Overview Welcome: Pass out the three booklets: Share: Initial Steps, Leading a Congregation in Mission, A Guide for Pastors and Leaders, Receive Embody and Share the Invitation to Christ’s Peace Receive, Embody and Share the Invitation to Christ’s Peace Companion Study Guide Share: Today we will be giving a brief overview to three resources: Initial Steps, Leading a Congregation in Mission, A Guide for Pastors and Leaders Receive, Embody and Share the Invitation to Christ’s Peace We will not cover these resources in detail but focus on specific topics so you can begin to envision how they might be utilized. We will then discuss what additional support would be helpful to you as leaders in utilizing these resources in congregations. These resources are being constantly revised and updated. Engaging in conversations with leaders across the fields in the U.S. continues to inform the development of these resources.

Leading a Congregation in Mission A Guide for Pastors and Leaders Overview: Initial Steps, Leading a Congregation in Mission A Guide for Pastors and Leaders Overview for: Initial Steps Leading a Congregation in Mission A Guide for Pastors and Leaders

Leading a Congregation in Mission, A Guide for Pastors and Leaders Where do we start? Initial Steps, Leading a Congregation in Mission, A Guide for Pastors and Leaders Page 5: How to Use This Guide This guide has an introduction (first five pages), five initial steps that lead a congregation into mission, and a resources section at the end. You also will find videos referenced throughout this guide that can be found attached to the back of this booklet. Consider studying this guide as a congregation, leadership team, or small group. First, begin each session by sharing in joys and concerns, a time of prayer, and Dwelling in the Word on the following passage from Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a–b, d–f IN LCM we say Mission Begins with Encounter! This means God’s is moving, active, and present in the world. If we truly believe this then spiritual formation (i.e. missional practices) are about how we join in what God is already doing!! Let’s try Dwelling in the Word now. (next slide) Where do we start?

Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a–b, d–f 9 a. Beloved children of the Restoration, your continuing faith adventure with God has been divinely led, eventful, challenging, and sometimes surprising to you. By the grace of God, you are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church. b. When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ. d. If you truly would be Community of Christ, then embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ. e. The challenges and opportunities are momentous. Will you remain hesitant in the shadows of your fears, insecurities, and competing loyalties? Or will you move forward in the light of your divinely instilled call and vision? f. The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead. Share: Let us Dwelling in the Word on the following passage from Doctrine and Covenants 164:9a–b, d–f 9 a. Beloved children of the Restoration, your continuing faith adventure with God has been divinely led, eventful, challenging, and sometimes surprising to you. By the grace of God, you are poised to fulfill God’s ultimate vision for the church. b. When your willingness to live in sacred community as Christ’s new creation exceeds your natural fear of spiritual and relational transformation, you will become who you are called to be. The rise of Zion the beautiful, the peaceful reign of Christ, awaits your wholehearted response to the call to make and steadfastly hold to God’s covenant of peace in Jesus Christ. d. If you truly would be Community of Christ, then embody and live the concerns and passion of Christ. e. The challenges and opportunities are momentous. Will you remain hesitant in the shadows of your fears, insecurities, and competing loyalties? Or will you move forward in the light of your divinely instilled call and vision? f. The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead. Consider the following questions from the passage above: • Is there a word, phrase, or image that captures my attention? • What is God’s invitation to me/us in this text?

Share your responses Is there a word, phrase, or image that captures my attention? What is God’s invitation to me/us in this text? Read slide: Share about the following questions as you Dwell on the passage: Is there a word, phrase, or image that captures my attention? What is God’s invitation to me/us in this text?

This resource is made up of 5 steps: Step 1: Share in the Practices Together Step 2: Meeting as a Pastor Leadership Team Step 3: Simplify and Deepen Worship Step 4: Organize around Gifts and Calling Step 5: Let the Spirit Breathe and Respond in Joy Study each section over the next 9 weeks. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for Dwelling in the Word and discussion of each section. Share: Still on page 5 This resource is made up of 5 steps: Step 1: Share in the Practices Together Step 2: Meeting as a Pastor Leadership Team Step 3: Simplify and Deepen Worship Step 4: Organize around Gifts and Calling Step 5: Let the Spirit Breathe and Respond in Joy Study each section over the next 9 weeks. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for Dwelling in the Word and discussion of each section.

