Moses was tending the flock.... not unlike lots
of you Moses’ who are tending the flock of your congregation as elders
and pastors... when he went somewhere beyond the wilderness. Now
I don’t know if you can call where you come from the wilderness and
where you are now at this event as the beyond or not, but let’s just
suppose that’s the case. You have come to this
beyond-the-wilderness from your caring for the flock of people called
“whatever” CP Church.
You have turned aside from your regular Saturday happening to
come here. And if you listen carefully you will hear God calling
you by name— Bob or Jane or Walter or Frances or whatever. If you
recognize your name and that it is God who is calling it, you just
might be surprised to learn that the place where you have come is
actually Sacred Ground. And you are called to stand on that ground for
these minutes and hours to receive the challenges and blessings of God
that will give you a stronger sense of your calling, your mission, and
your ministry. This is the bush to which you have turned aside to see
and through which you expect God to speak in order to “Keep the Flame
Burning.”
It’s interesting that when God speaks and tells us about the
needs and opportunities to which we are to join in ministry, we start
first with questioning ourselves. “But Moses said to God, ‘Who Am
I....?’” That’s our question too, isn’t it? As we come here
today, we want to look at our identity, our faith, our calling and what
all of these mean for us and for God’s purpose. The call to serve as an
elder or a pastor is an awesome one. It demands our commitment
and dedication. It calls us to care for the flock, to visit the
sick, to seek those who are lost, to call pastors, to resolve conflict,
to plan programs and the financial means to implement those programs,
to participate in the larger church through presbytery and synod and
General Assembly, and much, much more. We would be less than
human if we didn’t question our adequacy and our worthiness and our
faith! We would be less than human if we didn’t find reasons for
not wanting to say “Yes” to God’s call like: “What if I tell the people
that God has sent me to serve as an elder, and they say, ‘You’ve got to
be kidding’?” or “O Lord, I can’t speak well before people nor do I
think very well on my feet” or “O my God, please send someone else; I
can’t do this.”
Maybe God has brought you beyond the wilderness to this Sacred
Ground today to ask you, “What is that in your hand?” Now Moses
responded, “A staff.” What’s your response? Open your hand;
hold it before you....go ahead....do it! Look at it! What is that
in your hand? In other words, what are the resources God has
given you to fulfill your calling? Perhaps you are here beyond
the wilderness today simply to discover that there is no mold out of
which all session members are made....no quarry out of which all
session members are dug. Perhaps you are here to discover who you are
uniquely from all other session members and why God has chosen to weave
you into the tapestry of service along with the others who are
gathered. Perhaps you are here to discover that God can take the
“staff” in your hand and transform it into remarkable resources of
service. Perhaps you are here to discover that the gifts you don’t
have, some other Aaron or Rebecca does, and that together you can
fulfill God’s mission for your congregation.
And finally, as you turn aside to this burning bush called a
miniversity and listen for God’s voice, you might get to the end of the
day with this question hot on your mind, “Who am I that I should
go...and...?” Then, if you listen really closely....really
closely....you might hear the sure voice of God say to you as you
depart, even as God said to reluctant and ill-equipped Moses, “I AM has
sent you....I will be with you... I will keep the flame burning!”
Song: “Called As Partners in Christ’s Service” (Tune of “Love Divine”)
Prayer for the Journey:
God who calls, equips, blesses and sends, we offer thanksgiving
for inviting us to turn aside for this elder development event. In your
good wisdom, take who we are and transform us by the renewing of your
spirit within us to become even more the persons you want and will us
to be. Thank you for the privilege to be counted not as your servants
but as your friends. In and through the name of the great high
priest, even Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
1:05-1:30 — From the Burning Bush, God Calls— Called to Service
Purpose: To provide opportunity for participants to grapple with their call to serve as elders and pastors.
Needed: CD with “I Hear A Call,” CD Player, “I Hear A Call” Worksheet (APPENDIX A)
After a few moments of silence, invite persons to form groups of
4, paying special attention to including persons they don’t know very
well. Encourage them to form their groups as quickly as
possible. (NOTE: The smaller the groups the better in order to
discuss more questions in a shorter period of time.) After groups are
formed, invite persons to retrieve from their packets the “I Hear A
Call” worksheet. Play the song on the stereo, inviting persons to
listen to the lyrics. After the song concludes, invite groups to
discuss the questions on the worksheet. Tell groups that they will have
around 15 minutes for discussion. If you have a few minutes remaining,
you can invite a couple of responses to a particular question for the
benefit of the whole group. Example, ask for a couple of
responses to the question: What do you think members of your
congregation expect of an elder?
