School for Congregational Leadership
Dynamic. Informative. Good presentations. Useful. Excellent.
These are some of the ways people described Saturday's session at All Souls' in Point Loma. Over 100 people came to the School for Congregational Leadership, a day of pragmatic workshops geared toward new vestry and bishop's committee members.
Bishop Mathes opened the day with an address about leadership. Morning workshops were titled "Vestry 101," "Stewardship 101," and "Finance and Administration 101." Roundtable discussions covered wardens, vestry, treasurers, communicators, administrators and clergy. Afternoon sessions focused on "Handling Conflict," "Building Resources in Your Church," "Top Ten Things You Need to Know about Finance and Risk Management," and "Staying Out of Trouble and the New Title IV."
The Rev. Mike Russell, rector of All Souls' personally cooked the lunch and helped serve it. The day closed with reflections on the day and closing prayers.
"This was common sense, thoughtful, loving advice," said one parishioner from St. Peter's, Del Mar. "It was excellent footing for a new vestry member."
Facebook: Photos
Video: Canon Young discusses cash versus accrual accounting
Audio: Bishop Mathes' Opening Address (45 min)
A Prayer for Vestries
Lord, you called the disciples to put their nets into deep water, to reach new depths as you stood beside them. Be with us now as we continue that mission in all we do as a vestry. Fill us with your spirit, help us to know that we are only rowing the boat, not steering it. Lift up our sails with the breath of the Holy Spirit and our souls with the peace that only you can give. Remind us that the whole Communion of Saints encircles and upholds us. Ours is but a mission for a short time, Lord, so help us to do our work faithfully and joyfully, knowing that we will be guided by your love if we only say the word. Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.
Presentation Materials
Treasurers and Administrators Workshop by Canon Young
Top Ten Things You Need to Know about Finance and Risk Management by Canon Young
Recommended Reading
Transforming Leadership by Katherine Tyler Scott from Church Publishing
Beyond Business as Usual: Vestry Leadership Development by Neal O. Michell by Church Publishing.
Meditations for Vestry Members by Colleen McMahon from Morehouse Publishing.
Grounded in God: Listening Hearts Discernment for Group Deliberations by Farnham, Hull & McLean.