2020 Vision Goal 3: Every Congregation in Relationship with CPI (Co-missioned Pastor Initiative).
“Russ preached a really great sermon last Sunday,” I was told. “The kids were really paying attention, and really ‘got it’.”
If you are a preacher or public speaker, wouldn’t you like to have that kind of ringing endorsement for your messages? Don’t you wish every sermon was so captivating? Can you imagine what that would do for your congregation? The possibilities are almost enough to take your breath away!
Russ, of course, is Russ Pirie; Pastor of Hamilton congregation, and if he is reading this, he is probably both surprised and blushing; surprised to find himself spot-lighted here, and blushing due to the praise that came from a member of his congregation. But how did this pastor get so skilled? Where did he learn to speak that way? At the risk of over simplifying, the answer may lie in the fact that Russ is a trained, CPI Pastor. Along with the other three CPI Alums in CEM, he is a better trained, more competent and confident, and a more effective pastor and speaker as a result of spending time every year for four years in training. That is the benefit we want for all our pastors and their congregations. Consequently, we have begun the CEM CPI program. As far as I know, we are the first mission centre to do so. So far we have twelve pastors from seven congregations involved in our first cohort. This is our pilot group. We are planning for more.
Earlier this year when first we met with this new cohort for team building and orientation, several of the pastors spoke about how they “just knew” this was what they had to do. There was something ‘calling’ them into this new program, even if they didn’t understand exactly what all might be involved. There was an eagerness in each person; an anxiousness to learn, a quiet excitement. I smiled, and knew they would not be disappointed.
This fall, we met with that group of twelve again, this time for a week of intense study with the Dean of the Community of Christ Seminary, Don Compier, and South America Mission President Arthur Smith. They came together in retreat to study theology and learn scriptural exegesis. In the weeks leading up to the retreat, and even at the beginning of the week itself, we heard a fair amount of groaning about the amount of reading, and whether they really had time to do this much work. Again, I smiled. I smiled because I knew of the benefits that would come to them as a result of this commitment of time. Despite their reservation, they began immediately to apply themselves faithfully to the task. One by one, around the room, the light dawned as each began to understand. And I know, without any testimonials, that their sermons are better, their confidence has improved, and their ministry is stronger as a result of that week together.
Our goal is to have every congregation in the CPI program. It won’t happen overnight. It does take work and costs money, but it is worth every minute and every penny. It is an investment in our congregations and in the future. I thank God for pastors who are willing to grow.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Connection
Goal #3: Every congregation in relationship to the CPI program
From the beginning of the World Church’s Co-Mission Pastor Initiative to equip congregational leaders for ministry, I’ve been associated with the pastors and the congregations in our Mission who are participating in this project. Corinth was the first CEM congregation to come on board, and I was there for many preliminary visits, explaining, answering questions, helping set goals, creating targets and then working with their pastor Cheryl Brooks, who was one of the first cohort of 25 pastors to receive the training and to implement that training in her congregation.
Since those early days, five years ago, there have been more visits to assess progress, to note achievements, to measure gains, to generate feedback and evaluate programs. In fact these are the key elements we’ve worked on in the other three congregations who participated in the program: Low Banks, Hamilton and Providence Bay. Pastors Marilyn Graham, Russ Pirie and Weston Leeson each has a story to tell about their CPi journey.
Now, at the “end” of the World Church project, we have launched our own Canada East program, coordinated by Doug Bolger. We currently have twelve pastors, representing seven CEM congregations participating. They too will have amazing stories to tell.
But my objective in sharing today is to tell you of the single benefit every single pastor and congregation has cited as we’ve evaluated their experience! They’ve all had many things to share about how they’ve been positively impacted by the program. But one item leads all their lists: they feel more connected than before.
This connection has several facets. They feel connected to each other. They feel connected to the Mission. They feel connected to a global church. They feel connected to church leaders and instructors they now realize are resources for them to call on. They feel connected to other congregations dealing with the same challenges and joys that they experience. They truly feel connected by one Spirit that unites and supports and upholds us all. They feel empowered by that sense of connection.
I never, never speak with any one of our CPI pastors, whether World Church or CEM participants without mention of this sense of a strong, spiritual bond of connection. And with it a sense that anything is possible!
This is the kind of power we want to tap into with this goal: ensure every congregation has an association with CPI.
