Leadership Training Session 1; by John Menchaca
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
On Tuesday morning we held the first installment of our four leadership training meetings. These sessions serve two purposes: first, to train those who have been recently elected to serve All Saints as deacons and elders; and, second, to provide further training to our existing deacons and elders. It was a very thoughtful and informative first step for our leadership training and our "long obedience in the same direction."
We had a good turnout at 7:00 a.m. to delve into leadership topics (and eat great cinnamon rolls and coffee!). Our topic centered around a chapter in A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene H. Peterson.
Bill Boyd and Greg Grooms read the passage to the group, and we broke
into table discussions to discuss our "long obedience" theme. Our
discussion points were:
1. Worldly way of leadership vs.
- A disciple (we are people who spend our lives apprenticed to our master, Jesus Christ)
- A pilgrim (we are people who spend our lives going someplace, going to God)
2. Fears/insecurities
3. All Saints (how is God calling our body?)
After discussing in our small groups, Pastor Boyd led the larger group
in discussion, which addressed the points above and Eugene Peterson’s
point that our culture is always in a hurry and looking for shortcuts.
My table, as many others, quickly focused on the fears, insecurities,
inadequacies and other worries that emanate from this calling to be a
leader in the Church. Am I qualified to lead? How do I find the time
to lead? What does it mean to lead?
We all acknowledged that we are sinners, and some worried that this
sinful nature would pervade our leadership and, perhaps, harm others.
We also discussed how it is a very difficult proposition to find the
right comforting words, the right Scripture, the right message for
someone who is suffering. We had a great discussion and heard many
great examples and/or analogies to help the group understand
leadership, our long journey and to focus on that which the world "does
so much to discourage."
We will meet again on July 8th, 15th and 29th to continue our
leadership training, discuss our doctrinal standards, and to continue
our (Eph. 4) path to Christian maturity.