Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders

Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders WELCOME! Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders Welcome everyone to the course and make introductions. As part of the introduction process, invite each participant to tell about a person who has exhibited qualities of leadership that he or she admires. You may talk about the qualities of a person whom you have witnessed as a leader as part of this process. Record and display the responses for later review by the participants.

COURSE GOALS— To help participants engage in personal and corporate reflection and assessment. To provide a scriptural foundation for Christian transformational leadership. To provide best practice models of transformational leadership. To understand some principles of organizational transformation. To understand the role leaders provide in the process of transformation. Review course goals.

1: Defining Christian Transformational Leaders This first session is designed to help you define what a Christian transformational leader is.

Luke 4:14-21 Provide a handout of Luke 4:14-21 for each participant and invite all participants to read the handout in unison. (If it is not possible to provide handouts, you may read the Scripture for the participants.) Prior to reading the Scripture, invite participants to listen for qualities of leadership that Jesus exhibited in this Scripture. Following the reading of Luke 4:14-21, invite participants to divide into groups of two or three and define the characteristics of leadership that Jesus exhibited in the Scripture reading. Record and display the participants’ answers. Compare these responses with the earlier participant responses that listed leadership qualities they admire. Ask participants to identify similarities or differences.

Rulers of Transformation – trust in their own vision of power as they instruct others toward a desired outcome. Servants of Transformation – trust in Jesus’ vision of power as they walk with others toward alignment with the cross. DISCUSSION Ask participants to compare the request by James and John to have seats of honor by Jesus’ right and left sides in glory with Jesus’ announcement of his ministry through the following definitions: Rulers of Transformation – trust in their own vision of power as they instruct others toward a desired outcome. Servants of Transformation – trust in Jesus’ vision of power as they walk with others toward alignment with the cross. How did the request by James and John reveal their desire to be “rulers of transformation”? How did Jesus’ declaration of ministry reveal his desire to be a “servant of transformation”? (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter One, Part One. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

“The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” ¶120 Have participants read the mission statement of The United Methodist Church. Divide into groups of two or three to discuss what it looks like for the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Record and display responses.

BREAK 10-minute break

SMALL GROUPS Review the responses about what transformation looks like if the church is making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Divide participants into groups of two or three to consider the type of leadership that is required for this type of transformation. As part of this discussion, ask participants to review the section on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as well as the definitions of present-tense leaders, transformational leaders, and Christian transformational leaders that are in Lay Servants as Transformational Leaders: Participant’s Book. Invite participants to reflect on times they have witnessed these types of leadership, as an organization has responded to its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Invite small-group participants into a total-class discussion by sharing their observations. Note that the sharing of observations is not mandatory. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter One, Part Two. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

Practices That Empower Christian Transformational Leadership Enduring Encouragement Seeing Beyond Self-Focused Concerns Asking Right Questions Leading by Having the Mind of Christ Review the practices that empower Christian transformational leadership as found in Lay Servants as Transformational Leaders: Participant’s Book. Use the following statements and questions for each practice in the Participant’s Book to assist in this discussion. Enduring Encouragement In a congregation, the loss of organizational balance often results in the shifting of power as congregational identity is defined, confessed, and redefined. It is a chaotic process as the values of present reality are measured against the values of a desired new future. Christian transformational leaders who are able to consistently remember, model, and encourage Jesus’ teaching of servant leadership are required as they guide a congregation in aligning current realities with transformed possibilities. Barnabas is noted as an example of enduring encouragement in the Participant’s Book. What are some of the ways Barnabas practiced enduring encouragement? Seeing Beyond Self-Focused Concerns Christian transformational leaders understand the importance of Jesus’ call to follow. It is this call that guides them as they seek to make disciples of Jesus who will transform the world. Understanding the importance of seeing beyond self-focused concerns, they lead movements of hope by following Jesus to the cross of Calvary and the reality of new life that is witnessed through the empty tomb. What is the difference between what was required of the disciples in Jesus’ first invitation to discipleship in Mark 1:16-20 and Jesus’ second invitation to discipleship in Mark 8:34b-35? Asking Right Questions Christian transformational leaders ask right questions that allow new conversations to occur. The focus of these questions is designed to allow space for the organization to engage in vulnerable conversations about value and desired identity. Why was Jesus’ question to his disciples in Mark 9:30-35 the right question? What are some right questions you could ask to be certain your congregation is having the right conversations? Leading by Having the Mind of Christ Christian transformational leaders practice the humility of servanthood that led Jesus to empty himself and take the form of a slave as noted in the “kenosis” hymn of Philippians 2:5-11. It is the power of Jesus’ powerless act of self-emptying love that allows the lives of Jesus’ followers to become songs of faithfulness to God. It is this self-emptying love that allows a congregation to have the mind of Christ as it follows Jesus in the path of transformational Christian servanthood. How does a Christian transformational leader live the “kenosis” identity of Jesus and help a congregation define its “kenosis” identity through Jesus? (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter One, Part Three. Allow participants to share and discuss their responses.

