Randi Meyer
Tuesday 3/31/2009
Week 11 – Mistakes Ministers Make
Teresa – Grant United Methodist Church
Sunday, March 15, 2009
1. Don’t assume, but ask – Often pastors will assume how things in the past were done without asking people in the congregation. One should ask the people to learn the church’s ways.
2. Be on time and wise with time – Teresa stated that there is nothing more irritating than to have to wait for the person that is suppose to be leading them. A pastor needs to be early or at least on time for events and services, and they need to be considerate of the congregation’s time.
3. Don’t change the order of the service – A pastor should not change the order of the Sunday worship service right when they get there, but should learn how it was done in the past. They can slowly make changes, but they need to get the congregation involved in these changes.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Week 11 – Mistakes Ministers Make
Adam Fike
Tuesday 3/31
Interviewed – Kelley Ailstock on March 19, 2009
Mistakes
1. Do not think that your way is the only way. Be willing to accept criticism and listen to other ways of doing things.
2. Do not be afraid to ask for help. To lay people, this is perceived as if you think they are not capable or able to accomplish things; it belittles volunteers.
3. Always have a safety net when counseling the opposite sex. The door always stays open, never counsel one-on-one, and do not have lunch/coffee dates with the opposite sex.
Tuesday 3/31
Interviewed – Kelley Ailstock on March 19, 2009
Mistakes
1. Do not think that your way is the only way. Be willing to accept criticism and listen to other ways of doing things.
2. Do not be afraid to ask for help. To lay people, this is perceived as if you think they are not capable or able to accomplish things; it belittles volunteers.
3. Always have a safety net when counseling the opposite sex. The door always stays open, never counsel one-on-one, and do not have lunch/coffee dates with the opposite sex.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Week 10
Week 10
March 26th, 2009
Kelly Jones
How a person learns to work with people. How can you learn how to better work with people.
All you need is love. Right? We work well with others out of love, even when we do not feel like loving them. As ministers, and as Christians, we are called to love as Christ loved. We are called to love not just those who love us back, but love our enemies. We are asked to love the unlovable. Who are the unlovable?—the annoying story-tellers that cannot take a hint to stop talking, the complainers who always have something to whine about, the compulsive apologizers that pity themselves for not doing anything right, the elusive personalities that you cannot seem to understand what they think about you….the list goes on and on. The thing is—we are called to love—but loving is a choice! We are not called to like these people, but we are called to love them.
What does that mean? What does that look like? LIKE THIS: loving others as you love yourself. You always want what is best for you, you are always putting your desires and wants first, and you are always finding ways to improve when you fall flat on your face. You want to be poured into, pruned, and made new. Loving others as you love yourself.
So how does this help me in working with people? It helps you to have patience, peace, and understanding that you could not have on your own because you are loving them by the love of God. Part of working well with others is seeing them as God sees them—seeing their potential and their worth. The biggest road block in working with others comes when two mindless, self-indulgent people come together with their own interests in mind. As ministers, we need to be the better person. There are going to be people who want what is best for them. Your job as a minister is to want no only what is best for them, but best for all who are involved. So, if I were to list out ways to better work with people this would be it:
1.Love them
2.Know their worth
3.Know their potential
4.Know their needs and desires
5.Know your own worth, potential, needs and desires (so that others do not threaten yours).
March 26th, 2009
Kelly Jones
How a person learns to work with people. How can you learn how to better work with people.
All you need is love. Right? We work well with others out of love, even when we do not feel like loving them. As ministers, and as Christians, we are called to love as Christ loved. We are called to love not just those who love us back, but love our enemies. We are asked to love the unlovable. Who are the unlovable?—the annoying story-tellers that cannot take a hint to stop talking, the complainers who always have something to whine about, the compulsive apologizers that pity themselves for not doing anything right, the elusive personalities that you cannot seem to understand what they think about you….the list goes on and on. The thing is—we are called to love—but loving is a choice! We are not called to like these people, but we are called to love them.
What does that mean? What does that look like? LIKE THIS: loving others as you love yourself. You always want what is best for you, you are always putting your desires and wants first, and you are always finding ways to improve when you fall flat on your face. You want to be poured into, pruned, and made new. Loving others as you love yourself.
So how does this help me in working with people? It helps you to have patience, peace, and understanding that you could not have on your own because you are loving them by the love of God. Part of working well with others is seeing them as God sees them—seeing their potential and their worth. The biggest road block in working with others comes when two mindless, self-indulgent people come together with their own interests in mind. As ministers, we need to be the better person. There are going to be people who want what is best for them. Your job as a minister is to want no only what is best for them, but best for all who are involved. So, if I were to list out ways to better work with people this would be it:
1.Love them
2.Know their worth
3.Know their potential
4.Know their needs and desires
5.Know your own worth, potential, needs and desires (so that others do not threaten yours).
Monday, March 23, 2009
Having to work out of sync...
Here is from WEEK 9.
March 16th, 2009
Firing a Teacher
Interviewed: C.K. Chitty
When: March 15th, 2009
How do you get rid of an ineffective Sunday school teacher? Advice on how one would go about dealing with an ineffective Sunday school teacher?
Step One:
Determine IF you have an ineffective teacher. Is there a possibility that you have an untrained teacher? Could it be an unmotivated teacher? Perhaps you have a misplaced teacher.
All of these issued can be addressed through specific training, mentoring, refocusing or reassignment.
Another possibility is that the individual may be in the right ministry slot but needs to serve in a different capacity. (Currently serves as a lead teacher but needs to be the assistant/craft/research/activity type person.)
If it is determined that you actually have a person in a place of ministry where their gifts/talents/passions DO NOT match the ministry assignment, go to step two!