From the beginning of the World Church’s Co-Mission Pastor Initiative to equip congregational leaders for ministry, I’ve been associated with the pastors and the congregations in our Mission who are participating in this project. Corinth was the first CEM congregation to come on board, and I was there for many preliminary visits, explaining, answering questions, helping set goals, creating targets and then working with their pastor Cheryl Brooks, who was one of the first cohort of 25 pastors to receive the training and to implement that training in her congregation.
Since those early days, five years ago, there have been more visits to assess progress, to note achievements, to measure gains, to generate feedback and evaluate programs. In fact these are the key elements we’ve worked on in the other three congregations who participated in the program: Low Banks, Hamilton and Providence Bay. Pastors Marilyn Graham, Russ Pirie and Weston Leeson each has a story to tell about their CPi journey.
Now, at the “end” of the World Church project, we have launched our own Canada East program, coordinated by Doug Bolger. We currently have twelve pastors, representing seven CEM congregations participating. They too will have amazing stories to tell.
But my objective in sharing today is to tell you of the single benefit every single pastor and congregation has cited as we’ve evaluated their experience! They’ve all had many things to share about how they’ve been positively impacted by the program. But one item leads all their lists: they feel more connected than before.
This connection has several facets. They feel connected to each other. They feel connected to the Mission. They feel connected to a global church. They feel connected to church leaders and instructors they now realize are resources for them to call on. They feel connected to other congregations dealing with the same challenges and joys that they experience. They truly feel connected by one Spirit that unites and supports and upholds us all. They feel empowered by that sense of connection.
I never, never speak with any one of our CPI pastors, whether World Church or CEM participants without mention of this sense of a strong, spiritual bond of connection. And with it a sense that anything is possible!
This is the kind of power we want to tap into with this goal: ensure every congregation has an association with CPI.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
People
It’s about the people!
I can’t help but think of the man in the coffee shop, nervous about going to a funeral. At sixty years of age he had no experience with funerals, and certainly none with death and dying. He asked about funerals, but clearly needed to talk about other, deeper questions. I imagine the woman at McDonald’s who wanted an opinion about saying the Lord’s Prayer in school. Feeling it was somehow important to her, because she’d said it as a child, but with no church connection now to test her child mind’s opinions against. She’s lost a way to talk about a subject that she really, really does want to talk about.
We’re not so far from 9/11 with its ensuing emotional turmoil about Islam. Our fears of the “other” moving into our neighbourhoods grow unchecked without diversity education. We struggle with current questions about same sex marriage, or gun control or questions of young offenders and criminal punishment. People don’t know how to talk about their concepts of ethics and morality.
Every day things happen in communities that raise impossible questions for ordinary people. Accidents claim carfuls of teenagers. Children contract terrible illnesses. Whole communities are thrown out of work by an economic decision made in some distant country. Where is their good news?
What do these have to do with Goal #2? These people need a community. Some of them need a Community of Christ. It’s not because we need to ensure the survival of our particular institutional faith community. It’s that there are people living right here in my neighbourhood who need to have a way to think about life’s hard questions. People need to know God’s grace and presence in the world. They need a place and a way and a community to struggle with what that can mean to them in the things that impact on their own life every single day. They need to feel God’s love; and it needs to come in human form for them.
Maybe we can reach out from our current congregation. I know some of you who do that. But maybe my congregation is too set in its ways. Most of us feel just too comfortable or too tired or unwilling to embrace persons with unfamiliar “lifestyles.” It takes something new!
These are the circumstances that come to MY mind when I consider CEM’s Goal #2: Plant five congregations in the next ten years. What about you? What do YOU think of?
Posted by Marion
I can’t help but think of the man in the coffee shop, nervous about going to a funeral. At sixty years of age he had no experience with funerals, and certainly none with death and dying. He asked about funerals, but clearly needed to talk about other, deeper questions. I imagine the woman at McDonald’s who wanted an opinion about saying the Lord’s Prayer in school. Feeling it was somehow important to her, because she’d said it as a child, but with no church connection now to test her child mind’s opinions against. She’s lost a way to talk about a subject that she really, really does want to talk about.
We’re not so far from 9/11 with its ensuing emotional turmoil about Islam. Our fears of the “other” moving into our neighbourhoods grow unchecked without diversity education. We struggle with current questions about same sex marriage, or gun control or questions of young offenders and criminal punishment. People don’t know how to talk about their concepts of ethics and morality.