God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision. Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things. It is in the name of Christ, your redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen. Conclude this first session by asking participants to reflect in the coming week on ways they can model these practices of Christian transformational leadership through their ministry as lay servants. Receive prayer concerns from participants and covenant to pray for one another during the week. Pray together: God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision.  Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things.  It is in the name of Christ, our redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen.

2: The Ministry of Christian Transformational Leaders Welcome participants and ask for a participant to pray for today’s class. Following prayer, name the four practices of Christian transformational leadership from session one: enduring encouragement, seeing beyond self-focused concerns, asking right questions, leading by having the mind of Christ. Ask if there are any participants who would like to share their reflections about how lay servants can exercise these four practices in their church or other areas of their lives. Ask participants to note how these practices are demonstrated in the ministry of Christian transformational leaders.

“One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”—Mark 12:28-31 State that the foundational understanding of the ministry of Christian transformational leaders is grounded in Jesus’ response to the question, “Which commandment is first of all?” Have participants read Mark 12:28-31 in unison: “One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:28-31). Ask how the two commandments of Jesus influence the ministry of lay servants as their love for God shapes their present and future identity (vision) and their love for neighbor shapes the relevancy (mission) of their ministry.

SMALL GROUPS Divide participants into groups of two or three to review the story of the skateboarder ministry that is found in the second chapter of the Participant’s Book. Ask the small groups to list all possible outcomes to this story, why this is a story of Christian transformation, and what qualities helped to define the ministry of Christian transformational leadership in this situation. After ten minutes of review and small-group discussion of this story, reassemble the small groups into the larger class setting and ask for reflections. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter Two, Part One. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. What qualities helped to define the ministry of Christian transformational leadership in this situation?

FAITHFUL REMEMBERING FAITHFUL EQUIPPING FAITHFUL ENCOURAGING Connecting with the biblical story of God remembering us FAITHFUL EQUIPPING Aligning with Jesus’ call to discipleship FAITHFUL ENCOURAGING Nurturing life in the power of the Holy Spirit Display the three disciplines of Christian transformational leadership: faithful remembering, faithful equipping, and faithful encouraging. Ask participants to divide into the same small groups and review the definitions of each discipline that are in the Participant’s Book. Faithful Remembering – connecting with the biblical story of God remembering us Faithful Equipping – aligning with Jesus’ call to discipleship Faithful Encouraging – nurturing life in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask participants to think about how the goal of each discipline of Christian transformational leadership applies to their ministry as lay servants: The goal of faithful remembering is to provide the foundation for Christian transformation that is aligned with God’s will. The goal of faithful equipping is to help people align their lives with Jesus’ call to discipleship. The goal of faithful encouraging is to help followers of Jesus keep the focus of their ministry on Jesus. Ask participants to reflect on how they are practicing these disciplines in their ministry as lay servants by discussing the questions for reflection and discussion that are in the Participant’s Book: Faithful Remembering – Why is it important for Christian transformational leaders to first faithfully remember? As a church leader, what are ways you are practicing the discipline of faithful remembering? Can you identify areas of your congregation’s mission that reflect faithful remembering? Faithful Equipping – In what ways does your leadership reflect a commitment to faithful equipping? How is your leadership connected and aligned with the Great Commandment of loving God and neighbor? How have the means of grace influenced your faith journey? Faithful Encouraging – How does your leadership demonstrate faithful encouraging? What are some specific ways you can expand your efforts to be a faithful encourager? Why is the Holy Spirit necessary for Christian transformation?

FAITHFUL REMEMBERING Connecting with the biblical story of God remembering us Why is it important for Christian transformational leaders to first faithfully remember? As a church leader, what are ways you are practicing the discipline of faithful remembering? Can you identify areas of your congregation’s mission that reflect faithful remembering? Faithful Remembering – Why is it important for Christian transformational leaders to first faithfully remember? As a church leader, what are ways you are practicing the discipline of faithful remembering? Can you identify areas of your congregation’s mission that reflect faithful remembering?