Step Two:
In a personal, one-on-one session, reaffirm the value of the individual to the entire ministry. (None of us is as good as all of us.) Discuss the gifts/talents/passions needed for the current (mismatched) assignment. Identify and extol the gifts/talents/passions that you identify in the individual. List the various ministry assignments which play to those strengths and suggest that the individual consider this reassignment.
Generally, this process is considered too much of a “pain in the neck” to those in authority. Therefore, the individual is mishandled and frequently lost to the church and ministry.
March 16th, 2009
Firing a Teacher
Interviewed: C.K. Chitty
When: March 15th, 2009
How do you get rid of an ineffective Sunday school teacher? Advice on how one would go about dealing with an ineffective Sunday school teacher?
Step One:
Determine IF you have an ineffective teacher. Is there a possibility that you have an untrained teacher? Could it be an unmotivated teacher? Perhaps you have a misplaced teacher.
All of these issued can be addressed through specific training, mentoring, refocusing or reassignment.
Another possibility is that the individual may be in the right ministry slot but needs to serve in a different capacity. (Currently serves as a lead teacher but needs to be the assistant/craft/research/activity type person.)
If it is determined that you actually have a person in a place of ministry where their gifts/talents/passions DO NOT match the ministry assignment, go to step two!
Step Two:
In a personal, one-on-one session, reaffirm the value of the individual to the entire ministry. (None of us is as good as all of us.) Discuss the gifts/talents/passions needed for the current (mismatched) assignment. Identify and extol the gifts/talents/passions that you identify in the individual. List the various ministry assignments which play to those strengths and suggest that the individual consider this reassignment.
Generally, this process is considered too much of a “pain in the neck” to those in authority. Therefore, the individual is mishandled and frequently lost to the church and ministry.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Randi Meyer
Tuesday 3/24/2009
Week 10 – Free Choice: Top Three Biggest Lessons Learned in the Ministry
Grant United Methodist
Pastor Constance Cherry – March 18, 2009
1. I am replaceable – This was a huge lesson for Pastor Connie to learn! Often pastors get in their heads that they are a very important in the process and well-being of the church. This is only partly true. The church can replace you and they will survive. We can’t get to big of a head!
2. Don’t Assume – Pastors should not assume that they know where people are at spiritually. Sometimes people are much closer to God than you would think. We cannot judge people’s level of spirituality based on how much they pray aloud, talk about God, ext. Pastor Connie learned that some people are deeply committed to God, but they are just not comfortable being outspoken about their faith. As pastors, we must talk to people to discover how their relationship with God is.
3. The Call of God is Dynamic – Pastor Connie shared that she use to believe that she was called to one thing. The call is a lifetime, but there could be periods of lice that He calls you to different things. God brings about different areas of giftedness forward for specific seasons of life, but they are usually a lengthy time. It does not mean you change what you are doing each year!
Tuesday 3/24/2009
Week 10 – Free Choice: Top Three Biggest Lessons Learned in the Ministry
Grant United Methodist
Pastor Constance Cherry – March 18, 2009
1. I am replaceable – This was a huge lesson for Pastor Connie to learn! Often pastors get in their heads that they are a very important in the process and well-being of the church. This is only partly true. The church can replace you and they will survive. We can’t get to big of a head!
2. Don’t Assume – Pastors should not assume that they know where people are at spiritually. Sometimes people are much closer to God than you would think. We cannot judge people’s level of spirituality based on how much they pray aloud, talk about God, ext. Pastor Connie learned that some people are deeply committed to God, but they are just not comfortable being outspoken about their faith. As pastors, we must talk to people to discover how their relationship with God is.
3. The Call of God is Dynamic – Pastor Connie shared that she use to believe that she was called to one thing. The call is a lifetime, but there could be periods of lice that He calls you to different things. God brings about different areas of giftedness forward for specific seasons of life, but they are usually a lengthy time. It does not mean you change what you are doing each year!
Week 10 – Church Fight
Adam Fike
Tuesday 3/24
Interviewed – Pastor Mark Deisler on 2/18
Pastor Mark was on the board during the time. There was a great debate over whether the church should build a new sanctuary or a multipurpose room. At that time, the church offered two different services, and the pastor wanted to move to one service. Many people thought they could serve the community better if they built a multipurpose room. There was a lot of heated debate over this issue, and many meetings were held concerning the issue. In the meetings, things often escalated beyond discussion into debate and conflict. People in support of the multipurpose room wanted to keep two services and remain in the current sanctuary. They did not want two sanctuaries when they could have a new multipurpose room that could house a variety of events like receptions, community events, and basketball games.
The senior pastor and key people in leadership already had their mind made up, and the debate became a matter of changing people’s minds. This made many people bitter. Nevertheless, the building plans passed with only about 70% of membership. The church borrowed over $800,000 for the new sanctuary, which was fairly large for a church that size.
A good number of good people left over the decision to build the sanctuary over the multipurpose room. Ministry speaking, the church does not have the facilities to do the types of things the church could do.
There are people to this day that do not agree and won’t give money to any building projects. In this county, there are so many Wesleyan churches that there is a lot of flip-flopping when conflict arises. If people do not get what they want at one church, it is easy to switch.
This could have been avoided if the influential people in leadership positions would have lent a listening ear to the other side. They were influential enough to bring most of the people in the middle to their side. This made the other side feel used and mistreated.