Study each section together and consider the following questions: How do these concepts/practices apply to our experience as individuals and a congregation or small group? What is one concept or idea we could try to implement? Share: Study each section together and consider the following questions: How do these concepts/practices apply to our experience as individuals and a congregation or small group? What is one concept or idea we could try to implement? Take some time to look at Steps 1-5 together. Brief overview This brings us to another important principle of LCM – Mission is Disruptive. If God is moving in the world then our lives will be disrupted as we respond to and join that movement all around us.

Overview: Receive, Embody and Share the Invitation to Christ’s Peace and the Companion Study Guide

Share: Let’s take a look at two other resources that are designed to help us live into our identity and calling as Community of Christ in a changing world. Receive, Embody and Share the Invitation to Christ’s Peace and the Companion Study Guide for this resource. We will not cover these resources in detail but focus on specific topics so you can begin to envision how they might be utilized. We will then discuss what additional support would be helpful to you as leaders in utilizing these resources in congregations. Remember: These resources are being constantly revised and updated. Engaging in conversations with leaders across the fields in the U.S. continues to inform the development of these resources.

The intent of this paper is to stimulate conversation and live into ways we receive, embody, and share the invitation to Christ’s peace in a changing world. It is not the definitive word but part of an ongoing exploration of how we make the living Word real in every new context. Share: On page 3 Receive, Embody, and Share the Invitation to Christ’s Peace The intent of this paper is to stimulate conversation and live into ways we receive, embody, and share the invitation to Christ’s peace in a changing world. It is not the definitive word but part of an ongoing exploration of how we make the living Word real in every new context. Take time to briefly go through this resource. It is about the Invitation to Christ’s Peace.

Using This Resource: The following twelve explorations are designed for small group study of the three dimensions of Christ’s invitation – Receive, Embody, and Share. Using This Resource: Page 6 of the Companion Study Guide The following twelve explorations are designed for small group study of the three dimensions of Christ’s invitation – Receive, Embody, and Share. Each exploration will include fellowship, prayer, Dwelling in the Word, an essential question, focus thoughts, and a practice. These sessions can be utilized as a small group experience or the Sunday morning worship experience. Please plan on 60 – 90 minutes for each session. The proposed practice with each session is a central component of this experience. Commit as a group to try the practice and then come back and share what is emerging in your daily experience. Although this is designed as 12-session experiences adopt it to meet your needs and availability to meet.

A Word about Missional Practices Missional practices are intentional and repetitive patterns of individual and community actions. They lead to encounters where God’s activity and God’s invitation to Christ’s mission are discovered. They lead us into relationships with God, the Living Christ, and the Holy Spirit that in turn lead us to develop relationships of healing and wholeness with others. Awareness of the deeply relational and communal nature of God leads us to new levels of generosity in our engagement and hospitality with our neighbors. Share: A Word about Missional Practices Missional practices are intentional and repetitive patterns of individual and community actions. They lead to encounters where God’s activity and God’s invitation to Christ’s mission are discovered. They lead us into relationships with God, the Living Christ, and the Holy Spirit that in turn lead us to develop relationships of healing and wholeness with others. Awareness of the deeply relational and communal nature of God leads us to new levels of generosity in our engagement and hospitality with our neighbors. Take time to explore this resource together.

What would be most helpful to you in utilizing these resources? Share: What would be most helpful to you in utilizing these resources? Give time for sharing Ask if there are any questions What would be most helpful to you in utilizing these resources?

Our Loving Challenge Doctrine and Covenants 163:10a.-b. 10 a. Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened. b. Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace. Share: Our Loving Challenge Doctrine and Covenants 163:10a.-b. 10 a. Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened. b. Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.

For more information please contact: Ron Harmon rharmon@cofchrist.org Rob Borkowski rborkowski@cofchrist.org   For more information please contact: Ron Harmon rharmon@cofchrist.org or Rob Borkowski rborkowski@cofchrist.org Close with: May you experience profound joy as receive, embody, and share Christ’s peace in relationship with one another and your neighbors.