FAITHFUL EQUIPPING Aligning with Jesus’ call to discipleship In what ways does your leadership reflect a commitment to faithful equipping? How is your leadership connected and aligned with the Great Commandment of loving God and neighbor? How have the means of grace influenced your faith journey? Faithful Equipping – In what ways does your leadership reflect a commitment to faithful equipping? How is your leadership connected and aligned with the Great Commandment of loving God and neighbor? How have the means of grace influenced your faith journey?

FAITHFUL ENCOURAGING Nurturing life in the power of the Holy Spirit How does your leadership demonstrate faithful encouraging? What are some specific ways you can expand your efforts to be a faithful encourager? Why is the Holy Spirit necessary for Christian transformation? Faithful Encouraging – How does your leadership demonstrate faithful encouraging? What are some specific ways you can expand your efforts to be a faithful encourager? Why is the Holy Spirit necessary for Christian transformation?

BREAK 10-minute break

SMALL GROUPS Divide class into small groups to consider how the directives of Ephesians 4:15-16 provide the foundation for their ministry as Christian transformational leaders: Speak the truth in love. Grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Help the whole body to be joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly. Promote the body’s growth in building itself up in love. Invite participants to identify ways they can help their congregations practice these principles through their ministry as lay servants. How do the directives of Eph. 4:15-16 provide the foundation for ministry as Christian transformational leaders?

The Wesleyan Means of Grace Works of Piety Reading, meditating, studying the Scriptures Praying Fasting Attending worship Living healthily Sharing your faith with others Invite participants to identify how John Wesley was a Christian transformational leader. Invite participants to reflect on how John Wesley’s emphasis on works of piety is realized through individual and communal disciplines of spiritual formation.

The Wesleyan Means of Grace Works of Mercy Doing good works Visiting the sick Visiting those in prison Feeding the hungry Giving generously to the needs of others Invite participants to reflect on how John Wesley’s emphasis on works of mercy is realized in individual and communal acts of discipleship that witness to God’s grace and justice.

MEANS OF GRACE Ask participants to identify ways the practice of these individual and communal disciplines of spiritual formation and justice can fulfill the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter Two, Part Five. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. Divide the class into small groups for reflection on how love for God is shaping the present and future identity (vision) of their congregation and how love for neighbor is shaping the relevancy (mission) of their congregation. Receive reports from each group.

God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision. Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things. It is in the name of Christ, your redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen. Receive prayer concerns from participants and covenant to pray for one another during the week. Pray together: God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision.  Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things.  It is in the name of Christ, our redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen.

3: Defining Congregational Vitality This session is designed to help you better define congregational vitality. Welcome participants and ask for a participant to pray for today’s class.

“The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Local churches provide the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs.” ¶120 (Pre-2008) “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.” ¶120 (2008) Read the two mission statements and invite participants to reflect on similarities and differences between the statements. Remind participants that the Book of Discipline statement about the local church being the most significant arena through which disciple-making occurs remains the same in both statements.

Multiple small groups and programs for children and youth Effective pastoral leadership, including inspirational preaching, mentoring laity, and effective management Multiple small groups and programs for children and youth A mix of traditional and contemporary worship services A high percentage of spiritually engaged laity who assume leadership roles Ask participants to respond to the common factors for congregational vitality that were the findings of the Call to Action Steering Team Report. Do they agree with the assessment of these factors? Were they aware of VitalSigns, which was developed in response to this report? Are their congregations participating in VitalSigns?

SMALL GROUPS Divide into small groups and review the two primary ways that organizations respond to data: • Allowing data to drive conversations that are focused on “the numbers” rather than on vision and mission or • Allowing data to drive creative conversations that inspire new behaviors that result in new outcomes that lead to congregational vitality and are ultimately reflected in “the numbers.” Ask groups to discuss the following questions asked in “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter Three, Part One: “What are conversations like in a church that uses numbers rather than mission as its driving force? What are examples of the characteristics of a vital congregation that is guided by mission? How can a local church provide fertile soil for both Christian discipleship and the transformation of the world?” Receive responses from the groups.

“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others” Philippians 2:1-4 (CEB). Review Paul’s vision of a vital congregation by having the class read Philippians 2:1-4. Following the reading of this Scripture, ask participants to respond to the following statement and questions: Congregations are vital when they are aligned toward the vision of life that God has cast through Jesus. Casting a vision of congregational life that is focused beyond the dissension being experienced in this congregation, Paul wrote of a future that had not yet been fully realized. Understanding that congregational behavior and actions can be either signposts of hope or signposts of hopelessness, Paul realized that vitality is measured by God’s grace and the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. What is the vision of life that God has cast through Jesus? Based on Philippians 2:1-4, how can a congregation’s behavior and actions reflect that vision of life?