Every day things happen in communities that raise impossible questions for ordinary people. Accidents claim carfuls of teenagers. Children contract terrible illnesses. Whole communities are thrown out of work by an economic decision made in some distant country. Where is their good news?
What do these have to do with Goal #2? These people need a community. Some of them need a Community of Christ. It’s not because we need to ensure the survival of our particular institutional faith community. It’s that there are people living right here in my neighbourhood who need to have a way to think about life’s hard questions. People need to know God’s grace and presence in the world. They need a place and a way and a community to struggle with what that can mean to them in the things that impact on their own life every single day. They need to feel God’s love; and it needs to come in human form for them.
Maybe we can reach out from our current congregation. I know some of you who do that. But maybe my congregation is too set in its ways. Most of us feel just too comfortable or too tired or unwilling to embrace persons with unfamiliar “lifestyles.” It takes something new!
These are the circumstances that come to MY mind when I consider CEM’s Goal #2: Plant five congregations in the next ten years. What about you? What do YOU think of?
Posted by Marion
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Planting
Goal # 2: Plant (or re-plant) five new congregations in the next ten years.
Goal #2 was first spoken out loud at the Noronto reunion in August, 2009. The response was immediate! People began to come forward with expressions like, “Let me tell you about my community!” Or “ Have you considered planting a church in _____?” It was exciting!
We have not been idle on this goal since then. Despite our expressed intention to “go slow and learn with each new effort”, our people began rolling up their sleeves and working right away. The following is what we can report so far.
Fired Up Congregation was launched in September under the leadership of four enthusiastic young adults. The new congregation has had highs and lows, but we are learning and optimistic about this new plant.
Brantford congregation began the work of re-visioning and re-planting, and has gone from an average attendance of four people to between fifteen and twenty in just four months! They have already had a baptismal service.
The people of Sudbury congregation, who had not been meeting for perhaps two years, began to discuss their options. Getting together for fellowship and food, they decided not to close the congregation after all, but instead, to see what is possible. Now they meet from time to time, and bless each other with their love. The re-visioning has begun.
When it comes to fulfilling the call of God, the church does not have the luxury of simply marking time. Trying to stand still will inevitably lead to falling behind. There are people whose lives need to be blessed by the message of the gospel. There are communities of people everywhere we need to reach out to. These communities are not about towns, cities, or rural geography, they are about people. The potential to do something new exists wherever leaders of vision see and recognize a new opportunity. That may happen where we have only one member now, or where we already have a flourishing congregation. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we are reaching out to those whose lives we can bless.
In some cases, we have congregations that need to be re-planted. These are communities that may have existed for many years but are now in decline and in serious need of a new vision of greatness. Where we have people in those communities who want to try something new, we have hope. Given the choice, isn’t it better to re-plant than to close?
Some will no doubt say that we should strengthen our existing congregations before we plant something new. That is the stuff of goals three and four, and we will have more to share about that later. Today is about goal two.
Where else does the Gospel need to be planted? Barrie? Stittsville? Do you feel the stirring of a new plant in your community?
Posted by Carman
Goal #2 was first spoken out loud at the Noronto reunion in August, 2009. The response was immediate! People began to come forward with expressions like, “Let me tell you about my community!” Or “ Have you considered planting a church in _____?” It was exciting!
We have not been idle on this goal since then. Despite our expressed intention to “go slow and learn with each new effort”, our people began rolling up their sleeves and working right away. The following is what we can report so far.
Fired Up Congregation was launched in September under the leadership of four enthusiastic young adults. The new congregation has had highs and lows, but we are learning and optimistic about this new plant.
Brantford congregation began the work of re-visioning and re-planting, and has gone from an average attendance of four people to between fifteen and twenty in just four months! They have already had a baptismal service.
The people of Sudbury congregation, who had not been meeting for perhaps two years, began to discuss their options. Getting together for fellowship and food, they decided not to close the congregation after all, but instead, to see what is possible. Now they meet from time to time, and bless each other with their love. The re-visioning has begun.
