Christian Leaders have a mandate to grow both deeper in faith in Jesus and wider as an influencers of the faith. Both invite a lifetime of study, new experiences and risk-taking. It’s about life-long learning.
Next Learn-Lead Event:
Mental Health First Aid
A 12-hour course that prepares members of the public to provide Mental Health First Aid to those in need.
Thursdays, February 23 and March 1, 2012
9 am - 4 pm at the synod office
12941 I-45 North Freeway, Suite 210 - Houston, TX 77060
Cost: $80 (includes course instruction, materials, lunch and snacks for both days)
REGISTER NOW! (Note: Online payment is required to register. On the first screen, scroll down to "Events" and add a quantity of "1" to Mental Health Learn-Lead Event. Then continue through the form as prompted.)
What is "Learn-Lead"?
During this time of change in our world, where it is more intuitive to “circle the wagons” (E. Friedman). Christian leadership has to resist reactive responses to change, looking for the quick fix and letting our own fears paralyze us. This is a time for new partnerships, clarity of vision and identity and movement.
The congregation is a crucial for leadership formation so that the roles of pastor, elected and appointed lay leadership and future leaders really matter. We need to learn together and influence others. Learn—Lead will provide regular times for leaders to gather, grow and gain support for leading congregations in mission with following goals:
F-FLUENCY: From a few specialists to people of all ages who know the stories and language of the Christian faith.
Praying and practicing a shared language, learning and telling Bible stories and noticing God’s movement in our lives is evidence of a fluent faith. Congregations are a training camp for households, as we carry out our baptismal promises. This means a high commitment from everyone— people support what they help create so widespread involvement is important.
I -INTERDEPENDENCE: Fom individual to people across the globe connected with creation and each other.
Living in relationship with our community, our country and our world moves our thinking beyond ourselves. This is an interdependent dance where following Jesus surprises us with concern for more than our own family – maybe for the environment, for people who live in poverty, for our neighbor, for ourselves in relationship with each other—always expanding our circle of concern, passion and hospitality.
S -SENDING: From just coming to church to going into the world.
Sending people to work, school (including college), or home with a faith that is questioning, engaging life, growing theologically, influencing daily decision-making and shaping our spending and giving patterns is key. The point is to shift from a “coming to church” paradigm to a “going into the world” way of life, so that people are equipped to articulate their faith as they go. We are a sending church. Think Great Commission… Go… AS YOU ARE GOING! —Jesus
H -HOME: From corporate altar to home altar.
Adults practice their faith in Jesus at the kitchen table Parents and grandparents matter most in passing on faith (confirmed by three decades of research). Parents have to practice at church what we hope they practice in their home. Effectively teaching and maturing the faith of adults is key.