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The image of the iceberg reminds us that much of what is going on in congregational life is "below the surface". These are dynamics that are more or less unconscious to all or some of the members. When we can name in a neutral manner some of these emotional processes, the deep interests and motivations that are at work, the system dynamics that shape the way we think and act, then we are more

PSLnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18973654.post-1132019258975973152005-09-28T20:47:00.000-04:002005-11-14T20:47:38.976-05:00

by Bonnie on September 28, 2005 03:24PM (EDT)In the Jan/Feb 2005 NetResults, George Bullard provides a description of services available to congregations. The Clinician Wave, post WWII, gathered folk for community/clinical learning opportunities. The Chaplaincy Wave, 1955-1965, emphasized pastoral care and care ministries. In the 70's, the Consulting Wave arrived bringing in tools and

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by Betsy on September 2, 2005 07:17AM (EDT)Language Shifts I have long used reframing or the changing of perspectives to open new possibilities. I know the power of using appreciative questions and an attitude of gratitude. I continue to search for the questions that will uncover my deepest assumptions. One of the places I am beginning to challenge is long held images that shape how I understand

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by Stewart Lanier at 09:54AM (EDT) on July 30, 2005 | Permanent Link | CosmosIn the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) the iNtuiting- Thinking (NT) type is often associated with organization design and leadership. NT’s are big-picture, principled-centered, strategy-focused leaders with vision. They tend to be less detail oriented and may overlook the impact of their designs and decisions on

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by Betsy on July 26, 2005 09:00AM (EDT)Net Results [ww.netresults.org] hosts the National Evangelism Workshop, an ecumenical event that brings together Christian folks who focus on evangelism. There were representatives from 41 states and I forget how many denominations in Portland Oregon from July 20-22, 2005. I chose to go because I know I am stretched by the diversity of perspective. And I

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by Greg Carpenter on July 12, 2005 08:00AM (EDT)In Joseph R. Myers book, "The Search to Belong: Rethinking Intimacy, Community and Small Groups, " (2003 154 pages) he wrestles with an age-old question with new language and wisdom. He states that defining neighbor and neighborhood has been and is one of the age-old questions of the church. Living in a culture that prioritizes belonging over

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by Bonnie on July 6, 2005 03:09PM (EDT)Characteristics that Suggest Underlying Causes May Exist • System has experienced significant transition, recent trauma or some sort of breech of trust. • Participants report that anger initially directed at one source is now redirected in multiple directions and at each other. • Behavioral manifestations or reactions appear to be stronger or out of

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by Betsy on May 9, 2005 01:35PM (EDT)One of the important components of redevelopment is connecting with spiritual energy. We are about God's mission in the church. Drinking from that deep well of Living Water is sweet and we don't want it to keep it a secret! There is something very powerful about being in prayer IN COMMUNITY. One place that encourages and supports this spiritual deepening is

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by Stewart Lanier on April 9, 2005 09:12PM (EDT)Ten Points are necessary for Redevelopment/Transformation to occur 1. Expect people to seriously engage in Scripture and teach them how to do it. 2. Pray more than may be fashionable and use fewer words. 3. Personally and as a community, develop the discipline of tithing 4. Treat others with extraordinary respect, as we would treat Jesus

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by Stewart Lanier on March 31, 2005 08:50PM (EST) Partnersteps, “Developing Cooperative Ministries Today”Edward A Kail with Julia Kuhn Wallace, Discipleship Resources, 2003.~the foundation of cooperative ministry is the core process of the church : “to make disciples of Jesus Christ”. p. 13~churches and individuals will bring differing orientations to what it means to be a church; there will be

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by Stewart Lanier on March 21, 2005 06:48PM (EST)From Beyond the Ordinary, 10 Strengths of US Congregations, Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce, Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.“ A number of dynamics influence congregational decision making. Some decision-making factors arise from the congregation's mind—analysis of new information, reality-based reasoning, and our understanding of how things

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by Stewart Lanier on March 17, 2005 06:15PM (EST) A Good Resource for Many FAQ'sLeadership Network has a great list of links to sites relevant to churches that are exploring their options.For example: demographics, culture, salary levels, stewardship... http://www.leadnet.org/allthingsln/allthingsln_faq.asp P Stewart Lanier978-772-0225Stewart@Net1Plus.com

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by Stewart Lanier on March 17, 2005 06:13PM (EST)Cooperative Ministry as a Road to RedevelopmentSome congregations discover a way to revitalization through working with other congregations which have shared interests or needs. Cooperative ministries can take a variety of forms, from simply joining with one or more other congregations to conduct a single ministry or program (for example a mission

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by Stewart Lanier on March 17, 2005 06:10PM (EST) This book is a very good overview of the various issues and options for congregations seeking redevelopment. Here are some of the questions and options that Mann raises:Congregations need to address three formation questions:1. Who are we? –Especially with regard to faith matters2. What are we here for?3. Who is our neighbor?There are different

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by Stewart Lanier on March 17, 2005 06:09PM (EST)Recommended Reading: A Field Guide to US Congregations, Woolever and Bruce This book is a highly recommended, research-based study guide for congregations. A Field Guide to U.S. Congregations: Who's Going Where and Whyby Cynthia Woolever, Deborah Bruce Paperback: 85 pagesPublisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (March 1, 2002) Here is

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Congregation Redevelopmentby Stewart Lanier on March 13, 2005 08:15PM (EST) Redevelopment is the transition of a congregation from a state which has been determined to be no longer viable to an intentionally chosen new state, guided by a vision. It is more than incremental change--it involves "frame bending"or transformational change. The motivation to undergo redevelopment may be due to

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