When it comes to fulfilling the call of God, the church does not have the luxury of simply marking time. Trying to stand still will inevitably lead to falling behind. There are people whose lives need to be blessed by the message of the gospel. There are communities of people everywhere we need to reach out to. These communities are not about towns, cities, or rural geography, they are about people. The potential to do something new exists wherever leaders of vision see and recognize a new opportunity. That may happen where we have only one member now, or where we already have a flourishing congregation. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we are reaching out to those whose lives we can bless.
In some cases, we have congregations that need to be re-planted. These are communities that may have existed for many years but are now in decline and in serious need of a new vision of greatness. Where we have people in those communities who want to try something new, we have hope. Given the choice, isn’t it better to re-plant than to close?
Some will no doubt say that we should strengthen our existing congregations before we plant something new. That is the stuff of goals three and four, and we will have more to share about that later. Today is about goal two.
Where else does the Gospel need to be planted? Barrie? Stittsville? Do you feel the stirring of a new plant in your community?
Posted by Carman
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Space
Oh look, here's a little space.
You could use it to say something about Goal #1: Young Adult Leader Empowerment.
Or you could just use the time to think about YALE.
Check back tomorrow for Goal #2.
You could use it to say something about Goal #1: Young Adult Leader Empowerment.
Or you could just use the time to think about YALE.
Check back tomorrow for Goal #2.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Generations
Not many years ago the church’s youngest appointee came from Canada East. I well recall feeling a sense of pride as one of our young people spoke with passion and eloquence in support of the World Conference resolution endorsing the UN statement on Rights of the Child. We’ve been proud of young adults who’ve directed our reunions and we rely on the hundreds (Yes, that’s the right word!) of young adults who make our camping program possible. Young adults are bringing us their traveling ministry; they’re integral parts of important boards and committees across the Mission and in their congregations.
Why then do we also collectively hold the certain awareness that senior high students will go away to school and never return to home congregations? Leadership positions come open, wise elders look around at empty pews and, yet again, step into those roles for the sake of the survival of the community. Everywhere we go we hear the question “where are our young people?” and we bemoan the future of the church.
Yet, young campers long for that single week in the distant next summer when they’ll reconnect with friends once again. Carman has shared his experience with Gracelanders who do long to serve the church they care deeply about. Have they really become invisible to us? Or have they truly gone missing?
Here is our paradox. We have many congregations with aging leaders and young adults who stay away, and young adults who want to serve but feel they will never have the chance. This paradox is what we in CEM want to address with our 2020 Vision Goal #1: Young Adult Leader Empowerment (YALE). We are determined to tackle the challenge to bring our passionate and capable young people into positions of genuine authority and opportunity.
We must get intentional about handing off and supporting the direction younger leaders want to go. We need to give them the training, the experience, the opportunity they need to truly lead our congregations of the future, the congregations of the present.
Maybe it’s time for you to examine your own ideas and attitudes toward the next generation around you. Can you see who the next leaders should be? What if those leaders do something or suggest a direction that isn’t what we’re used to? Are you ready to respond with a heartfelt “let’s give it a try”?
It’s time to take this goal seriously. We don’t even think it’s too late. But we need you to make this your goal too, whatever your age or generation. We need you to do some things, maybe even many things, differently. And we intend to help you.
We’d love to hear from you; how are you committing to Goal #1: Young Adult Leader Empowerment?
Posted by Marion
Why then do we also collectively hold the certain awareness that senior high students will go away to school and never return to home congregations? Leadership positions come open, wise elders look around at empty pews and, yet again, step into those roles for the sake of the survival of the community. Everywhere we go we hear the question “where are our young people?” and we bemoan the future of the church.
Yet, young campers long for that single week in the distant next summer when they’ll reconnect with friends once again. Carman has shared his experience with Gracelanders who do long to serve the church they care deeply about. Have they really become invisible to us? Or have they truly gone missing?
Here is our paradox. We have many congregations with aging leaders and young adults who stay away, and young adults who want to serve but feel they will never have the chance. This paradox is what we in CEM want to address with our 2020 Vision Goal #1: Young Adult Leader Empowerment (YALE). We are determined to tackle the challenge to bring our passionate and capable young people into positions of genuine authority and opportunity.
We must get intentional about handing off and supporting the direction younger leaders want to go. We need to give them the training, the experience, the opportunity they need to truly lead our congregations of the future, the congregations of the present.
