Keeping God in the Conversation at Church Council Why it’s important to start every meeting with a Bible Study, prayer, faith practice or some sort of Spiritual Reflection.

Dwelling In The Word: John 15:1-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Abide in me, as I also abide in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not abide in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. Questions: What catches your attention in this passage? What questions might this passage create for you? What do you think God might be saying to you or the group through this passage? Dwelling In The Word: John 15:1-8

What Makes a Church Different From a Social Service Agency or a Social Club? Churches are Busy Places… Service and Charity Activities, Youth Groups and Sunday School, Adult Education, Women’s Groups, Men’s Groups, Social Events, Financial Matters, Building Maintance, Worship Services, Community Events and More!

What in God’s Name are you here for, if not to Grow Rooted in Christ? Do you start each church meeting with a prayer or Bible study? Why or Why not?

Some Reasons Churches Give for Not beginning with Time with God… * We are so busy our meetings would be a million hours long if we added a Bible Study. * I joined the church council because I have leadership skills, not because I like Bible Study. * I am uncomfortable talking about God or praying with other people.

Why Bible Study is Important at Church Council… * Do you believe that God is working and active in the lives of the members of your congregation, in your church and in your community?

Why Bible Study is Important at Church Council… * Do you believe that God is leading and guiding your congregation to better live out our baptismal calling and serve God in your context?

Why Bible Study is Important at Church Council… * Do you believe that Prayer, Bible Study and Spiritual Practices is a way we can listen to God, reflect on God’s call and respond to God?

Why Bible Study is Important at Church Council… * Do you believe that Church is not a social club but a place where our primary focus is Worship, Ministering to God’s People and World, Doing God’s Will and Walking Humbly with God?

* Grounds our conversations in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. * Leadership models good faith practices for the rest of the congregation. * Keeps leadership focused on the reason you are there! Bible Study or Prayer is the Single Most Important Part of a Council Meeting

What if This is Hard? How Do we Start? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Physical Symbols of God’s Presence: Some congregations choose to light a candle at the start of a meeting, reflecting that a flame is a symbol of Christ’s presence. It is a visual reminder that Jesus is part of the meeting. Praying For Members or Community: Some congregations divide the membership list by 12 and begin each meeting by praying for a portion of their members. Then every member is prayed for once per year. Other congregations pray each meeting for community partners. Easy First Steps…

We Got This… What Other Ideas do you have?

Books to Consider “The Agile Church” by Dwight Zscheile “Canoeing the Mountains” by Tod Bolsinger “Called by God to Serve: Reflections for Church Leaders” by Robert Holley and Paul E. Walters “Grateful” by Diana Butler Bass– A Chapter By Chapter Bible Study Resource Coming Soon to the NWSWI Website!

Apps and Online Resources Pray As You Go: 10 minute devotion, reflection, scripture reading and prayer App. New every day! Abide: Christian meditation and prayer resources and a worldwide community of prayers and requests. NIV Quest Bible Study App: Has over 20,000 short Bible Studies to chose from! God Pause: Daily Devotion from Luther Seminary First 5: A 5 minute devotion app. New every day.

Faith Practices Lectio Divina The Daily Examen Story Matters Dwelling in the Word Dwelling in the World

ELCA Resources Book of Faith Daily Discipleship Daily Faith Practices