This past week I attended the first gathering of my Lewis Fellows cohort in and around Washington D.C. I blogged about the whole program and the reasons why the Lewis Center for Church Leadership focuses on young clergy. It was a wonderful experience to connect with other young clergy because there are so few of us. Also, ministering in Upstate New York, I do not get opportunities like this. It was extremely affirming to be in a gathering where younger clergy are seen as critical to the present and future Church.
Our sessions were thoughtfully led by experts and leading pastors. Much of our discussion revolved around leadership, vision, practice of ministry, dealing with conflict, and transforming churches. Not only was the theoretical covered in our meetings, but practical learning. We visited churches and talked with pastors who were able to transform their churches or in some cases bring a church back from death.
As I participated in the discussion, it was clear that not only do clergy need to understand leadership, but lay people need to understand certain realities of church leadership: Continue Reading…