Remind persons that they are elders or ministers because they
have been called by God to this form of ministry and they should never
lose sight that they are where they are because God has called them and
they have responded by saying “Yes.”
1:30-2:10 — Pulling Off Our Sandals— Challenges and Opportunities of Saying Yes
Purpose: To engage participants in exploring their duties and responsibilities as elders.
Needed: Blank paper and pen/pencil for each group, Constitution sheet (APPENDIX B)
What is it like to be an elder? What are you called to do?
What should congregations take into account when considering the
qualifications of persons to serve in this important role?
Divide the group into smaller groups of 5 persons; it’s okay for
persons to group with other members of their own session.
However, you might stipulate that there should be at least one male and
one female and at least one person from a church different from yours
in your group if you want to mix the group members. (Note: choose
the criteria to fit the group. Make sure there are enough of a
particular gender to have one in every group. Be sensitive to grouping
by sessions so that persons who are here alone can have a group.) Tell
each group to select a member to serve as the session clerk. Provide
pencil and paper to each group’s recorder. Instruct groups that they
have been appointed as a task force to draft a list of duties and
responsibilities for an elder that will be used to invite persons to
consider accepting nomination to that office. Inform the group that
they do not have accessible to them the constitution or any other
documents. They are to do this from their own perspectives. Tell them
that they should not spend time discussing the items on the description
but rather make a listing. Inform groups that they will have 10 minutes
for this task.
Call time and invite persons to get a copy of the Constitutional
Articles from their packets. Everyone should have a copy.
Tell the group that they are to review the duties and responsibilities
of an elder and compare what they find with their job description. How
are they alike? Different? Allow 15 minutes to complete the task.
Instruct groups to refocus to the total group. Invite anyone who
wishes to share some of the challenges and opportunities of being an
elder. Encourage honest sharing of misgivings about abilities and
worthiness, etc. Call attention to Moses’ reluctance and sense of
inadequacy for fulfilling God’s call and to the low profile folks Jesus
called to discipleship. We don’t have to be perfect; we are called
along with others; we are not alone— there are others on the session
with different gifts from us; God is with us. You don’t have to be
everything on that sheet.
2:10-2:25
— Break (Invite persons to take a brief break, but be ready to start in
15 minutes. Make sure the video is properly cued and the TV and VCR are
ready.)
2:25-3:10 — You Can!— Everyday Creativity
Purpose:
To explore the meaning of creativity and how use of it can open
significant ways for decision-making, planning and ministry.
Needed:
“Everyday Creativity” video ($25 loan from Board of
Christian Education, TV, VCR, “Everyday Creativity” worksheet (APPENDIX
C).
Tell the group that you will be moving now to explore ways to use
creativity in planning, problem-solving and visioning. The
primary resource is a video titled “Everyday Creativity” and features
Dewitt Jones, photographer for National Geographic. Show the
video. It is 20 minutes in length. At the conclusion of the
video, provide for a few moments of silence for persons to think about
what they’ve viewed. Invite persons to share what they learned
from the video that might be helpful for their session to know or
remember. Allow no more than 3 to 5 minutes for sharing.
Have persons get into groups. They can get with their other
session members if they wish for this activity or they may form a group
of no more than 5 persons. Invite persons to retrieve the
“Everyday Creativity Worksheet” from their packets. Tell groups to
select a “clerk” or recorder to fill in one of the copies. The task is
for the group acting as a church session to address the concern
assigned to it on the worksheet. Taking the financial concern,
they are to complete items on the form. Alert them that their
time is restricted so a finished product is not the goal. The
goal is to experience the process focusing on a particular
concern. Provide 20 minutes for completion of the task.
Call time and invite persons to share one or two learnings that came to
them as they did this activity. For example, there is more than
one right answer to a problem or it makes a difference if you look at
something from a different perspective or through a difference lens
than before. Have persons stay in these groups for the next activity.
3:10-3:40— Who Am I?— Leadership Styles and Bible Study
Purpose:
To explore the different styles of leadership
represented among session members and to examine the meaning of
leadership reflected in a scripture passage.
