The concept of "team" and "teamwork" has been high on the agenda for many of us during the past few years. "Team" has become a top priority and has been seen as an antidote to hierarchy and a way of encouraging a more "collaborative" way forward, but...
...there are a few problems with teams (and groups) - particularly when it comes to decision making: Firstly, teams can indulge in groupthink as "popular", "safe", "established" or "familiar" approaches are prefered; Secondly, there is a tendency for teams to talk themselves into more polarised opinion - In other words, once a team begins to move in a particular direction, members supports and encourage each other to share the same stance - The more "popular" a decision becomes, the more "true" it can seem; Thirdly, the need for "belonging" discorages eccentrics and radicals - who may actually have something important to say; Fourthly, teams can easily be dominated by people with higher status, who speak more, or who speak first... In other words the opinions of the most highly ranked, and the most vocal, will seem more significant than those of the quieter and more reflective members.
This may sound negative, but it's worth thinking about, since it's backed up by research.
Teams are very good at tasks and projects. When you're trying to achieve an objective it is far better to have a functional team - but teams are less good at decision making and leadership, although they can have a role in managing or fascilitating leadership and decision-making processes. As far as I can see the best decsions are made when a collective and collaborative process has been used - the more people involved the better!
I've been reflecting a bit on the way the LSM Project Group has functioned over the past year and a bit. Some may well say (with some justification) that it's been somewhat chaotic, with different people involved at different stages as the discussions have meandered backwards and forwards over a range of related topics. It's been exilarating, ceratinly, and a great group to be part of - but a terrible example of "getting things done". I think it would be fair to say it's been a rubbish "team", but...
...the strength of this conversation was the collective and diverse nature of discussions - I never knew where things were going to go next - or who was going to lob in which theological handgrenade! As convener it was a real learning experience to ride the collective thought flow... It's a mirracle (in some ways) that we produced anything coherent at all - although I suspect, in fact, that the results benefited greatly from such a broad range of contributions...
It was a rubbish "team" but a fantastic process! A really creative group of people who were absolutely brilliant at tackling a very tricky issue!
As the Project Group moves into a more formal phase I suspect we need to widen the circle of vision and reflection rather than tighten things up. The success of collaborative ministry in Milton Keynes may well depend on the use of a collaborative methodology - but where will the Church in MK lead us? I wonder?...
Monday, 14 July 2008
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Wiped out...
We're all completely wiped out after the wedding. No chance of much activity today. Luckily Jane invited us round to their house for a cup of tea in the afternoon, so we spent a couple of hours collapsing in their garden which helped reduce the risk of over-tired behaviour... although the girls did manage to be awake until after 10! I pity their teachers on Monday...
Saturday, 12 July 2008
Annette and Jerry
Today we celebrated the wedding of Jerry and Annette. It was funny to be back in church (St Mary's) and actually took a while to get back into the swing of it. I felt quite uncomfortable at first, standing in front of a congregation again, and it took a while to feel comfortable and articulate.
The wedding went reasonably well (I think) - improved substantially by the musicians from Jerry's old church in Great Missenden. We're getting to know the catholics of Great Missenden better and better every time we meet them. They're a great bunch and have a huge amount to offer. It is really interesting to see how they have linked music, faith, life and mission. They're good people to spend time with.
It was a good party too! Great fun! We met lots of really interesting and fun people and staggered home late - a good day!
Friday, 11 July 2008
Wedding Rehersal
Iona was at work so I spent the afternoon tinkering with my new computer. I'm still struggling with the need to find drivers for a 64 bit XP system - not all manufacturers have produced them. The question I may have to consider is whether to upgrade to Vista... Will this solve the problems or create new ones?
This evening I had the rehearsal for Jerry and Annette's wedding.
This evening I had the rehearsal for Jerry and Annette's wedding.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Interviews and Long Run
Spent most of the day at CtS interviewing for a year six teacher.
Had time for a quick 8 mile run before collecting children (80 mins). This was my first long run after the half marathon walk-through. Can I keep this up for 13 in a row?
Had time for a quick 8 mile run before collecting children (80 mins). This was my first long run after the half marathon walk-through. Can I keep this up for 13 in a row?