Tuesday 3/24
Interviewed – Pastor Mark Deisler on 2/18
Pastor Mark was on the board during the time. There was a great debate over whether the church should build a new sanctuary or a multipurpose room. At that time, the church offered two different services, and the pastor wanted to move to one service. Many people thought they could serve the community better if they built a multipurpose room. There was a lot of heated debate over this issue, and many meetings were held concerning the issue. In the meetings, things often escalated beyond discussion into debate and conflict. People in support of the multipurpose room wanted to keep two services and remain in the current sanctuary. They did not want two sanctuaries when they could have a new multipurpose room that could house a variety of events like receptions, community events, and basketball games.
The senior pastor and key people in leadership already had their mind made up, and the debate became a matter of changing people’s minds. This made many people bitter. Nevertheless, the building plans passed with only about 70% of membership. The church borrowed over $800,000 for the new sanctuary, which was fairly large for a church that size.
A good number of good people left over the decision to build the sanctuary over the multipurpose room. Ministry speaking, the church does not have the facilities to do the types of things the church could do.
There are people to this day that do not agree and won’t give money to any building projects. In this county, there are so many Wesleyan churches that there is a lot of flip-flopping when conflict arises. If people do not get what they want at one church, it is easy to switch.
This could have been avoided if the influential people in leadership positions would have lent a listening ear to the other side. They were influential enough to bring most of the people in the middle to their side. This made the other side feel used and mistreated.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Randi Meyer
Thursday 3/26/2009
Week 10: People Work
The best way one can learn how to work with people is to simply work with people. There are many helpful books and other sources that can give you good information and advice on how to deal with people. Although these are helpful and should be read, it must be combined with practical experience. One must get involved in numerous and diverse social aspects. Since college I have learned that I become better at working and loving people when I expose myself to different atmospheres of people. It is easy to work with people that are like you and are easy to love, but it is a completely different story when you have to be kind and loving to those who make you angry or are not like you at all. The reality of working in the church is that you will have to work with all different kinds of people, so you might as well expose yourself to it now.
For me personally, I have been doing this in a variety of ways. Since freshman year at college, I have been working with my “little sisters” from the Boys and Girls Club. Both of the girls come from poor, African American families. It has been great to learn their different lifestyles, family life, and beliefs. I also have been working with a middle class youth group at Grant United Methodist Church. Most of these kids come from broken homes and have interests different than mine. It has beneficial for me to learn how to relate to them. I have volunteered at different soup kitchens and got to know the people that come there for food. This summer I am going to Las Vegas to work at a church and counseling center for drug and alcoholic addicts. At churches, I have also been exposed to working with adults in Sunday school. At IWU, I am constantly surrounded with a community of people my age. Each of these experiences open my eyes up to different people and reveals to me how I have to adapt my ministry to them in unique ways. In conclusion, my point is that if you want to get better with working with people you must do it, and work with all different kinds of people and age groups.
Thursday 3/26/2009
Week 10: People Work
The best way one can learn how to work with people is to simply work with people. There are many helpful books and other sources that can give you good information and advice on how to deal with people. Although these are helpful and should be read, it must be combined with practical experience. One must get involved in numerous and diverse social aspects. Since college I have learned that I become better at working and loving people when I expose myself to different atmospheres of people. It is easy to work with people that are like you and are easy to love, but it is a completely different story when you have to be kind and loving to those who make you angry or are not like you at all. The reality of working in the church is that you will have to work with all different kinds of people, so you might as well expose yourself to it now.
For me personally, I have been doing this in a variety of ways. Since freshman year at college, I have been working with my “little sisters” from the Boys and Girls Club. Both of the girls come from poor, African American families. It has been great to learn their different lifestyles, family life, and beliefs. I also have been working with a middle class youth group at Grant United Methodist Church. Most of these kids come from broken homes and have interests different than mine. It has beneficial for me to learn how to relate to them. I have volunteered at different soup kitchens and got to know the people that come there for food. This summer I am going to Las Vegas to work at a church and counseling center for drug and alcoholic addicts. At churches, I have also been exposed to working with adults in Sunday school. At IWU, I am constantly surrounded with a community of people my age. Each of these experiences open my eyes up to different people and reveals to me how I have to adapt my ministry to them in unique ways. In conclusion, my point is that if you want to get better with working with people you must do it, and work with all different kinds of people and age groups.
Randi Meyer
Tuesday 3/24/2009
Week 10 – Free Choice: Top Three Biggest Lessons Learned in the Ministry
Grant United Methodist
Pastor Constance Cherry – March 18, 2009
1. I am replaceable – This was a huge lesson for Pastor Connie to learn! Often pastors get in their heads that they are a very important in the process and well-being of the church. This is only partly true. The church can replace you and they will survive. We can’t get to big of a head!
2. Don’t Assume – Pastors should not assume that they know where people are at spiritually. Sometimes people are much closer to God than you would think. We cannot judge people’s level of spirituality based on how much they pray aloud, talk about God, ext. Pastor Connie learned that some people are deeply committed to God, but they are just not comfortable being outspoken about their faith. As pastors, we must talk to people to discover how their relationship with God is.
3. The Call of God is Dynamic – Pastor Connie shared that she use to believe that she was called to one thing. The call is a lifetime, but there could be periods of lice that He calls you to different things. God brings about different areas of giftedness forward for specific seasons of life, but they are usually a lengthy time. It does not mean you change what you are doing each year!
Tuesday 3/24/2009
Week 10 – Free Choice: Top Three Biggest Lessons Learned in the Ministry
Grant United Methodist
Pastor Constance Cherry – March 18, 2009
1. I am replaceable – This was a huge lesson for Pastor Connie to learn! Often pastors get in their heads that they are a very important in the process and well-being of the church. This is only partly true. The church can replace you and they will survive. We can’t get to big of a head!
