The First – Knowing Jesus through the Gospel of Mark
Most Biblical scholars agree that Mark was the first Gospel recorded on paper, probably between the years 64 and 68 AD. It was likely used as a source by the writers of Matthew and Luke. Mark therefore contains the earliest written recording of Jesus’ life and ministry.
For 10 weeks, Woodville United Methodist Church is going to focus on knowing Jesus through the Gospel of Mark. Through sermons and through study during the Sunday school hour, from adults through youth, we will seek to grow in our knowledge of this Gospel. We trust that God will use this dynamic time to strengthen our knowledge of and love for Jesus and increase our confidence to share the story of Jesus with others.
During Sunday morning worship, I'll be preaching our way through Mark. Each Adult and Youth Sunday school class will focus on the Gospel of Mark. Our prime resource will be Mark for Everyone, by Tom Wright. In this blog space, I will post each week an outline of my study in preparation for the following Sunday's sermon. I invite and welcome your comments.
Let’s start the journey together! Beginning Sunday, August 10 – (I'll post the first entry the week leading up to the 1oth)
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Leadership 2
After the completion of our pastor/church exchange in England, we traveled to London and spent 5 days there. 3 of those days we spent racing around London seeing everything we could. For three of those nights we had the privledge of staying with a family in Sussex, which is about 45 minutes south of London by train. They are relatives of Woodville church members. Russ is an executive with American Express International. They are about to move to New Jersey/New York but have lived in Sussex for 3 years. Russ and I shared some wonderful conversations about leadership. He has been an active lay person in his local church at various times. Russ leads a team at AEI. In London he has basically been team leader for a European division and by virtue of his move to New York is becoming the global leader of that division. He is about 40 years old. Clearly he is a talented leader who they recruited and fast tracked into leadership. They regularly send him to leadership trainings and expose him to continuing education.
Our conversation was so helpful. Let me summarize some main points of it for you here.
1- Good Leaders are nimble. Russ' experience as a team leader has taught him that different members of the team need different things from you as a leader. One single leadership style is problematic. Many of us tend to fall into a natural style, for example; some are hands-on, some are hands-off. Some leaders involve themselves in the nitty gritty details and some are total big picture leaders. Some coach and stay close to their team members and some give them distance. Russ' counsel was to know your team members and what they need from you as a leader for success to happen. Some will need hands-on and others need some distance in order to work well. Good leaders discern the differences between their team members and are able to lead team members according to what they uniquely need to be successful.
2- Good leaders communicate expectations clearly. AEI has a master plan and an ongoing evaluation process in place. In the church, things often change dramatically when a pastoral change occurs. Some of this is to be expected but Russ said that evaluation of staff should be consistent throughout changes. Example: Staff at any church should expect to have a mid-year and end of year evaluation. In between these evaluations should be ongoing check-ins with staff.
3- Good leaders establish openness early and model it consistently. Regular conversations and the formal evaluations are virtually the same every time in terms of the questions asked. Ie. "What went well? What needs to be improved? Did you meet goals? Are you (team member) getting what you need from me (team leader)? Here's what I (leader) need from you (team member)."
*Thanks to Russ for this great conversation
Our conversation was so helpful. Let me summarize some main points of it for you here.
1- Good Leaders are nimble. Russ' experience as a team leader has taught him that different members of the team need different things from you as a leader. One single leadership style is problematic. Many of us tend to fall into a natural style, for example; some are hands-on, some are hands-off. Some leaders involve themselves in the nitty gritty details and some are total big picture leaders. Some coach and stay close to their team members and some give them distance. Russ' counsel was to know your team members and what they need from you as a leader for success to happen. Some will need hands-on and others need some distance in order to work well. Good leaders discern the differences between their team members and are able to lead team members according to what they uniquely need to be successful.
2- Good leaders communicate expectations clearly. AEI has a master plan and an ongoing evaluation process in place. In the church, things often change dramatically when a pastoral change occurs. Some of this is to be expected but Russ said that evaluation of staff should be consistent throughout changes. Example: Staff at any church should expect to have a mid-year and end of year evaluation. In between these evaluations should be ongoing check-ins with staff.
3- Good leaders establish openness early and model it consistently. Regular conversations and the formal evaluations are virtually the same every time in terms of the questions asked. Ie. "What went well? What needs to be improved? Did you meet goals? Are you (team member) getting what you need from me (team leader)? Here's what I (leader) need from you (team member)."
*Thanks to Russ for this great conversation
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Leadership
It has been several days since I blogged last. I have returned from a Jurisdictional conference of the United Methodist Church where we elect bishops, leaders for the church. I had the opportunity to serve as a reserve delegate and as it turned out was able to vote for about half the ballots taken as one of our clergy had to leave early and I got to take his spot permanently.
The subject of leadership is one I have been challenged to think a lot about lately. My observation of and participation in the Jurisdictional Conference was eye-opening. Several observations -
1- Different generations have dominant leadership tendencies. Post WW II, Boomers, Xers and Millenials each have distinctively different styles of leadership and expectations of leadership. Most of us (including this Xer - me) are a hybrid. However, I observed some interesting generational differences. I'll try to hash these out in a later post as soon as I can articulate them well.