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
The Wisdom of Crowds
Why the Many are Smarter than the Few
JAMES SUROWIECKI
This is a wonderful book on collective intelligence filled with a great deal of good sense and practical wisdom. Surowieki's main argument is that a crowd of people with great diversity in ability and knowledge, can consistently outperform the experts - as long as they are able to think with relative independence and there is a system for aggregating their collective mind.
The three conditions essential for good collective wisdom are diversity, independence and decentralisation - of a particular form.
Surowieki begins with the illustration of a scientist in 1906 who was convinced that 'normal' people were not able to make inteligent decisions. He attended a farmers exhibition and watched a group of people bet on the weight of an ox. He was convinced that the sum of their 'average' minds would provide evidence for the weakness of the 'herd'. He gathered the betting skips together and was surprised to find that the mean average guess was 1,197 pounds. The ox actually weighed 1,198 pounds - pretty close!
This is, of course, a fairly basic example, but the book is rich with theory and stories, ranging from psycological and sociological experiments to real world examples drawn from business, inteligence and nature. I am particulalry taken by the observation that a large group of people with limited knowledge can produce better and more consistent results than a few experts.
This is a good book which I have found very helful in my continuing reflections on collaboration, mutuality and the church...
It brings to mind the silly little exercise we used to do with congregations when we asked them, during a service, to list three things that they would like to see happen in their church within five years. This may seem like a daft exercise but it fulfils Surowieki's criteria. The whole bredth of the congregation were able to contribute, and their responses were fully independent, since there was no discussion and the small pieces of paper were gathered in without being seen. The results could then be grouped in themes to indicate the common mind of the church. Once again, you may say this sounds insignificant, but I would like to point out that the Watling Valley churches who did this in 2000-1 produced the list of six partnership values which still seem incredibly relevant eight years later!
The thing that has really got my mind spinning is that this concept of collective inteligence may be really helpful in developing a theory of collaborative discernment. The issue of discernment (particularly of new ministers) has been raised locally as we move towards a more collaborative appraoch. Who should decide which local people are called to take up particular roles. Clearly the issue of gifts is highly significant, but who is responsible for identifying them? Should people self-select? Do we trust the clergy to do it for us? Does discernment only work if it's done by people on the outside? Do we need a diocesan selection conference for vergers and coffee makers?
In some ministerial models it is common to present people with a list of members and ask them to indicate which individuals are called for particular roles - or ask them to put names on a piece of paper and drop them in box - after prayer, of course. Is this merely an exercise in consultation or is something more significant taking place? Can a congregation, filled with the Spirit, opperate as a collective inteligence, thus producing an authentic piece of group wisdom?
In some places the "nomination" from the congregation is then processed by a central panel who pick people who fit with their own objectives. This would be one way of processing the information - similar to the process used to develop Linux.
A more authentic way of "agragating" the information may be for a co-ordinating panel to approach the most frequently identified individuals and invite them to explore their call further through a process of mutual discernment, further exploration, formal interview or election - depending on the post. Surowieki is correct to say that the more people who are involved in the agragation process the better.
Interesting... I'm going to think some more about some of the strands in this book. It has a lot to say about leadership, decision-making, group processes and collaboration. It's a very useful theoretical tool.
JAMES SUROWIECKI
This is a wonderful book on collective intelligence filled with a great deal of good sense and practical wisdom. Surowieki's main argument is that a crowd of people with great diversity in ability and knowledge, can consistently outperform the experts - as long as they are able to think with relative independence and there is a system for aggregating their collective mind.The three conditions essential for good collective wisdom are diversity, independence and decentralisation - of a particular form.
Surowieki begins with the illustration of a scientist in 1906 who was convinced that 'normal' people were not able to make inteligent decisions. He attended a farmers exhibition and watched a group of people bet on the weight of an ox. He was convinced that the sum of their 'average' minds would provide evidence for the weakness of the 'herd'. He gathered the betting skips together and was surprised to find that the mean average guess was 1,197 pounds. The ox actually weighed 1,198 pounds - pretty close!