BREAK 10-minute break

“Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”—Philippians 2:5-11 (CEB) Have the class read Philippians 2:5-11 in unison. Have the class respond to the following statement and question: If a congregation is going to align itself with the vision of loving God and the mission of sharing God’s love through Jesus, then it must be willing to make vital decisions about how it will be accountable to God’s vision of love as revealed through the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus. These decisions will require a congregation to align itself with the mission of redemption. As a community of Christian disciples is accountable in its relationship with Jesus, proclaims the message of right relationship with God, and takes authority over the powers that seek to destroy right relationship with God, it becomes a vital congregation as it aligns itself with the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. What does it mean for a congregation to be “self-emptying” for the purpose of alignment with Jesus’ vision and mission?

(VISION) (MISSION) SMALL GROUPS Ask small groups to consider how congregational vitality is defined as they respond to the following statements and questions: • Vital Vision and Mission – Vital congregations are focused on WHY (vision) they exist and WHAT (mission) they are called to do because of why they exist. Why is it important to emphasize both love of God and love of neighbor? What is the danger of neglecting one or the other? (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Three, Part Two. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. • Vital Leadership – It is the responsibility of vital leaders to help congregations be shaped by the vision of God’s love in Jesus and the mission of sharing God’s love in Jesus. The foundation that allows them to accomplish this responsibility of vital leadership is their relationship with the congregation. What does it look like for a vital leader to be in relationship with a congregation? (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Three, Part Three. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. • Vital Discipleship – Vital disciples live their lives in accountability with Jesus. When Jesus appointed his disciples to become a community of faith in Mark 3, the purpose of their life together was to: o be with Jesus so they might understand his true identity by living in relationship with him and with one another. o proclaim the message of right relationship with God through Jesus. o have authority over the powers that seek to destroy right relationship with God. How do Christian transformational leaders help their congregations live in accountability with Jesus? (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Three, Part Four. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. • Vital Alignment – Congregations are vital when they are aligned toward the vision of life that God has cast through Jesus. Alignment is the process of moving an organization in a shared direction for a shared cause. What are the differences between alignment and agreement? Does everyone in a church need to agree for a church to move forward? (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Three, Part Five. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. Receive reports from small groups.

REFLECTION Invite participants to reflect silently on how their congregations are defined by vital vision and mission, vital leadership, vital discipleship, and vital alignment. Conclude this time of reflection by offering a prayer for the vitality of their ministry as lay servants and for the vitality of their congregations.

God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision. Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things. It is in the name of Christ, your redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen. Receive prayer concerns from participants and covenant to pray for one another during the week. Pray together: God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision.  Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things.  It is in the name of Christ, our redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen.

4: Assessing a Congregation’s Current Reality This session is designed to help you gain a better understanding of how to assess a congregation’s current reality. Welcome participants and ask for a participant to begin the class with prayer.

“Christian transformational leaders assess current reality through the lens of Jesus’ vision of servanthood as they look at the past, present, and future.” Distribute handouts with the understandings about the assessment of congregational vitality (or refer to displayed understandings.) Read the following: Today’s session is about assessing a congregation’s current reality. Current reality is always assessed through the lens of established values. Christian transformational leaders assess current reality through the lens of Jesus’ vision of servanthood as they look at the past, present, and future. Most organizational assessments of current reality fall into three basic categories: • In what environment do we find ourselves? • What are the facts about our present state? • What is important to us about our future? The authors of Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders: Participant’s Guide maintain that Christian transformational leaders assess current reality through the lens of Jesus’ vision of servanthood as they look at the past, present, and future. The following understandings provide the foundation for the assessment of congregational vitality that will shape today’s class. After reading the statement, invite participants to read these understandings from the handout in unison. • All congregations have a current reality that provides the context through which congregants live out their call to discipleship. • The assessment of a congregation’s current reality is a spiritual endeavor. • Current reality is always assessed through the lens of established values. A compilation of the past and the possibility of the future current reality is the result of both an organization’s internal culture and the external environment in which it exists. • Current reality is fluid. Each year, a new layer of identity is either added or reinforced. • Some of the more important layers that have an impact on current reality include a congregation’s understanding of its mission, the demographics of the surrounding community, and the ways people within the congregation interact with one another and with their congregation’s neighboring community. • While there are many tools that serve as indicators of congregational vitality, a true assessment of congregational vitality must be grounded in the aspiration of disciple making and transformation.