2- Leadership is not assured by an election or a title, it is given by those who would follow. A person may hold the title or have the powers to lead a group or organization but the extent of their influence, impact and effectiveness is solely dependent upon their ability to build trust, relationships and cast a vision. In terms of pastoral leadership, it is again given...but given by God through the church. So as it relates to bishops - we don't yet know if these new ones will truly be episcopal leaders. We'll see signs as they serve in this new role.
3- Leaders lead. The popular quote I have heard lately is "leaders are not managers, they are leaders." Management wreaks of status quo and maintenance. Leaders lead people to new horizons with vision. One caveat - sometimes the day to day work of a leader will feel like management but if a leader can cast those more mundance items in the light of the horizon a team is trying to reach, then the leader is leading not managing. In a church like ours, the challenge is understanding how to be a leader in a role that traditionally expects management.
4- I am most concerned with spiritual leadership. Spiritual leadership is most occupied with the movement of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual leadership frames every conversation and decision in the language of faith. If a spiritual leader continually calls folks to the things of God - wisdom, understanding, discernment - then folks will be more apt to think in those spiritual terms. If leaders revert to secular language, folks are more apt to think in those terms.
The task for bishops, pastors and lay leaders is there.
The subject of leadership is one I have been challenged to think a lot about lately. My observation of and participation in the Jurisdictional Conference was eye-opening. Several observations -
1- Different generations have dominant leadership tendencies. Post WW II, Boomers, Xers and Millenials each have distinctively different styles of leadership and expectations of leadership. Most of us (including this Xer - me) are a hybrid. However, I observed some interesting generational differences. I'll try to hash these out in a later post as soon as I can articulate them well.
2- Leadership is not assured by an election or a title, it is given by those who would follow. A person may hold the title or have the powers to lead a group or organization but the extent of their influence, impact and effectiveness is solely dependent upon their ability to build trust, relationships and cast a vision. In terms of pastoral leadership, it is again given...but given by God through the church. So as it relates to bishops - we don't yet know if these new ones will truly be episcopal leaders. We'll see signs as they serve in this new role.
3- Leaders lead. The popular quote I have heard lately is "leaders are not managers, they are leaders." Management wreaks of status quo and maintenance. Leaders lead people to new horizons with vision. One caveat - sometimes the day to day work of a leader will feel like management but if a leader can cast those more mundance items in the light of the horizon a team is trying to reach, then the leader is leading not managing. In a church like ours, the challenge is understanding how to be a leader in a role that traditionally expects management.
4- I am most concerned with spiritual leadership. Spiritual leadership is most occupied with the movement of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual leadership frames every conversation and decision in the language of faith. If a spiritual leader continually calls folks to the things of God - wisdom, understanding, discernment - then folks will be more apt to think in those spiritual terms. If leaders revert to secular language, folks are more apt to think in those terms.
The task for bishops, pastors and lay leaders is there.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Young Adult Focus 3
I would like to offer three insights related to young adult lay leadership in the church as I have gleaned them from my British and American experiences and conversations thus far in ministry. The second and third are more pragmatic in nature:
1- Listen to their hopes and dreams, and struggles (not in a manufactured kind of way but in the course of relating with them in daily life) Listening actively is the best way to learn about their love for Christ and His church and for discerning the heart and gifts of a person.
2- Accelerate the pace of young adult's moving into lay leadership roles in the church. The church doesn't have time to spare, thinking that young adults can "pay their dues." If they have the gifts and graces for leadership roles - pledge to support, train and equip and then give them leadership roles now.
3- Don't give young adults jobs/offices in the church that have no specific responsibilities. Generation Xers and Millenials (people generally 40 and under) get frustrated quickly when they are given a role with unclear expectations. Example: don't make them an at-large member of the Church Council unless you can assign a task to them. The responsibility of an at-large member is typically to just show up to a meeting - might be the quickest way to bore a young adult.
*Main lesson is for the church to not be afraid. It has been my experience that in every congregation there are church veterans that are ready to pass the reins of leadership to a younger person and to begin to serve the role of mentor and encourager. There are healthy people in nearly every congregation that will do this if given permission. Find those folks and lift them up.
1- Listen to their hopes and dreams, and struggles (not in a manufactured kind of way but in the course of relating with them in daily life) Listening actively is the best way to learn about their love for Christ and His church and for discerning the heart and gifts of a person.
2- Accelerate the pace of young adult's moving into lay leadership roles in the church. The church doesn't have time to spare, thinking that young adults can "pay their dues." If they have the gifts and graces for leadership roles - pledge to support, train and equip and then give them leadership roles now.
3- Don't give young adults jobs/offices in the church that have no specific responsibilities. Generation Xers and Millenials (people generally 40 and under) get frustrated quickly when they are given a role with unclear expectations. Example: don't make them an at-large member of the Church Council unless you can assign a task to them. The responsibility of an at-large member is typically to just show up to a meeting - might be the quickest way to bore a young adult.