This is, of course, a fairly basic example, but the book is rich with theory and stories, ranging from psycological and sociological experiments to real world examples drawn from business, inteligence and nature. I am particulalry taken by the observation that a large group of people with limited knowledge can produce better and more consistent results than a few experts.
This is a good book which I have found very helful in my continuing reflections on collaboration, mutuality and the church...
It brings to mind the silly little exercise we used to do with congregations when we asked them, during a service, to list three things that they would like to see happen in their church within five years. This may seem like a daft exercise but it fulfils Surowieki's criteria. The whole bredth of the congregation were able to contribute, and their responses were fully independent, since there was no discussion and the small pieces of paper were gathered in without being seen. The results could then be grouped in themes to indicate the common mind of the church. Once again, you may say this sounds insignificant, but I would like to point out that the Watling Valley churches who did this in 2000-1 produced the list of six partnership values which still seem incredibly relevant eight years later!
The thing that has really got my mind spinning is that this concept of collective inteligence may be really helpful in developing a theory of collaborative discernment. The issue of discernment (particularly of new ministers) has been raised locally as we move towards a more collaborative appraoch. Who should decide which local people are called to take up particular roles. Clearly the issue of gifts is highly significant, but who is responsible for identifying them? Should people self-select? Do we trust the clergy to do it for us? Does discernment only work if it's done by people on the outside? Do we need a diocesan selection conference for vergers and coffee makers?
In some ministerial models it is common to present people with a list of members and ask them to indicate which individuals are called for particular roles - or ask them to put names on a piece of paper and drop them in box - after prayer, of course. Is this merely an exercise in consultation or is something more significant taking place? Can a congregation, filled with the Spirit, opperate as a collective inteligence, thus producing an authentic piece of group wisdom?
In some places the "nomination" from the congregation is then processed by a central panel who pick people who fit with their own objectives. This would be one way of processing the information - similar to the process used to develop Linux.
A more authentic way of "agragating" the information may be for a co-ordinating panel to approach the most frequently identified individuals and invite them to explore their call further through a process of mutual discernment, further exploration, formal interview or election - depending on the post. Surowieki is correct to say that the more people who are involved in the agragation process the better.
Interesting... I'm going to think some more about some of the strands in this book. It has a lot to say about leadership, decision-making, group processes and collaboration. It's a very useful theoretical tool.
Local Shared Ministry
We had another good Project Group meeting today. We discussed the Vision and the Action Plan. Lots to write up, but no more meetings until September.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Fresh Expressions in MK
I had a good meeting today with Tim Clapton, Peter Ballentine and Keith Beech Gruneburg. We had arranged to meet to discuss possible plans for the encouragement of Fresh Expressions in Milton Keynes. Although we still have a lot of work to do, we have mapped out a rough plan of campaign:
- Vision Day: We're going to try to organise a vision day with the national team in November. This would provide us with an opportunity to enthuse on a large scale.
- Mission Shaped Intro: We're hoping to organise two hits of this course; once in the spring before Lent, and once in the summer term. These should give us an opportunity to explore Fresh Expressions and Pioneer Ministry with interested people.
- Mission Shaped Ministry: We aim to host a year-long course for practitioners - ideally starting in September 2009. This will be invaluable as support for those who are getting stuck in.
Still not broken
I was on track this morning for a good time for three miles. I managed the first two in 16 minutes but began to feel a bit sick. Perhaps I ate too much this morning or didn't have enough water or didn't take a hay fever tab... Walked the last half mile and finished in 26 mins. Still chasing that elusive 24 minute record...
Monday, 7 July 2008
Women Bishops and Collaborative Leadership
I watched some of the reports on the General Synod vote with mixed feelings. While I have no problem with the concept of women bishops, I do feel a little uncomfortable about some of the language being used.
On women bishops (as such) I am convinced the Paul has a point - in Christ there is no male or female, Jew nor Gentile, etc... And I can't see why we need to wait for universal acceptance - there are other branches of the Universal Church who don't have them - there are others that do... The same applies to other "innovations". We need to do what we think is right.