2. Don’t Assume – Pastors should not assume that they know where people are at spiritually. Sometimes people are much closer to God than you would think. We cannot judge people’s level of spirituality based on how much they pray aloud, talk about God, ext. Pastor Connie learned that some people are deeply committed to God, but they are just not comfortable being outspoken about their faith. As pastors, we must talk to people to discover how their relationship with God is.
3. The Call of God is Dynamic – Pastor Connie shared that she use to believe that she was called to one thing. The call is a lifetime, but there could be periods of lice that He calls you to different things. God brings about different areas of giftedness forward for specific seasons of life, but they are usually a lengthy time. It does not mean you change what you are doing each year!
Kelly Jones Week 9
Week 9
March 19th, 2009
Attractive Characteristics of a Church Leader
1. Authenticity
• A church leader should be genuine and real. This means that they are open and accountable to others. There is a willingness to learn from others and they maintain integrity and trust.
2. Value People
• The leader values people by giving them trust and by believing in them. Their desire is to serve the needs others before their own. When listening to others they are receptive, non-judgmental.
3. Developing People
• A Christian leader provides opportunities for learning and growth. Through encouragement and affirmation they build up others. Another part to this characteristic is their ability to model appropriate behavior.
4. Build Community
• A characteristic of a church leader should be their desire to build community—strong personal relationships. This means working collaboratively with others and valuing the difference of others.
5. Provide Leadership
• They need to actually provide leadership by envisioning the future, taking initiative and clarifying goals
6. Share Leadership
• This comes through facilitating a shared vision, sharing power and releasing control and by sharing status and promoting others
March 19th, 2009
Attractive Characteristics of a Church Leader
1. Authenticity
• A church leader should be genuine and real. This means that they are open and accountable to others. There is a willingness to learn from others and they maintain integrity and trust.
2. Value People
• The leader values people by giving them trust and by believing in them. Their desire is to serve the needs others before their own. When listening to others they are receptive, non-judgmental.
3. Developing People
• A Christian leader provides opportunities for learning and growth. Through encouragement and affirmation they build up others. Another part to this characteristic is their ability to model appropriate behavior.
4. Build Community
• A characteristic of a church leader should be their desire to build community—strong personal relationships. This means working collaboratively with others and valuing the difference of others.
5. Provide Leadership
• They need to actually provide leadership by envisioning the future, taking initiative and clarifying goals
6. Share Leadership
• This comes through facilitating a shared vision, sharing power and releasing control and by sharing status and promoting others
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Week 9 – Leadership Characteristics
Adam Fike
Thursday 3/19
Attractive Characteristics of a Church Leader
1. Humble Authority – Leaders with charisma carry a commanding presence when relating to others in a way that is not dominating.
2. Self-Confident and Assertive – An attractive leader is one that believes in him or herself and does not back down to opposition.
3. Act Decisively – An attractive leader is able to prove to others that he can make the right decision even if it is difficult.
4. Holds Great Visions of Excellence – A charismatic leader is a visionary, is able to see potential, and makes goals to accomplish that potential.
5. Expressive Emotionally – People follow passion. A charismatic leader is emotional about the things that are important to him/her.
6. Free of Internal Conflict – A leader is perceived as capable when there is no internal conflict. Others believe he/she has it all together.
7. Full of Energy – A leader with charisma carries enthusiasm and raises the energy level in the room.
Thursday 3/19
Attractive Characteristics of a Church Leader
1. Humble Authority – Leaders with charisma carry a commanding presence when relating to others in a way that is not dominating.
2. Self-Confident and Assertive – An attractive leader is one that believes in him or herself and does not back down to opposition.
3. Act Decisively – An attractive leader is able to prove to others that he can make the right decision even if it is difficult.
4. Holds Great Visions of Excellence – A charismatic leader is a visionary, is able to see potential, and makes goals to accomplish that potential.
5. Expressive Emotionally – People follow passion. A charismatic leader is emotional about the things that are important to him/her.
6. Free of Internal Conflict – A leader is perceived as capable when there is no internal conflict. Others believe he/she has it all together.
7. Full of Energy – A leader with charisma carries enthusiasm and raises the energy level in the room.
Randi Meyer
Thursday 3/19/09
Week 9: Leadership Characteristics
1. The leader should live a holy and transforming life that is evident for others to see. They practice what they preach!
2. They are servant leaders like Jesus Christ. Christ did not come to the earth to be served, but to serve others.
3. A church leader needs to be confident and assertive in a loving manner, so that people will feel like they can trust them to lead and guide them.
4. They need to be relational at a personal level with the people. The congregation wants to know the leader and also desires for their leader to know them.
5. The leader needs to be motivating and encouraging through their actions and words.
6. Leaders should be knowledgeable about the bible, Christian doctrine, the world around them, and the people’s lives, so that they can direct them wisely.
7. Church leaders should surround their ministry with prayer. They need to pray personally and publically with the people.
8. They need to create a visions and goals for the people to strive for.
Thursday 3/19/09
Week 9: Leadership Characteristics
1. The leader should live a holy and transforming life that is evident for others to see. They practice what they preach!
2. They are servant leaders like Jesus Christ. Christ did not come to the earth to be served, but to serve others.
3. A church leader needs to be confident and assertive in a loving manner, so that people will feel like they can trust them to lead and guide them.
4. They need to be relational at a personal level with the people. The congregation wants to know the leader and also desires for their leader to know them.
5. The leader needs to be motivating and encouraging through their actions and words.
6. Leaders should be knowledgeable about the bible, Christian doctrine, the world around them, and the people’s lives, so that they can direct them wisely.
7. Church leaders should surround their ministry with prayer. They need to pray personally and publically with the people.
