The Columbia Partnership

The Five Critical Steps of Communicating Vision: Step Two

A Travel Free Learning Article

By Bill Howard at BHoward@TheColumbiaPartnership.org. [Contact Bill for information on all five steps.]  

Download Howard, Five Critical Steps of Communicating Vision, Step Two

Have you wondered how successful pastors get their people to follow a vision? Have you ever wanted to share a vision, but feared it would get voted down by your congregation?

Successful vision casting is a skill every leader needs to learn. Read on to learn step two of the five critical steps of communicating a vision that will get a YES! from your congregation or ministry organization.

Democracy Versus Discernment in the Church

By Dick Hamm at DHamm@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.

Download Democracy versus Discernment

Like the churches of most every nation, American churches tend to reflect the culture in which they developed. An example of this is the American churches’ penchant for democracy. We love democracy! It is in our very DNA as institutions. We believe that certain “truths are self-evident” and that such truths will inevitably arise through the democratic process and win the day. We also resist attempts by anyone to make decisions for us without our input.

The Builder and Silent generations (born between 1915-1945) love democracy for an additional reason: democratic processes enable them to be a functioning, integral part of the institution by participating in decision making. Because these two generations experience God through the life of the institution, participating directly in the decision-making makes them feel closer to God. Likewise, participating in functional committees and boards makes them feel closer to God (at least when such experiences aren’t so negative that they cause them to “lose their religion!).

Overview of Contents of Reaching Keeping People Guidebook

Coaching and Resource Guidebook for Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60

Table of Contents

1. Eight Practical Principles That Work – Listening Sheet

2. When Culture Impacts Church - Coaching Questions

3. Discovering the Influence of Generational Distinctives – Coaching Worksheet

4. Contrasting the Generations Overview Chart with coaching questions

5. Shifts Emerging in Traditional Forms of Christian Education Chart from Reframing Spiritual Formation by Edward Hammett

6. Bonus Article – Spiritual Rituals Fuel Spiritual Formation (How Some Postmoderns Mature in Faith) by Randy Pierce and Eddie Hammett

7. Moving Forward in Effective Ministry - Coaching Questions

8. Bible Study for 21^st Century Adults - Seminar Overview

9. Endorsements from various ministry leaders

10. Resources for Transitioning Churches Bibliography

11. Seminar Follow-Up Options to Sustain Momentum

12. Compilation of Suggestions for Next Steps Beyond Reading of the Book and Attending a Study Group

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Three Digital Editions of this Coaching And Resource Guidebook are Available

Personal Edition: 20+ page Coaching and Resource Guidebook for Reaching/Keeping book – Cost $10 for personal use when reading book, or for preview of material for seminars. This edition may not be copied. Click to purchase: Personal Edition.

Presentation Edition: Guidebook plus 40 slide PowerPoint presentation for the Reaching People Under 40 While Keeping People Over 60 seminars available for $100. Includes permission to duplicate for seminars and use in your personal ministry. Click to purchase: Presentation Edition.

Premier Edition: $250.00 includes all of the above resources and privileges plus two one-hour coaching sessions with the authors to help you maximize and customize these tools for your congregation. Click to purchase: Premium Edition.

The Evolving Face of Networks | Technology | The Guardian

via guardian.co.uk

We are just beginning to learn from social networking processes. A lot more can be learned and will be learned. I am working on a project now concerning the implications of this for congregations. --George Bullard

Posted via web from The Columbia Partnership

A Coach Approach to Soulful-Leadership

By Eddie Hammett with Randy Pierce [Contact Eddie at EHammett@TheColumbiaPartnership.org.]

Download: A Coach Approach to Soulful Leadership

What is the difference between a typical leader and a soulful-leader? What is distinctive about the coach approach when it comes to leadership in the church/judicatory? Where does change and transition need to happen first for revolutionary transformation?

How often do you experience leaders who are ineffective in their role? The rapid pace of change we are in, compounded by the increasing diversity of population, values, and personal preferences create a steep challenge for most leaders and most institutions today. Leadership is no longer enough to be effective. Today we need soulful-leaders who are discerning, trustworthy, people of integrity and persons who are not dictators, handing out orders, as much as they are leaders who generate ownership and listens carefully to those they lead and the context in which they find themselves.