A Series of Four Workshops for Teams from Congregations
Dates and Time:
March 14th, March 28th, April 18th and May 16th, 2015
9:30am to 4:30pm
Leaders:
Rev. David Pyle, JPD District Executive and UUA Congregational Life Staff
Rev. Dr. Richard Speck, JPD Adjunct Staff and Retired District Executive
These four workshops are designed precisely for a time of rapid changes in congregations. They are based in an understanding of the congregation functioning as an emotional system of interrelated parts. It is a new way of thinking about both the congregation and its leadership. You will view the congregation as a whole, as an organism, as a system. Instead of seeing separate parts, you will see interrelated parts and their interactions. No one part promotes health or illness in a system. Everything contributes for good or ill. The congregation is seen as a whole unit in need of care by the leadership. Therefore, these workshops center around the stewardship of the congregation: how leaders care for, respond to, and oversee the congregation’s life together.
Congregational leaders are the chief stewards. They are in a position to promote the well-being of the congregation. They set a mood and tone for the congregation. They are accountable for setting a direction, taking stands, staying connected to others, encouraging participation, and attending to the ongoing interplay of many conditions and forces.
These workshops enable participants to:
Both professional and lay leaders can benefit from attending these workshops. Seminarians and Ministerial Interns are encouraged to attend, as the workshops address many of the MFC Ministerial Competencies. For the information to become embedded in the system, a team approach is used. The team can build up the health in the system by relying upon one another. It doesn’t matter what size the congregation is since the concept addresses the whole system and not individual parts.
It is highly recommended that congregations send teams of four and five people. As the program builds upon the learning of the previous session, it is expected that you will attend all sessions.
Cost is $250 per person or $650 for a team of five which includes all workbooks, meals, and handouts. Additional team members can be accommodated for $150 per additional member. A congregation under 100 members may send a team of four for $500. Additional scholarship help may be available, check with the District Office. Registration deadline is Friday, March 6th, 2015.