8. They need to create a visions and goals for the people to strive for.
With permission, I had to go to next weeks topic, I will come back to this topic in a few days once the person I contacted gets back with me (had a death in the family)
For NOW....
11. Mistakes Ministers Make
Interviewed Tammy Dunn on 3/16/09.
3 mistakes new staffers should avoid making.
1. Don't connect (align youself) with anyone in particular for the first 6 months. Unfortuneately, there are people in churches who do not have your best interest at heart, but their own. Make sure you know the political layout of a church before you spend more than one meal with an individual person/couple/family.
2. Don't make any changes the first 3-6 months. See it as only a learning experience and understanding the layout of the land before you make any changes.
3. Don't ask for any additional time that wasn't already agreed upon you being hired for the first 3 months and if at all possible the first 6 months. Those first 6 months is when the pastor, staff and congregation will make their impression upon who you are, what type of person, worker, minister, etc... you are. Do not let them jump to any unnecessary conclustions. In fact if you spend the first 3 months coming early and staying late you will have set an impression on people that you are a real worker and after that 6 months they will tell you that you need to take time off, which is much better than them complaining because you don't work.
For NOW....
11. Mistakes Ministers Make
Interviewed Tammy Dunn on 3/16/09.
3 mistakes new staffers should avoid making.
1. Don't connect (align youself) with anyone in particular for the first 6 months. Unfortuneately, there are people in churches who do not have your best interest at heart, but their own. Make sure you know the political layout of a church before you spend more than one meal with an individual person/couple/family.
2. Don't make any changes the first 3-6 months. See it as only a learning experience and understanding the layout of the land before you make any changes.
3. Don't ask for any additional time that wasn't already agreed upon you being hired for the first 3 months and if at all possible the first 6 months. Those first 6 months is when the pastor, staff and congregation will make their impression upon who you are, what type of person, worker, minister, etc... you are. Do not let them jump to any unnecessary conclustions. In fact if you spend the first 3 months coming early and staying late you will have set an impression on people that you are a real worker and after that 6 months they will tell you that you need to take time off, which is much better than them complaining because you don't work.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Randi Meyer
Tuesday 3/17/09
Week 9 – Firing a Teacher
Grant United Methodist Church
Pastor Constance Cherry – Thursday 3/12/09
Pastor Connie began by telling me that she has never fired a teacher, even though at times she probably should have. She also stated that most of her ministerial positions did not give her the authority to do this, but here are the steps of what she would do in a situation in which a teacher would need to be fired.
1. Listen to the complaints individually and not in a group setting. Ask the people to share their concerns, but make sure you set boundaries for the conversation. Don’t allow them to discuss personal issues, but have them tell you what is ineffective about the teaching.
2. You should then personally visit the Sunday school class to make sure the complaints match up with what is really going on. Visit the class several Sundays to make sure it was not just a bad Sunday for the teacher.
3. If the complaints are true, then one should confront the teacher. Tell them that you have witnessed and heard that the students would prefer a change in format and teaching. Do this very carefully, and then ask them if they would be willing to receive some training coming up in the church. You should make sure you offer assistance first before firing a teacher!
4. If there was resistance for training from the teacher, then one should probably make have everyone in the church involved in teaching sharpen their skills. Provide something for them to learn different ways to teach that would be efficient and effective.
5. If the teacher is still unwilling to receive help and assistance, then ask the teacher to take a break and have a time out. Give them time to regain interest and rest from teaching. Pastor Connie said she would not fire them though. Contact them later to see if things have changed for them.
Helpful Advice:
1. Pastor Connie emphasized that pastors/churches are obligated to equip teachers. That is why she is cautious when considering firing a teacher. She questions if she is really doing her part. If the doesn’t have a teachable spirit, then that is different and there is nothing you can do about that.
2. The truth of the matter in Pastor Connie’s opinion is that Sunday schools are so bad along with the teachers, because they are unwilling to change and grow. They are not bad people. They are just stuck in their old ways. Churches need to equip classes to know how and why they need to change.
Tuesday 3/17/09
Week 9 – Firing a Teacher
Grant United Methodist Church
Pastor Constance Cherry – Thursday 3/12/09
Pastor Connie began by telling me that she has never fired a teacher, even though at times she probably should have. She also stated that most of her ministerial positions did not give her the authority to do this, but here are the steps of what she would do in a situation in which a teacher would need to be fired.
1. Listen to the complaints individually and not in a group setting. Ask the people to share their concerns, but make sure you set boundaries for the conversation. Don’t allow them to discuss personal issues, but have them tell you what is ineffective about the teaching.
2. You should then personally visit the Sunday school class to make sure the complaints match up with what is really going on. Visit the class several Sundays to make sure it was not just a bad Sunday for the teacher.
3. If the complaints are true, then one should confront the teacher. Tell them that you have witnessed and heard that the students would prefer a change in format and teaching. Do this very carefully, and then ask them if they would be willing to receive some training coming up in the church. You should make sure you offer assistance first before firing a teacher!
4. If there was resistance for training from the teacher, then one should probably make have everyone in the church involved in teaching sharpen their skills. Provide something for them to learn different ways to teach that would be efficient and effective.
5. If the teacher is still unwilling to receive help and assistance, then ask the teacher to take a break and have a time out. Give them time to regain interest and rest from teaching. Pastor Connie said she would not fire them though. Contact them later to see if things have changed for them.
Helpful Advice:
1. Pastor Connie emphasized that pastors/churches are obligated to equip teachers. That is why she is cautious when considering firing a teacher. She questions if she is really doing her part. If the doesn’t have a teachable spirit, then that is different and there is nothing you can do about that.
