RevWriter

I’ve entered into a relationship with the Philadelphia Theological Institute, an ecumenical association which fosters theological exploration and inquiry. On June 10,2012 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., we’re collaborating to host a webinar on Carroll Sheppard’s work on uniting six generations in the church. When we were born and what we were accustomed to growing up really does make a difference in how we view the world and our life in the church. As congregational leaders we need to be aware that we don’t all have the same outlook on life or our participation in church. We need to engage in conversation and make space for those with differing views. We are, after all, one body with many members. What a gift! Additional information...

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One of the things I’ve gotten in touch with more recently is how networking, in the best sense of the word, is a central activity in my life.  For many, networking has derogatory connotations. They can probably recall a time when someone started talking at them, slapped a business card in their hand, and then moved on to the next person and did the exact same thing. It was all about the pitch, not about the relationship. However, for me networking has more to do with engaging in mutual conversation and listening to another person’s story and needs. Then if I know of a potential resource, I volunteer to connect them. Author and network weaver, June Holley, calls this “closing triangles” by helping to form...

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In early March, I attended the ELCA Lifelong Learning Partners Network gathering at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree, Arizona. I’ve served on the Planning Team for the annual gathering for a couple of years but this time, Pastor Dick Bruesehoff, Outreach Coordinator for Portico Benefit Services, and I facilitated the program piece of the event. We’ve been collaborating on faith-based networking for a while. At this particular gathering we facilitated the Net Work Café, utilizing principles identified by The World Café and also engaged the group in a Net Work mapping exercise. Individually, both Dick and I have invited other groups into a network mapping process. I most recently did this in the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in...

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