Equipping The Saints To Lead
By John Michael De Marco  Adapted from The Interpreter, September 2011

Identifying and developing church leaders is as old as Ephesians 4 and as new as a Starbucks barista helping laypeople embrace new ministries.

A growing contingent of United Methodist clergy and laity cite Paul's declaration in Ephesians to guide their ministry with others in the congregations.

The apostle wrote, "The gifts (Christ) gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-12 (NRSV)

"We are attempting to equip pastors for equipping," says the Rev. Sharon Schwab, superintendent of the Indiana District in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, "That's not really what pastors are trained to do." Schwab cites Ken Blanchard's leadership and management material as a major influence.

"Equipping" is also heard frequently in conversations about leadership with the Rev. Derek Jacobs and the Rev. Troy Bowers.

"Our staff has really bought into this vision of moving from being a pastor-centered or staff-centered church to being an equipping-centered church," said Bowers, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Salina, Kan. "At staff meetings we challenge each other: ‘Are you being a doer of tasks or a developer of people?'"

The Connecticut District Layspeaker Committee

has announced the dates for the 2011 Basic Layspeaker training.

Six Saturdays from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

September 24, October 8, 15, 29; November 5 & 19 

 UMC of Waterbury 250 Country Club Road Waterbury, CT 06708.                       
Cost: $25.00

For Details and Registration form Click Here

Commission Members Outline Final Study of Ministry Report
By Vicki Brown  The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry

Doing away with security of appointment, further streamlining the candidacy process, and allowing ordination when educational requirements are completed are among the major changes proposed by the Study of Ministry Commission.