2. The truth of the matter in Pastor Connie’s opinion is that Sunday schools are so bad along with the teachers, because they are unwilling to change and grow. They are not bad people. They are just stuck in their old ways. Churches need to equip classes to know how and why they need to change.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Week 9 - Firing a Teacher
Adam Fike
Tuesday 3/17
Interviewed – Pastor Mark Deisler in person on 2/18
1. Try to make it their idea somehow. A lot of times, there will be another reason like lack of attendance caused by an ineffective teacher. In one Sunday School class, Pastor Mark told the ineffective teacher that there was waning attendance and that they needed space for another class.
2. The firing or letting go of an ineffective teacher must always be couched in encouragement, love, and time. A Christ-like attitude must be shown at all times.
3. Pastor Mark just closed a Sunday School class last month, but he started the process last fall. He asked her to help bring closure to class and the students. He intentionally wanted her to take ownership in process, which helped relieve tension and prevented hard feelings.
4. Other times, God works it out so that you do not have to deal with it at all. For example, a man taught a midweek Bible study and he stepped over the line in several areas. The class noticed, and he came to Pastor Mark and resigned.
Tuesday 3/17
Interviewed – Pastor Mark Deisler in person on 2/18
1. Try to make it their idea somehow. A lot of times, there will be another reason like lack of attendance caused by an ineffective teacher. In one Sunday School class, Pastor Mark told the ineffective teacher that there was waning attendance and that they needed space for another class.
2. The firing or letting go of an ineffective teacher must always be couched in encouragement, love, and time. A Christ-like attitude must be shown at all times.
3. Pastor Mark just closed a Sunday School class last month, but he started the process last fall. He asked her to help bring closure to class and the students. He intentionally wanted her to take ownership in process, which helped relieve tension and prevented hard feelings.
4. Other times, God works it out so that you do not have to deal with it at all. For example, a man taught a midweek Bible study and he stepped over the line in several areas. The class noticed, and he came to Pastor Mark and resigned.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Conflict
Week 8
Kelly Jones
March 12th, 2009
Conflict
From the very beginning of creation, humanity wanted to be God.
Adam and Eve were living in pure bliss with God. God had provided everything they needed right at their finger tips. There was no need for hard work or labor, worry about finances, or where their next meal was going to come. Eden was a true paradise. The only rule they were given was to not eat the fruit from the tree of good and evil. That was all. This is where deception and conflict come into play. Crafty Satan came in the form of a serpent to deceive Adam and Eve. Eve tries to combat what Satan is telling her, ‘God did not really mean you must not eat from the tree…Are you sure?....One bite would not hurt…” Then, Satan uses just the right words, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Of course Eve wanted to be like God. God loved them, provided for them, and took care of them. She wanted to be like her Creator.
We know what happens in the rest of the story. They ate and the fate of all humanity was broken. So how does this relate to conflict? When there is conflict, there are two wills or more in disagreement and desiring different things. God created us all differently—personality types, interests, likes, dislikes, etc. Get a handful of people that are complete opposites and there is bound to come some conflict.
So what are we to think of conflict as Christians? Is it sinful? How do we stop it?
Here are 5 theological understandings of conflict:
1.Conflict is Biblical
God uses conflict to test, to humble, and to grow His children. We see throughout the Bible stories of people in conflict with one another. Previously mentioned, Adam and Eve had a conflict—once they made the B IG boo boo of eating the fruit, they began to point fingers! When we go to the New Testament, we read countless stories of conflict amongst the disciples.
2.Good Conflict vs. Bad Conflict
Good conflict will produce healthy change. Bad conflict will produce scars, harden hearts, and take us back a few hundred steps in a progress to becoming the holy people God created us to be. Cain and Abel, remember how that conflict came about? Cain was furious but never dealt with the conflict going on between him and his brother. Instead of working it out, he killed Abel. Not a good way of resolving conflict. What we see from this story is the evilness that can produce when we allow conflict to stir within us. Conflict that is not confronted or is completely selfish is a grand concoction for bad conflict.
3.Conflict is a catalyst for change
Conflict keeps us from hiding. Being confronted about a moral or immoral issue or action we have taken, we left to examine ourselves. God does not want us to be stagnant old grumugens that say in their own nasty ways. God wants us to grow and learn from our mistakes. When we are in conflict with another person or persons, He wants us to use that as a catalyst for change. What we must continually ask ourselves when dealing with conflict is this, “How do we respond when we are confronted?”
4.We can honor God through conflicts
It is all about how we handle ourselves during conflict. Remembering to focus on God’s wisdom during conflict and not our selfish, prideful desires is a sure way to use conflict for change and to honor God.
5.More of Christ, less of me mentality
Allow Christ to work through you and be your center. We are called to take up our cross and sacrifice our selfish desires for Christ.
Kelly Jones
March 12th, 2009
Conflict
From the very beginning of creation, humanity wanted to be God.
Adam and Eve were living in pure bliss with God. God had provided everything they needed right at their finger tips. There was no need for hard work or labor, worry about finances, or where their next meal was going to come. Eden was a true paradise. The only rule they were given was to not eat the fruit from the tree of good and evil. That was all. This is where deception and conflict come into play. Crafty Satan came in the form of a serpent to deceive Adam and Eve. Eve tries to combat what Satan is telling her, ‘God did not really mean you must not eat from the tree…Are you sure?....One bite would not hurt…” Then, Satan uses just the right words, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Of course Eve wanted to be like God. God loved them, provided for them, and took care of them. She wanted to be like her Creator.
