Developing Missional Leaders for the 21 st Century Church

Sometimes things change and they are never the same again. This looks like one of those times. Life moves on. And so should we…….

The first task of the leader is to define reality. Max De Pree Max De Pree

The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it will change. The leader adjusts the sails.

1.Missional leadership is the key 2.Most models repackage old paradigms 3.Discontinuous change is the norm 4.Congregations still matter 5.Leaders need new capacities & frameworks 6.A church is a unique organisation Alan Roxburgh. The Missional Leader

What or who is a Missional leader ?

Recognising the changing context

this majority (66%) presents a major this majority (66%) presents a major challenge to churches. Most of them are unreceptive and closed to attending church; churchgoing is simply not on their agenda. simply not on their agenda. Churchgoing in the UK Report 2007

What is taking place is not merely the continued decline of organised Christianity but the death of the culture which formerly conferred Christian identity upon the people as a whole. Callum Browne Death of Christian Britain

Understanding the Mission of God (missio dei)

it is not the church of God which has a mission but the God of mission who has a church. Tim Dearborn

How do we join with God in his mission here How do we lead others as we join with God in his…. How do we equip others as we join with God

What does a leader for the open seas look like?

a person with a detailed knowledge of an area of water, who goes on to a ship to direct it safely.

Spectrum of pioneering Pioneer Starter Pioneer Sustainer Pioneer Sustainer Developer

Four enduring features? Dissatisfied –Not grumbler but wanting change for the better Visionary –Looks beyond what is to what could be Hopeful –Change is possible and this inspires others Risk takers –Acts on convictions and out of comfort zones Stuart Murray: Ch 7 Planting Churches: who?

Danger of one model for pioneering

Questions for discussion? Where are you in the spectrum? Do you know? What do you think are the key qualities that makes a pioneer? Do you have them? Any questions

What are we trying to do in these new waters?

Listening, praying & loving in the Kingdom Building community Exploring Jesus together Becoming Christ like together centred on Him Underpinned by prayer, on going listening and relationship to the wider church Building team

Able to pray, listen and discern if Christian mission is about, seeing what God is doing and joining in…. then discernment & the cultivating of an environment which enables discernment are the leadership capacities most needed at this time. Graham Cray, The Discerning Leader Grove Book 2010

Able to love and serve

Stickyness

1.Membership 2.Influence 3.Integration and fulfilment of needs 4.Shared emotional connection Sense of community is a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group and a shared faith that members needs will be met through their commitment to be together. D.McMillan and D.Chavis. A sense of community

Evangelist do the work of an evangelist. envision encourage equip example

Ecclesial former How do we communally express what is happening to us as we meet Jesus? re infect the world with worship

Reorientating- looking out Reconnecting- walls down Recreating-sending out

Questions for discussion? What does re-orientation mean for you? Reconnection? Recreating? Any questions

What are the key characteristics of missional leaders?

People who are first

People who are on the edge

People who are moving out

People who know when to stay or go The final missionary step as regards the people, and The final missionary step as regards the people, and the most important lesson we will ever teach them the most important lesson we will ever teach them -is to leave them.

People who know when to bring order or chaos

People who take risks

People who are sure of where they are and who they are.

Questions for discussion? Which of these characteristics do you identify with? Any questions

How do you create a missional leader ?

I never teach my pupils. I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn. Albert Einstein

Environment Exposure Experiences Education/training Cohort

The icebergs

The danger of expectations

The problem of measurement

Be aware of the default position

Its a marathon not a sprint

Losing the focus

Isolation

Disturb us Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves, when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little, when we arrived safely because we sailed too close to the shore. Sir Francis Drake