Matthew 4:18-19 and Matthew 16:24 How was the current reality the same and how was the current reality different? What internal culture and external environments were being experienced in each instance? What were the established values in each invitation? What was the aspiration of disciple-making and transformation that was part of both invitations to follow Jesus? SMALL GROUPS Divide into small groups to assess the current reality that Jesus encountered in his first invitation to discipleship in Matthew 4:18-19 and his second invitation to discipleship in Matthew 16:24. How was the current reality the same and how was the current reality different? What internal culture and external environments were being experienced in each instance? What were the established values in each invitation? What was the aspiration of disciple making and transformation that was part of both invitations to follow Jesus? Reconvene the class to receive responses. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflections and Discussion” from Chapter Four, Part One. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. Read the following: The assessment of a congregation is first and foremost a spiritual endeavor. Congregational assessment is not simply a matter of reviewing numbers or statistical data. The authors of the study state that a spiritual means for assessing the current reality of a congregation is found in the Lord’s Prayer. Christian transformational leaders may assess the current reality of a congregation by listening for the ways that the Lord’s Prayer is heard in the life of a congregation. Ask the class to read in unison the displayed Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13.

REFLECTION Christian transformational leaders assess a congregation’s current reality by reviewing how congregational values, resources, and behaviors are aligned to the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Read the following statement about assessing a congregation’s current reality: Christian transformational leaders assess a congregation’s current reality by reviewing how congregational values, resources, and behaviors are aligned to the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Ask participants to assess, individually, how their congregations are currently living the Lord’s Prayer. In what ways does the narrative of congregational life hallow or honor God’s name? In what ways is their congregation a sign of God’s kingdom coming on earth and God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven? In what ways does their congregation connect people to the gift of God’s grace that provides strength for living through the daily sustenance of God’s presence? In what ways are members of their congregation living in the holy reciprocity of forgiveness? In what ways is their congregation clinging to and embracing the presence of God? In what ways is their congregation connecting people to the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples to pray? After individual reflection, invite participants to share their reactions to assessing their congregations’ current reality through the Lord’s Prayer. Was it easy or challenging to assess congregational values, resources, and behaviors? Were they able to be objective in their assessment?

BREAK 10-minute break

“Christian transformational leaders review how congregational values, resources, and behaviors are aligned to the prayer that Jesus taught.” Read the following statement: Christian transformational leaders review how congregational values, resources, and behaviors are aligned to the prayer that Jesus taught. They accomplish this responsibility by: • listening to the language being used in a congregation. • understanding the “tribes” that constitute a congregation. • assessing community demographics. • assessing congregational data. • receiving congregational input. • processing information.

SMALL GROUPS Divide into small groups to review the information about receiving congregational input and processing information in chapter four. Ask participants to: • review the importance of both quantitative and qualitative data. How are quantitative and qualitative data reviewed in their congregations? • discuss what “Scripture for Reflection” would be received well in their congregations • share how information is processed in their congregations Reconvene the class to receive responses. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Four, Part Two. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

FAITHFUL REMEMBERING FAITHFUL EQUIPPING FAITHFUL ENCOURAGING Connecting with the biblical story of God remembering us FAITHFUL EQUIPPING Aligning with Jesus’ call to discipleship FAITHFUL ENCOURAGING Nurturing life in the power of the Holy Spirit Read the following statement: Part of the process of assessing current reality is understanding organizational life stages. Every congregation, as is true of any organization, has life stages that are affected by its priorities and behaviors. Whether a congregation is dealing with the demographics of a changing community, a change in congregational leadership, or a change in congregational resources, it will undergo organizational life stages that will affect its alignment with vision and mission. (Refer to the “Organizational Life Stages” visual.) The following life stages are defined in the Participant’s Book: forming, aligning, forgetting, and wandering. Divide into small groups to review these life stages and to assess which part of the life stage is being realized in participants’ congregations. Discuss how the disciplines of faithful remembering, faithful equipping, and faithful encouraging can help a congregation experience vitality at any organizational life stage. Ask participants to determine which discipline is required most for their congregations as they assess their congregation’s current reality. Reconvene the class to receive responses. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Four, Part Three. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision. Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things. It is in the name of Christ, your redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen. Receive prayer concerns from participants and covenant to pray for one another during the week. Pray together: God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision.  Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things.  It is in the name of Christ, our redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen.