We know what happens in the rest of the story. They ate and the fate of all humanity was broken. So how does this relate to conflict? When there is conflict, there are two wills or more in disagreement and desiring different things. God created us all differently—personality types, interests, likes, dislikes, etc. Get a handful of people that are complete opposites and there is bound to come some conflict.
So what are we to think of conflict as Christians? Is it sinful? How do we stop it?
Here are 5 theological understandings of conflict:
1.Conflict is Biblical
God uses conflict to test, to humble, and to grow His children. We see throughout the Bible stories of people in conflict with one another. Previously mentioned, Adam and Eve had a conflict—once they made the B IG boo boo of eating the fruit, they began to point fingers! When we go to the New Testament, we read countless stories of conflict amongst the disciples.
2.Good Conflict vs. Bad Conflict
Good conflict will produce healthy change. Bad conflict will produce scars, harden hearts, and take us back a few hundred steps in a progress to becoming the holy people God created us to be. Cain and Abel, remember how that conflict came about? Cain was furious but never dealt with the conflict going on between him and his brother. Instead of working it out, he killed Abel. Not a good way of resolving conflict. What we see from this story is the evilness that can produce when we allow conflict to stir within us. Conflict that is not confronted or is completely selfish is a grand concoction for bad conflict.
3.Conflict is a catalyst for change
Conflict keeps us from hiding. Being confronted about a moral or immoral issue or action we have taken, we left to examine ourselves. God does not want us to be stagnant old grumugens that say in their own nasty ways. God wants us to grow and learn from our mistakes. When we are in conflict with another person or persons, He wants us to use that as a catalyst for change. What we must continually ask ourselves when dealing with conflict is this, “How do we respond when we are confronted?”
4.We can honor God through conflicts
It is all about how we handle ourselves during conflict. Remembering to focus on God’s wisdom during conflict and not our selfish, prideful desires is a sure way to use conflict for change and to honor God.
5.More of Christ, less of me mentality
Allow Christ to work through you and be your center. We are called to take up our cross and sacrifice our selfish desires for Christ.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Randi Meyer
Thursday 3/12/09
8. Conflict
1. Everyone was created differently. No two people were created the same. Each person has their own gifts, talents, perspectives, viewpoints, understandings, interpretations and so on. How could there not be conflict among people? The world and humanity is diverse, and I believe that is the beauty of God’s creation. If everyone thought the same and acted the same, then conflict would not occur but what a boring world that would be!
2. We live in a fallen world. Once sin entered into humanity, conflict began to occur right away. People are not perfect and react in evil ways all the time, which results in bad conflict among them. We see this as soon as Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. God asks Adam why he ate it, and he immediately blames Eve for his sin. I believe that must have caused conflict in their relationship.
3. The Bible never says that conflict is a sin. There are two kinds of conflict; evil conflict and good conflict. When people are causing conflict to hurt others and make themselves look good they are sinning, and it is evil conflict. Good conflict is when there is a disagreement among people, but they resolve it in a loving way. Jesus caused conflict all the time while he was on earth. He boldly pointed out the sins of those around him and taught new perspectives. I do not believe we can say that the conflict he created was bad. At times there it is right to cause some tension and conflict, so that others can grow in Christ.
4. Conflict can be a growing experience. As Christians, we are called to be sanctified and become more like Christ. The way this occurs is by learning how to love others more. When there is conflict between two people and it is dealt in a healthy way, it teaches them to love each other even though they have differences. It is easy to love your neighbor, but much harder to love your enemy.
5. There is forgiveness in conflict. Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. When conflict occurs and sin is involved Christ still forgives us. Through his example, he teaches us to forgive others to and resolve our conflict.
Thursday 3/12/09
8. Conflict
1. Everyone was created differently. No two people were created the same. Each person has their own gifts, talents, perspectives, viewpoints, understandings, interpretations and so on. How could there not be conflict among people? The world and humanity is diverse, and I believe that is the beauty of God’s creation. If everyone thought the same and acted the same, then conflict would not occur but what a boring world that would be!
2. We live in a fallen world. Once sin entered into humanity, conflict began to occur right away. People are not perfect and react in evil ways all the time, which results in bad conflict among them. We see this as soon as Adam and Eve eat the forbidden fruit. God asks Adam why he ate it, and he immediately blames Eve for his sin. I believe that must have caused conflict in their relationship.
3. The Bible never says that conflict is a sin. There are two kinds of conflict; evil conflict and good conflict. When people are causing conflict to hurt others and make themselves look good they are sinning, and it is evil conflict. Good conflict is when there is a disagreement among people, but they resolve it in a loving way. Jesus caused conflict all the time while he was on earth. He boldly pointed out the sins of those around him and taught new perspectives. I do not believe we can say that the conflict he created was bad. At times there it is right to cause some tension and conflict, so that others can grow in Christ.
4. Conflict can be a growing experience. As Christians, we are called to be sanctified and become more like Christ. The way this occurs is by learning how to love others more. When there is conflict between two people and it is dealt in a healthy way, it teaches them to love each other even though they have differences. It is easy to love your neighbor, but much harder to love your enemy.
5. There is forgiveness in conflict. Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins. When conflict occurs and sin is involved Christ still forgives us. Through his example, he teaches us to forgive others to and resolve our conflict.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Week 8 – Conflict
Adam Fike
Thursday 3/12
1. God created diversity. This does not make any one person superior or inferior to others; it simply means that people carry differences. Diversity in combination with sin and brokenness will lead to conflict. The world intensifies this conflict by emphasizing certain traits or personalities as more valuable than others.
