September, 2010

Over this past month we have had two opportunities to meet together to enter into the conversation of our four key themes.

On Wednesday 11th August, 35 Ministers came together at Dianella as an opportunity to listen to God and pray with each other. The focus came from one of the picture themes that emerged from our earlier forums – that of releasing excess baggage. Keren Masters presented some thoughts on forgiveness and then David Stanford led us in a time of listening to God, and prayer. A great lunch was enjoyed before Barry Ryall took us on a prayer journey through Romans 12.  In a very significant and symbolic moment Barry gave us the opportunity to build a cairn from rocks. Then we concluded praying for each other and the Association. There was a deep sense of “togetherness” and some excess baggage was definitely let go. 

    Bowl & Towel Leadership/Passing the Baton       

“Bowl & Towel Leadership” & “Passing the Baton” was reflected in a leadership seminar hosted by Warwick.  Martin Sanders who has been visiting Subiaco Church was our guest speaker.  Martin is a Professor at Alliance Theological Seminary in New York and is the President of Global Leadership Inc.  

In a 90 minute session, Martin led us through a study of “Ministry Jesus’ Style” based on the book of Mark.  In this study, Martin provides key insights into understanding the process of both conversion and discipleship (as opposed to what can be programmed discipleship).  He went on to talk about leadership development and provided some valuable tools to assist leaders personally and in developing younger leaders.  

It’s clear that we cannot explore the dynamic of ‘Bowl & Towel Leadership’ without recognising that Christ-centred servant leadership requires that we be honest with ourselves.  It involves a commitment to personal growth and development, to growing in spiritual maturity: growing as Disciples of Christ ourselves.  We want to continue to encourage one another to be committed to meeting with people who will not only encourage us, but hold us accountable in both our personal spirituality and our ministry life.

One of the things that I jotted down as Martin spoke was this: “An unguarded strength is fuel for the enemy.”  We need people around us who will love us well, but who will not hold back from speaking the truth to us!  Tools like mentoring and coaching and personality profiles are so very helpful in assisting us to be self-aware.  

Of course we need to also guard our personal times in the Word and prayer … to be willing to allow the Spirit of God to speak to our hearts so that we are continually being formed into the image of Christ Jesus.  I don’t know about you, but I find myself continually encouraging people (and myself) to live in and out of the truth of 2 Peter 1:3-11.  Jesus Christ is alive and active in the lives of those of us who believe!  That’s such an encouraging truth to chew on throughout the day!   

Martin’s presentation was captured on DVD and will be made available in the very near future both in audio format and on DVD (on request to ).
 

Tania Watson
Executive Minister

 

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