5: Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders This session is designed to help you gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian transformational leader as a lay servant. Welcome participants and ask for a participant to begin the class with prayer.

CERTIFIED LAY SERVANTS Provide leadership, assistance, and support Lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion Conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship, preach the Word or give addresses Work with appropriate committees and teams which provide congregational and community leadership or foster caring ministries Assist in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion Teach the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of The UMC Review the disciplinary list of ministry responsibilities of a certified lay servant. Ask participants if they have engaged in any of these ministries. Invite the entire group to share which of these ministries they most enjoy and the reason(s) why they enjoy these ministries. Provide leadership, assistance, and support Lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion Conduct, or assist in conducting, services of worship, preach the Word or give addresses Work with appropriate committees and teams which provide congregational and community leadership or foster caring ministries Assist in the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion Teach the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of The UMC (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Five, Part One. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

SMALL GROUPS Divide into small groups to review how the story of Christian transformational leadership is shaped by the four movements of creation. • Embracing chaos • Speaking order to creative possibility • Living in Sabbath relationship • The ongoing narrative of creation Ask participants to share times they have seen these movements of creation practiced. What do they think is the most challenging movement of creation that is required for their church? What do they think is the most challenging movement of creation that is required of them? Reconvene the class to receive responses. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Five, Part Two. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses. Copyright: <a href='https://www.123rf.com/profile_kirkikis'>kirkikis / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

DISCUSSION Read the following statement to the class: “Church leadership is facing an identity crisis. Questions about relevancy, mission, vision, right beliefs, right relationships, and survival require leaders who can be identified and trusted. In a chaotic whirlwind of cultural shifts and clashing values, Christian leaders are being called upon to define the current reality in which twenty-first century congregations find themselves.” Ask the class to identify the current reality of twenty-first century congregations. List responses for the class to see. After listing responses, ask the class to identify ways lay servants as Christian transformational leaders can help a congregation respond to its current reality. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Five, Parts Three and Four. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

REFLECTION “What signs will indicate whether congregations are standing still, moving backward, or making progress?” Invite the class to review the “Model for Organizational Effectiveness.” Ask class members to reflect individually on how their congregations are organized for ministry. After a time of silent reflection, ask the class to respond to the following question: “What signs will indicate whether congregations are standing still, moving backward, or making progress?” (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Five, Part Five. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

BREAK 10-minute break

“Jeremiah received the Lord’s word: Go down to the potter’s house, and I’ll give you instructions about what to do there. So I went down to the potter’s house; he was working on the potter’s wheel. But the piece he was making was flawed while still in his hands, so the potter started on another, as seemed best to him. Then the Lord’s word came to me: House of Israel, can’t I deal with you like this potter, declares the Lord? Like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in mine, house of Israel!”—Jeremiah 18:1-6 (CEB) Read aloud Jeremiah 18:1-6 to the class.: “Jeremiah received the Lord’s word: Go down to the potter’s house, and I’ll give you instructions about what to do there. So I went down to the potter’s house; he was working on the potter’s wheel. But the piece he was making was flawed while still in his hands, so the potter started on another, as seemed best to him. Then the Lord’s word came to me: House of Israel, can’t I deal with you like this potter, declares the Lord? Like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in mine, house of Israel!”—Jeremiah 18:1-6 (CEB) Ask the class to reflect on how lay servants as Christian transformational leaders witness to the power of creative expectation that is told through the story of the potter. Receive responses. (Optional - as time allows) Review “Questions for Reflection and Discussion” from Chapter Five, Part Six. Allow participants to voluntarily share and discuss their responses.

LEADING CARING COMMUNICATING Ask the class to identify situations when the ministry of lay servants as Christian transformational leaders is required. Why is it important for the ministry of lay servants to be realized in partnership? Invite participants to consider whether God is calling them to lay servant ministry as a Christian transformational leader.

God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision. Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things. It is in the name of Christ, your redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen. Thank participants for their engagement in this study and invite them to be in support of one another as they experience the blessings of being lay servants. Pray together: God of all past, present, and future creation, we know that you seek to be an active part of your people’s lives as they work to transform the world through your redeeming love in Jesus. As the leaders of your church, we look to you to provide us the discernment, strength, and compassion to guide the hearts and minds of our congregations to your vision.  Bless us in your work that you may be glorified in all things.  It is in the name of Christ, our redeemer and hope, we pray. Amen.