1. Tools for Building Bridges in the Midst of Trouble
Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton
Presiding Bishop
Fifth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

2. John 16: 33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”

3. What Is a Bridge? A connector between two points
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4. Can you build a bridge by starting at either end?
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5. Most Essential Tool

8. In Ministry: The Foundation of Building Bridges
People

9. Spiritually Healthy
People
Communities
Churches

10. A Solid Foundation
Spirituality

11. A Solid Foundation: Spirituality
A person’s life and activity in relationship to God, to oneself, to other people, and to all things in reference to God

12. Elements of Spirituality
An awareness of the transcendent
Validation of support of religious behaviors
God loves me
Being thankful
Feeling forgiven
With God’s help, can transcend my circumstances
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

13. Spirituality (continued)
A sense of belonging
Unconditional love
Personal dignity
Support in dealing with change and loss
Continuity

14. Spirituality (continued)
A sense of meaning
An internal sense of purpose and hope
Ability to express doubt and anger
Beliefs to help prepare for change and loss

15. Spirituality (continued)
A means of creativity
Sense of worthiness
Love and serve others

16. Barriers to Spiritual Growth
Unfinished business
Unrealistic Obligations
Unclear Priorities

17. Consequences of a Underdeveloped Spirituality
Lack of a sense of fulfillment
Isolation
Difficulty making decisions
Mistrust and fear
Inability to engage/help others

18. Hindrances to Spiritual Growth
Too many commitments
Lack of awareness of needs
Poor self-esteem
High expectations/perfectionism
“Messiah” or “Superwoman” complex
Lack of Resources

19. Consequences of Poor Spirituality
Physical illness
Compromised mental health
Spiritual emptiness
Loss of enthusiasm for life
Inability to adapt to change

20. DISCUSSION
What is currently challenging your ability to maintain or establish a solid foundation of spirituality?

21. What are the essential elements for a healthy relationship to self?
Mrs. Cynthia Ward
Southside CME Church
Birmingham, Alabama

22. Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME Church
What are the essential elements for a healthy relationship between church and community?
Rev. Dr. Vanessee Burns
Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME Church
Dallas, Texas

23. Conclusion
What can I do to have a healthy spirituality upon which to build bridges?

24. STEP 1.
REST
A period of purposeful inactivity for the mind, body and spirit

25. STEP 2.
REFLECTION
A time of reviewing what has happened, how you feel/felt, how you were impacted by life’s events and experiences

26. STEP 3.
RETOOLING
A process of assessing the information, resources, skills, interaction you need in the future

27. STEP 4.
REFUELING
The process of obtaining the information, resources, skills and interaction that you identified

28. STEP 5.
RENEWAL
The process of re-engagement in life and relationships with new energy, insight and growth.