Needed: Copy of “Four Leadership Styles” sheet for leading the activity (APPENDIX D), “A Reading for the Saints” study sheets (APPENDIX E)
God said, “I have
a plan...” Moses asked, “Who Me?” That may be your question,
too. What do you bring to the role of a leader? What is
your particular leadership style? In order to answer those
questions let’s do the following activity. We will need to have
some open space. Let’s move back the chairs or go over to “this”
open space.... (Give whatever instructions you need to give in order to
have space for the movement of persons into four groups.)
Leadership Styles. Secure a copy of the Four Leadership
Styles sheet. (In your mind, line up the paper so that the top is
North, the left side (Introvert) is West, the right side (Extrovert) is
East, and the bottom is South. Use the center point as a guide in
directing persons. After the group has moved to an open
area free of chairs, do the following. With outstretched hands
divide the room into two parts (running North and South). Invite
persons who feel that they are more Introverted (more inward turning,
enjoys being alone with a good book, not bothered by silence, okay
without others around) to go to the West side of the imaginary line and
those who are more Extroverted (outgoing, meets people easily, enjoys
being around others, doesn’t mind taking initiative, uncomfortable
being alone) to go to the East Side of the line. (Note: You might have
persons find one other person and tell them why they chose the side
they did. Don’t tarry!)
Now, draw another imaginary line East to West. Tell persons
they are to remain on the side of the North/South Imaginary Line but
can move anywhere on that side as instructed. Instruct persons
who are more Feeling (more apt to say in response to a question: “Well,
I feel...;” pay closer attention to their feelings than with hard
thinking) to move to the North side of the imaginary line and those who
are more Thinking (more apt to say in response to a question: “Well, I
think...;” reasoning comes easily for these folks; enjoy thinking
through issues or problems) to move to the South side of the
line. (AGAIN: Remind persons to stay on the side they first
placed themselves— introvert or extrovert.)
After persons place themselves, invite them to look around to see
who else is there. Take each of the four groups, one at a time,
and using the Four Leadership Styles sheet tell the name and the basic
characteristics of each style.
Inform the group that no leadership style is superior or inferior
to another and that all of us probably have a little of each style in
us. However, we do have a preferred style. Also inform the
group that the value in knowing others’ leadership styles is that you
can better understand why they do as they do. That is, a Party
Leader is not good with details, organization and punctuality. To give
them a task that requires detail attention to matter is to run the risk
of disappointment for that person as well as the group. If a
person who is a manager understands that some others aren’t managers,
then he/she will not be upset when somebody arrives 15 minutes after
the starting time for the meeting or when a caregiver comes to the
rescue of someone who has just been offended by her/his comments.
Groups function better when all leadership styles are represented in
its membership. All styles are needed for wholeness through
joining the unique gifts of each.
Invite persons to retrieve their packets and get the “Four
Leadership Styles” sheet from it. Instruct persons to find
3 others to form a group. Tell participants that the “Four
Leadership Styles” side of the sheet is an explanation of the styles as
we just experienced them. Invite persons to turn to the flip side of
the sheet to “A Reading for the Saints.” Invite them to have someone in
their group to read aloud one of the translations of Romans 12:1-8
(whichever translation he/she chooses) as others follow along.
Instruct persons to discuss the questions after completing the
reading. After 10 minutes, call time and invite a few responses
on what makes a church leader different from other leaders. You
may wish to ask for a brief discussion of the question: “What learnings
from this game and Bible study will help us as elders?”
Remind persons that different leadership styles are needed and
play an important role. Every person is God-designed-one-of-a-kind and
is called to serve using the gifts they have.
3:40-4:05—
Break (Inform persons that refreshments are available as
you break for 25 minutes. You will be resuming
in exactly 25 minutes and everyone is to be present at that time!)
4:05-4:25— What Is In Your Hand?— Gifts Survery/Spiritual Nourishment
Purpose: To discover the respective “gifts” and abilities that persons possess and bring to service on the session.
Needed: “Spiritual Gifts Inventory” (APPENDIX F) and “Explanation” (APPENDIX G)
Tell the group that in the Exodus story, God asked Moses what he
had in his hand. Moses replied “a staff.” That is, God
asked Moses what resources did he have to use. That’s God’s
question for each of us as we say “Yes” to the call to serve. Who
are we and what do we have to offer to God’s service. In order to
think about that, you are invited to complete a “Spiritual Gifts
Inventory.” Retrieve a copy from your packet.
Instruct persons to work individually to complete the form. After
approximately 8 minutes suggest that persons finish their
tabulations. After they have done so and totaled the number of
A’s, B’s, C’s, etc. they checked, they should turn over the inventory
and read the explanation of their gifts. If time permits, invite
persons to find a partner and share what they learned about themselves
and what they bring to God’s call to serve as elder through this
inventory.
