1. Practical Skills for Lay Leaders Nan Dahlke Vice President Metropolitan Chicago Synod

2. Called to Serve Romans 12:6-8 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

3. What’s in Your Toolbox?

4. Model Constitution for Congregations http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three- Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office- of-the-Secretary/Congregation- Administration/Model-Constitution-for- Congregations.aspx

5. Robert’s Rules of Order Purpose of Good Order: Make sure all voices are heard. Ensure the rights of the majority. Protects the rights of the minority. Defend the rights of individual members. Safeguard those people absent from the meeting. Treat one item at a time. Extend courtesy and fairness to all.

6. Rights and Responsibilities of Members Receive notices of meetings. Attend meetings. Be on time. Stay until the end of a meeting. Be ready to talk knowledgably and intelligibly on a topic. Be attentive. Be open minded. Treat everyone with courtesy. Make, second, and debate motions. Speak openly but allow others to speak. Follow the rules of debate. Make a point concisely. Attack issues not people. Appeal the decision of the chair. Abide by the decision of the majority. Be familiar with constitution and bylaws. Promote growth. Enhance reputation.

7. Spiritual Discipline Prayer Bible Study Communion of Saints

8. Use your Gifts

9. Connect with others in similar leadership positions

10. Sense of Humor

11. Person to Give You Feedback

12. Nuts and Bolts

13. Agenda Who sets an agenda? How do you build an agenda? What should an agenda include?

14. Being an Example

15. Where to go for Help Metropolitan Chicago Synod www.mcselca.org (773) 248-0021 www.elca.org

16. Ephesians 1:16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.