*Main lesson is for the church to not be afraid. It has been my experience that in every congregation there are church veterans that are ready to pass the reins of leadership to a younger person and to begin to serve the role of mentor and encourager. There are healthy people in nearly every congregation that will do this if given permission. Find those folks and lift them up.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Something fun and interesting
At the end of his show, "Inside the Actors Studio" host James Lipton asks a series of quick questions for quick response by his guests. They are fun and can be very insightful. For an icebreaker before small groups or Bible studies, I have often used a modified version (seen below) to help a group of people get to know each other. So, I'm inviting you now to respond with the first thing that comes to mind. Post your responses, I'll post mine.
What is your favorite word?
What is your least favorite word?
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
What turns you off?
What sound or noise do you love?
What sound or noise do you not like?
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
What profession would you not like to do?
What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
What is your favorite word?
What is your least favorite word?
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
What turns you off?
What sound or noise do you love?
What sound or noise do you not like?
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
What profession would you not like to do?
What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Home
My family and I are back home in Woodville after our adventure across the pond. We had an amazing, unforgettable experience. While we take time to get used to the time change and all, we are definitely feeling some culture shock. It may sound strange after being in a country where language is not the challenge but we are definitely aware that life is different in some ways here than it is in England.
We discovered most of all that people are people and that human beings share the same hopes and dreams and struggles no matter where we live. However it is a different country. The role of the government, the status of healthcare, the work of law enforcement just to name a few are different. As I have reflected on here throughout - the churches have many similar struggles but different starting places for their tasks.
We haven't quite put our fingers on everything but we know we have met and lived with another slice of God's world. It makes us all the more mindful that God created a big world and He is continually creating. At the same time, God loves you and me very personally. It boggles the mind and delights the heart.
We are excited to be home and thankful for the experience we just had. I'm looking forward to keeping this blogging conversation going. I'm hopeful that those of you in the UK and the US will continue to read so that the exchange will continue and we will learn from each other. As always, pass along the link to others so that our sharing can be broad and deep.
We discovered most of all that people are people and that human beings share the same hopes and dreams and struggles no matter where we live. However it is a different country. The role of the government, the status of healthcare, the work of law enforcement just to name a few are different. As I have reflected on here throughout - the churches have many similar struggles but different starting places for their tasks.
We haven't quite put our fingers on everything but we know we have met and lived with another slice of God's world. It makes us all the more mindful that God created a big world and He is continually creating. At the same time, God loves you and me very personally. It boggles the mind and delights the heart.
We are excited to be home and thankful for the experience we just had. I'm looking forward to keeping this blogging conversation going. I'm hopeful that those of you in the UK and the US will continue to read so that the exchange will continue and we will learn from each other. As always, pass along the link to others so that our sharing can be broad and deep.
Friday, July 4, 2008
London
I'll continue to write more on the young adult ministry focus but for now take a detour again to describe our current travels. The official exchange has concluded and we are now in London staying with relatives of a church member from Woodville. We spent Thursday in London. St Paul's Cathedral was bigger than I ever imagined and breathtaking. We climbed to the top via stairs and looked out on London from a terrace/balcony. We spent about 3 hours altogether there. We also witnessed the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. My favorite part was the procession of the royal band into the courtyard of the palace. Hearing those brass instruments and drums play as they marched up the street and into that courtyard was awesome. It made me remember my days in the marching band and rekindle an interest in seeing some marching bands perform back home. Whether military bands like this one or good ole college marching bands (like the one I was a part of at SFA) they're all exhilarating. Fall is coming and that means football season back home. I hope to catch a college game this Fall and see a good university band at half-time.
We spent an all too brief time at the British Museum Thursday to close out our day. The artifacts are basically the result of the "spoils of war." The Brits have all this stuff because they conquered those who possessed them. Anyway, we saw the Rosetta Stone, mummies, greco-roman artifacts, and much much more.
Today is Friday July 4th and we have spent it with our host family. They are Americans, so we will celebrate Independence Day together. They've bought watermelons!
We also enjoyed some traveling around the British countryside today in Sussex where they live, with a hop over to Brighton. We stepped on to the beach on the banks of the English channel and toured a palace that King George IV had built while he was prince.
I'm sure we'll be home before I'm able to post pictures here but will do when I get the opportunity. We've got two more days in London before heading home.
We spent an all too brief time at the British Museum Thursday to close out our day. The artifacts are basically the result of the "spoils of war." The Brits have all this stuff because they conquered those who possessed them. Anyway, we saw the Rosetta Stone, mummies, greco-roman artifacts, and much much more.
Today is Friday July 4th and we have spent it with our host family. They are Americans, so we will celebrate Independence Day together. They've bought watermelons!
We also enjoyed some traveling around the British countryside today in Sussex where they live, with a hop over to Brighton. We stepped on to the beach on the banks of the English channel and toured a palace that King George IV had built while he was prince.
I'm sure we'll be home before I'm able to post pictures here but will do when I get the opportunity. We've got two more days in London before heading home.
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