Maybe it’s time for you to examine your own ideas and attitudes toward the next generation around you. Can you see who the next leaders should be? What if those leaders do something or suggest a direction that isn’t what we’re used to? Are you ready to respond with a heartfelt “let’s give it a try”?
It’s time to take this goal seriously. We don’t even think it’s too late. But we need you to make this your goal too, whatever your age or generation. We need you to do some things, maybe even many things, differently. And we intend to help you.
We’d love to hear from you; how are you committing to Goal #1: Young Adult Leader Empowerment?
Posted by Marion
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Leaders
In no particular order, let me share a few names with you.
Renee, Grant, Sarah, Andrew, Kevin, Heather, Annie, Joe, Derek, Keira, Alysa, Rachel, Bryce, Karen, Aaron, Kyle, Lija, Lauren, Lisa, Serenity, Duane, Christopher, Rebecca, Meredith, Marc, Jordan, Ryan, Robyn, Matthew, Irena, Taffia, Adam, Kristin, Scott, Dariq,
Tamara, Alfredo, Mark, Natasha, Rachel, Jon, Christine, Shawn…
These are but a few of the names of young adults we have observed leading, and wanting to lead, in Canada East Mission. The list is no where near a complete list. These young leaders are honing their skills, helping where they can, and looking for places they can fit in to offer their ministry. They are exceptional, outstanding young leaders. They do not know everything, but then again, who does? They have ideas, energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to try. You will, no doubt be able to think of more names when you put your mind to it.
(Young Adults, if you don’t find your name here, the fault is mine, not yours. We have not forgotten you!)
Young adult leaders also have frustration. Some have grown disillusioned, reporting not being listened to in their congregation, and sometimes not even being seen. Some have quit attending church, but will travel long distances to serve in our camping community, often at great personal sacrifice.
Still, they are here, they are willing, and they are able. They are the reason Young Adult Leader Empowerment (YALE) is the number one goal of Canada East Mission in the coming decade. It is number one in importance, not merely first on the list. We are blessed with a wealth of fine, young adult leaders. They may think, act, and dress a little differently than you (or not), but we definitely need their energy and ideas.
At Canada East Mission, we are looking hard for the young adults who will lead us into the next decade. We will be giving them important assignments, even if it seems they’re not really ready. Don’t be surprised. If you believe in this goal, we’ll need you to back us up. Out loud, and with real commitment.
We believe the future, under their leadership, will be amazing. Are you ready to give them a chance? Who are the young adults you are mentoring to fill your leadership roles?
Renee, Grant, Sarah, Andrew, Kevin, Heather, Annie, Joe, Derek, Keira, Alysa, Rachel, Bryce, Karen, Aaron, Kyle, Lija, Lauren, Lisa, Serenity, Duane, Christopher, Rebecca, Meredith, Marc, Jordan, Ryan, Robyn, Matthew, Irena, Taffia, Adam, Kristin, Scott, Dariq,
Tamara, Alfredo, Mark, Natasha, Rachel, Jon, Christine, Shawn…
These are but a few of the names of young adults we have observed leading, and wanting to lead, in Canada East Mission. The list is no where near a complete list. These young leaders are honing their skills, helping where they can, and looking for places they can fit in to offer their ministry. They are exceptional, outstanding young leaders. They do not know everything, but then again, who does? They have ideas, energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to try. You will, no doubt be able to think of more names when you put your mind to it.
(Young Adults, if you don’t find your name here, the fault is mine, not yours. We have not forgotten you!)
Young adult leaders also have frustration. Some have grown disillusioned, reporting not being listened to in their congregation, and sometimes not even being seen. Some have quit attending church, but will travel long distances to serve in our camping community, often at great personal sacrifice.
Still, they are here, they are willing, and they are able. They are the reason Young Adult Leader Empowerment (YALE) is the number one goal of Canada East Mission in the coming decade. It is number one in importance, not merely first on the list. We are blessed with a wealth of fine, young adult leaders. They may think, act, and dress a little differently than you (or not), but we definitely need their energy and ideas.
At Canada East Mission, we are looking hard for the young adults who will lead us into the next decade. We will be giving them important assignments, even if it seems they’re not really ready. Don’t be surprised. If you believe in this goal, we’ll need you to back us up. Out loud, and with real commitment.
We believe the future, under their leadership, will be amazing. Are you ready to give them a chance? Who are the young adults you are mentoring to fill your leadership roles?
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