Remind the group that we don’t all have the same gifts but all
our gifts are needed for the church session to be a whole.... No part
of the body is insignificant, all parts are needed for the body to
function effectively.
Follow-up: Inform persons that this tool can be used with members
of their congregations to determine areas where their gifts might be
used in helping the congregation to fulfill its mission. Once these are
determined, the session can place persons in particular ministry areas
that best utilize their gifts— e.g., building maintenance,
teaching/leading church school, serving on the outreach ministry team,
etc.
4:25-5:00— I AM Has Sent Me— Spiritual Development Model for Meetings
Purpose: To experience a spiritual development model for session meetings.
Needed:
Object(s) for 1 central table or for each group (e.g., large
candle/matches, cross, Bible, chalice, baptismal bowl, sea shell, etc.)
and “The Seven R’s” sheet (APPENDIX H)
Inform the group
that the title of this training event is “Session As Spiritual
Leader.” Yet often session meetings are designed to focus
on”business” and neglect matters of the “spirit.” If elders are
spiritual leaders, then they need to pay attention to their spiritual
growth, nurture and development . Meetings of the session can be
arenas where spiritual development can happen. Now we will
experience a Spiritual Development Model for Meetings. It’s just
a model but it takes into account the importance of connecting with our
feelings and our inner spirit as we seek to discern God’s will for our
congregations.
Instruct persons to group with other members of their church
session. Form new groups as needed for persons who have no other
session members present. Be sure that no group has more than 5
persons. If sessions are larger, invite them to divide. The
purpose is to experience the model in a short period of time. The fewer
persons in a group the less time needed for sharing. They, of course,
would not do this in their own groups back home. Lead the groups
through the process. The goal here is to give them a brief
experience of a session meeting that addresses the whole person and
spiritual needs as well as the agenda that calls for
decision-making. (NOTE: As you lead the process, be time
conscious. Move the group along as needed to do this task in the
time allotted.) Everyone will probably not have opportunity to
share on each item.
Step One: Ritual.
(NOTE: You might show a candle or a cross or some such item as an
example of something around which to gather and focus. Groups might
“pretend” they have a candle at the center of their group. If you have
a sufficient number of items, you might give one to each group.) Every
meeting of the group should include a ritual to begin, something that
calls the group to focus on the reason for gathering. This could be a
Christ Candle or some other candle, a cross, a communion chalice, or
whatever. If you have placed items with each group, have them
focus on the item. If not, invite them to imagine there is a
candle in the center of their group. Invite someone to light it.
You have gathered and now focus on the flame. Sit in silence for
a few moments meditating on the flame and the wisdom of God represented
in the light. Pray silently or have someone in the group to pray a
prayer of thanksgiving for God’s presence.
Step Two: Relating.
This is checking in with one another— getting in touch. Invite
persons to share with each other what they are feeling personally at
this moment. For example, I’m feeling tired from all the work
we’ve had to do. Allow a brief time for sharing. Instruct the group
members to pause for a few moments of silence after each person speaks
so they can concentrate on what’s being said.
Step Three: Receiving. Personal
Experiences. This step is opening oneself to each other in the
community of faith and to God’s Word. Beginning with the person who was
to speak next on the last activity, share with one another an
experience in your congregation that was particularly fulfilling for
you personally. Allow brief time for sharing.
God’s Word. Invite persons to close their eyes and listen
as you read aloud Isaiah 43:1-4a.
Isaiah 43:1-4a (NRSV) But now thus says the LORD, he who
created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I
have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you
pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers,
they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not
be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the LORD
your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your
ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are
precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.
Step Four: Ruminating. Digging
Deeper Into What We Hear. In their groups, invite persons to reflect on
what they hear God saying through the scripture and through the
experiences shared. Tell them to share their responses with their group.
Step Five: Reflecting.
Meditating on the Meaning. Given what we’ve heard and shared,
what is God’s call to us as pastors and elders during this
meeting? Invite sharing responses to this question.
Step Six: Responding.
Out of Listening, We Do Our Work. Inform persons that at this
point in the meeting the agenda of ministry concerns is
addressed. This is where you get to the “business” part of the
meeting, although “business” is always in the context of God’s call to
ministry.
Step Seven: Coming Anew to God.
This is the return to God in prayer for blessings and sending
forth. The passing of the peace would be appropriate after the
prayer time.
