Sessions Session I: “A Community in Mission” Session II: “Leadership for Such a Time as This”

Session II Rev. Ruben Duran Leadership for Such a Time as This

Dwelling in the Word May the Word of God dwell in you richly!! 2 Timothy 1: 1-7 Find it on page 43 of the Worship book Paul: encouraging Timothy; reminding him of those who helped him in his growth, recognizing the gift of God within him.

LEADERSHIP FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Empowering leadership: Esther and Mordecai; (Esther 4) Rebuilding leaders: Nehemiah, Pr. Livenson Lauvanus

Guiding Others We did not get where we are by ourselves We are standing on the shoulders of many who have come before us We honor today the “saints” that God put on our path to leadership in the ELCA.

Think about it 1.Who is someone who helped you grow spiritually or serve effectively? 1.What did she/he do that helped you in your development? Share with the person next to you (3-4 min)

Coaching Verbs? 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a parent deals with children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into God’s kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NIV) “Yes, you can!”“Yes, you will!”“Yes, you must!” From Dennis Easter with permission.

Since Baptism We are all ordained as priests and co- workers in the Reign of God, fellow- members in the Body of Christ; children of the same Heavenly Father. In the name of a missional Triune God, we encourage one another in our journeys of faith, that we may serve with boldness.

Because of Baptism New Identity. Ruben, child of God,….. Equality of all people, same standing before God and the world Built-in capacity to be gracious, forgiving, merciful, to let the light of Christ in us shine before others to see God in us. Empowered to be missionaries of grace: called and ordained as “worker-priests”.

What Tools Stand at the Heart of a Church Like This? The Vocation of the Baptized Luther’s Priesthood of all Believers

Vocation Vocation. From the Latin, Vocatio, meaning “to be called,” or “calling.” Martin Luther offered a radical understanding of vocation. o A “Priesthood of all believers.” o Our Christian calling is grounded in our Lutheran understanding of baptism. o All are called to love and serve God and our neighbor.

Vocation Vocation lived out in and with: o Family and friends. o Society. o Workplace. o Church. “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” - Frederick Buechner

What does Luther say? Now Christ is the High and Chief Priest anointed by God Himself. He also SACRIFIED His own body for us, which is the highest function of the priestly office. Then He PRAYED for us on the cross. In the third place, He also PROCLAIMED the Gospel and taught all people (sic) to know God and Him Himself. These three offices He also gave to all of us. Consequently, since He is the Priest and we are His brothers (and sisters), all Christians have the authority, the command, and the obligation to PREACH, to come before God to PRAY for one another, and to offer themselves as a SACRIFICE to God. LW, Volume 30, 1 Peter 2:4-5

The Three Priestly Functions 1. Prayer – intercede with God on behalf of others 2. Proclamation – speak the gospel sharing it with the neighbor 3. Sacrifice – Living a cross-centered and servant oriented life.

What does this look like?

Questions for Discussion In what ways is your congregation equipping people to: o Proclaim o Pray o Sacrifice/serve What one thing could you do differently to better: o Proclaim? o Pray? o Sacrifice/serve?

Affirmation of Baptism ELW page 236 Affirmation in the Presence of the Assembly You have made public profession of your faith. Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism? You said: I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.

Do you intend 1. to LIVE among God’s faithful people 2. to HEAR the word of God and SHARE in the Lord’s Supper 3. to PROCLAIM the good news of God in Christ through word and deed 4. to SERVE all people, following the example of Jesus, and 5. to STRIVE for justice and peace in all the earth?

Manifestations of the Spirit in you 1. Spirit of wisdom and understanding 2. Spirit of counsel and might 3. Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord 4. Spirit of joy in God’s presence

The Christian’s Call Today The gift is a call; a call to a new life A call to be an instrument of God in and through the various roles you and I play in everyday life in relationship with others and with God’s creation. Remember your Baptism daily Remember your priesthood functions Remember the Spirit in you

SO WHAT? Our calling is connected to God’s mission and to the purpose of the Church on earth. A Community in Mission calls for Leaders to come forth for such a time as this. Finish the sentence: 1. My christian call and vocation today can be described in this way(s): 2. I will go deeper in this area(s):

The Welcome Church, ELCA Philadelphia, PA Pastor Developer Violet Little

The Welcome Church, ELCA Philadelphia

Carl The Welcome Church, ELCA Philadelphia

The Welcome Church, Logan Site Philadelphia

Choir Director The Welcome Church, ELCA Philadelphia

Friends at the Welcome Church

Pastor Developer Violet Little The Welcome Church, ELCA, Philadelphia

Coffee hour after worship

What’s next? A coalition of ecumenical leaders are coming together to plan for addressing the roots of homelessness in Philadelphia. A network of medical doctors are going to meet with Bishop Claire Burkat to intensify their service. Pr. Little and I will begin an ELCA network of ministries among the homeless to resource each other and pray for uprooting homelessness everywhere.

Leadership for Such a Time as This Grounded in our Baptism Discover gifts and vocation in the world Encourage and empower others to join the priesthood we all share Pray, proclaim and serve with boldness A mature leader is one that rejoices at the accomplishments of others. Invitation: rekindle the gift within you!!!!