2. Conflict is biblical. No where in the Bible does God expect His people to be free from conflict. The Scriptures assume conflict as a given and provide solutions and management to deal with it. Romans 3: 22-23 says, “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There is evil in every human being, and this naturally leads to conflict. The expectation that there is no conflict in the church actually exaggerates the fact that there is.
3. Jesus came to the world to save people from their sins through both forgiveness and sanctification. Being forgiven, reconciled, and even sanctified from sin does not mean that conflict is wiped out. Conflict will remain until Christ comes again to bring glorification upon us.
4. The visible church is never without sinners. The Church is made up of all kinds of people on different levels and different places in their walk with God. There are nominal Christians, new believers, lukewarm believers, and people still maturing in the faith. Even veteran saints can cause unintended conflict through unintentional sin or lack of understanding.
5. Christians are liable to backsliding and forgetting Christ, which causes them to lose the fullness of the Holy Spirit and fall into sin. Christians are not immune from sin, but the Bible makes provision for such sin, calling believers to repent and receive grace.
Thursday 3/12
1. God created diversity. This does not make any one person superior or inferior to others; it simply means that people carry differences. Diversity in combination with sin and brokenness will lead to conflict. The world intensifies this conflict by emphasizing certain traits or personalities as more valuable than others.
2. Conflict is biblical. No where in the Bible does God expect His people to be free from conflict. The Scriptures assume conflict as a given and provide solutions and management to deal with it. Romans 3: 22-23 says, “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There is evil in every human being, and this naturally leads to conflict. The expectation that there is no conflict in the church actually exaggerates the fact that there is.
3. Jesus came to the world to save people from their sins through both forgiveness and sanctification. Being forgiven, reconciled, and even sanctified from sin does not mean that conflict is wiped out. Conflict will remain until Christ comes again to bring glorification upon us.
4. The visible church is never without sinners. The Church is made up of all kinds of people on different levels and different places in their walk with God. There are nominal Christians, new believers, lukewarm believers, and people still maturing in the faith. Even veteran saints can cause unintended conflict through unintentional sin or lack of understanding.
5. Christians are liable to backsliding and forgetting Christ, which causes them to lose the fullness of the Holy Spirit and fall into sin. Christians are not immune from sin, but the Bible makes provision for such sin, calling believers to repent and receive grace.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Randi Meyer
Tuesday 3/10/09
Week 8 – Motivating Volunteers
Grant United Methodist Church
Pastor Constance Cherry – Thursday 2/26/09
1. Partner them with people who have served in that capacity before. Don’t give them a task with no idea what was done in the future. Set up a mentor system, in which the task is passed down to them.
2. Offer programming support (tell them exactly what you will do to prepare and support them). As pastors, we need to delegate jobs but we still have a responsibility of supporting, encouraging, and preparing others to complete the job to the best of their ability.
3. Be generous in your praise of all church workers on a regular basis so that you are known as an “appreciator.” (This is a long-range motivational technique.)
4. Thank people and thank the potential volunteer for being the kind of person that has leadership potential.
5. Put term limits on the volunteerism. Say when it will start and when it will end or be renegotiated. This can be a good incentive.
Tuesday 3/10/09
Week 8 – Motivating Volunteers
Grant United Methodist Church
Pastor Constance Cherry – Thursday 2/26/09
1. Partner them with people who have served in that capacity before. Don’t give them a task with no idea what was done in the future. Set up a mentor system, in which the task is passed down to them.
2. Offer programming support (tell them exactly what you will do to prepare and support them). As pastors, we need to delegate jobs but we still have a responsibility of supporting, encouraging, and preparing others to complete the job to the best of their ability.
3. Be generous in your praise of all church workers on a regular basis so that you are known as an “appreciator.” (This is a long-range motivational technique.)
4. Thank people and thank the potential volunteer for being the kind of person that has leadership potential.
5. Put term limits on the volunteerism. Say when it will start and when it will end or be renegotiated. This can be a good incentive.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Week 8 – Motivating Volunteers
Adam Fike
Tuesday 3/10
Interviewed – Pastor Mark Deisler on 2/18
Pastor Mark said that the 80-20 principle where 20% of people do 80% of the work is very real. He also said that volunteerism is at a low right now, and it is hard to get people to come in. We live in a busy society.
1.Personal/Direct Contact – Better than a bulletin or PowerPoint. Ask people face-to-face. Give your time and energy to contacting people.
2.Showcase your need – If you need help with the kids, bring them up front so people feel it.
3.Resource material for training people (i.e. Training event for greeters)
4.Be a positive encourager to volunteers. Encourage people in the littlest things they do.
5.Not to be afraid to let things fail. We have not had VBS for two or three years because of lack of volunteers. Sometimes this inspires people to step up when they see things failing.
Some ministry areas are dead because of lack of volunteers. Westview’s volunteerism is weak in children’s church, and they do not have a men’s group.
Tuesday 3/10
Interviewed – Pastor Mark Deisler on 2/18
Pastor Mark said that the 80-20 principle where 20% of people do 80% of the work is very real. He also said that volunteerism is at a low right now, and it is hard to get people to come in. We live in a busy society.
1.Personal/Direct Contact – Better than a bulletin or PowerPoint. Ask people face-to-face. Give your time and energy to contacting people.
2.Showcase your need – If you need help with the kids, bring them up front so people feel it.
3.Resource material for training people (i.e. Training event for greeters)
4.Be a positive encourager to volunteers. Encourage people in the littlest things they do.
5.Not to be afraid to let things fail. We have not had VBS for two or three years because of lack of volunteers. Sometimes this inspires people to step up when they see things failing.
Some ministry areas are dead because of lack of volunteers. Westview’s volunteerism is weak in children’s church, and they do not have a men’s group.
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