Have persons get “The Seven R’s” sheet from their packets.
Invite any questions or learnings from this model. You might ask:
What are the positive benefits of this model? What are its
drawbacks? Help persons to see that the primary focus is not on the
agenda but on listening and discerning God’s will for the church in and
through the meeting of the session.
5:00-5:15— You Shall Serve As God— What Next? From Here to There
Purpose: To identify learnings and how they might apply to the work of the session beyond this event.
Needed: Blank paper and pen/pencil for each group.
Back to the Exodus
story. God said, “I Am has sent you.... Go and serve as God to
them.” Invite persons to join with other elders from their church to
form a group. If there is only one elder from a church he/she
might join with another group or work alone. Instruct the groups
to spend a few moments in reflecting on their experience at this event
and the learnings they can take home. Tell them to make a list of
things these; this could be a follow-up list for back home or it could
be next steps in preparation for service as a session member. The
list might be particular areas where additional training would be
helpful. Allow 15 minutes for this work.
5:15-5:25— But Suppose?— Questions/Answers/Resources/Evaluation
Purpose:
To address questions that participants raise and to
call awareness to resources that might be helpful to sessions.
Needed: “Evaluation” (APPENDIX I) and “Resources” sheets (APPENDIX J)
Have person
retrieve from their packets the Evaluation. Tell them to begin
completing the form as questions are addressed. Invite questions and
respond as you can. You might provide an opportunity for group members
to answer questions before you do or rather than answering them
yourself. If no one can answer, you can refer the question to staff for
research and response later. Invite persons to secure the
“Resources” sheet from their packet and inform them that the list
includes some resources that might be helpful to their church session.
Thanksgiving. Express gratitude for the participation in
this event today. Ask persons to please leave their evaluations on
their seats when they leave. (NOTE: After the event collect the forms
and give them to the BCE staff person, if one is present, or send them
to Board of Christian Education, 1978 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104.)
Invite persons to get the copy of the song “Here I Am” from their
packets for the closing worship.
5:25-5:30— I Will Be With You — Worship and Commissioning
Purpose: To conclude the event with worship and commissioning of participants.
Needed: CD Player/CD with song “Here I Am, Lord” (APPENDIX K) and Song/hymn sheet
Leader: The Lord be with you! Let us worship God.
Leader: We will
close with a paraphrase of Exodus 3:1-14. Whenever I place my
hand out like this (place hand out, palm up) you are to say your first
name aloud.
_________ (hand out) was taking care of the flock of God’s people
in the congregation, seeking to lead them in God’s way, and came
to an event for training of session members. There the LORD
appeared in the theme “Keep the flame burning.” It was as if new ideas
were coming to light; ____________ (hand out) looked and experienced
something somewhat new and different. It was as if the new ideas
wouldn’t go away. Then _____________ (hand out) said,
"I must turn aside and check out these ideas, and see why they appear
like a fire burning. When the LORD saw that _______ (hand out)
had turned aside to check out this event, God called out,
"___________(hand out)!" And ____________(hand out) said, "Here I
am." Then God said, "Come no closer! For the place on which you
are standing is holy ground." He said further, "I am the God of Abraham
and Sarah, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of your
father and mother." And ___________ (hand out) hid his/her face,
for he/she was afraid to look at God. Then the LORD said, "I have
observed the needs of my people in your congregation back home; I have
heard their cry for leadership and direction; I have felt their burning
desire to find avenues for service to others and to express their love
for me. The cry of the people of your congregation has now come to me.
So come, I will send you to lead my people into the future that I have
promised them." But _________ (hand out) said to God, "Who am I
that I should go to these people?" God said, "I will be with you;
and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: you shall
worship God in your sanctuaries." But ____________ (hand out)
said to God, "If I come to the people of my congregation and say to
them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' and they ask me,
'What is his name?' what shall I say to them?" God said to
_____________,(hand out) "I AM WHO I AM." He said further, "Thus
you shall say to the people in your congregation, 'I AM has sent me to
you.'"
Song “Here I Am” (Play on CD and sing along.)
Charge:
1 Peter 5:1-7 (NRSV) Now as an elder myself
and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in
the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the
flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not
under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it --not for
sordid gain but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge,
but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears,
you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.
Benediction: (Invite each person to turn to one other person, join hands and face that person.)
Instruct them to look at
their partner and say the benediction repeating after you.
Numbers
6:24-26 (NRSV) The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make
his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up
his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Now and forevermore. Amen.