Having said all this, I am uncomfortable with the idea of women (or men) who are seeking positions where other people can "serve under" them. Is this a debate about power and status? Are there women priests out there who would like to join men at the top of the clerical pyramid? I hope not, but this was the way it was presented on TV.
The issue for me is the model of episcope we are seeking to develop. In an age when we are aiming to build collaborative leadership we need people who want to "serve with" rather than "lord over". I don't care whether our bishops are male of female, but I do care about the ministry they model.
On women bishops (as such) I am convinced the Paul has a point - in Christ there is no male or female, Jew nor Gentile, etc... And I can't see why we need to wait for universal acceptance - there are other branches of the Universal Church who don't have them - there are others that do... The same applies to other "innovations". We need to do what we think is right.
Having said all this, I am uncomfortable with the idea of women (or men) who are seeking positions where other people can "serve under" them. Is this a debate about power and status? Are there women priests out there who would like to join men at the top of the clerical pyramid? I hope not, but this was the way it was presented on TV.
The issue for me is the model of episcope we are seeking to develop. In an age when we are aiming to build collaborative leadership we need people who want to "serve with" rather than "lord over". I don't care whether our bishops are male of female, but I do care about the ministry they model.
Oxford Meetings
Had a good day in Oxford today.
I met with Beren to discuss Local Shared Ministry. We spent some time reflecting on the past two years of the LSM project in MK and thought a bit about the wider picture. We brainstormed on the theme of the different groups who are key to the debate and made a list of neccesary culture changes:
We're spent some time thinking of possible strategies to promote such culture change. All good stuff...
This was followed by the Fresh Expressions Oversight Group at which we planned the February Vision Day, a gathering for practitioners and a series of leaflets...
A fairly busy day for a sabbatical...
I met with Beren to discuss Local Shared Ministry. We spent some time reflecting on the past two years of the LSM project in MK and thought a bit about the wider picture. We brainstormed on the theme of the different groups who are key to the debate and made a list of neccesary culture changes:
From Clericalism to Mutual Ministry
From Pyramids to Circles
From Delegation to Gift-led
From Volunteering to Calling
From Miniter Centred to Jesus Centred
From Exodus 18 to 1 Corinthians 12
From Control to Empowerment
From Community gathered around a Minister to Ministering Community
From Minister as Theologian to People as Theologians
From Pyramids to Circles
From Delegation to Gift-led
From Volunteering to Calling
From Miniter Centred to Jesus Centred
From Exodus 18 to 1 Corinthians 12
From Control to Empowerment
From Community gathered around a Minister to Ministering Community
From Minister as Theologian to People as Theologians
We're spent some time thinking of possible strategies to promote such culture change. All good stuff...
This was followed by the Fresh Expressions Oversight Group at which we planned the February Vision Day, a gathering for practitioners and a series of leaflets...
A fairly busy day for a sabbatical...
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Sunday off...
We're all feeling tired after a couple of busy days, so decided not to visit any new churches today... Isn't it nice to have the option!
Watched Doctor Who in the morning - big series finale.
Iona had a party in the afternoon so the rest of us hit the town...
Watched Doctor Who in the morning - big series finale.
Iona had a party in the afternoon so the rest of us hit the town...
Saturday, 5 July 2008
I'm a Taxi
Not much to say in the blog today. We spent most of the day driving children around...
To be fair, this morning was the Christ the Sower Staff and Governor Conference at which we picked a few new pictures to develop the schools visions. I then had to join the girls in Simpson for the Music Service Fete. Iona needed to be in New Bradwell for the Vocalis rehersal. Both of them needed to be taken to Wavendon for Grace's party - Isla and I had a drink in the pub. Home for an hour before going out to a very splendid summer concert by Vocalis...
Missed Doctor Who...
To be fair, this morning was the Christ the Sower Staff and Governor Conference at which we picked a few new pictures to develop the schools visions. I then had to join the girls in Simpson for the Music Service Fete. Iona needed to be in New Bradwell for the Vocalis rehersal. Both of them needed to be taken to Wavendon for Grace's party - Isla and I had a drink in the pub. Home for an hour before going out to a very splendid summer concert by Vocalis...
Missed Doctor Who...
Friday, 4 July 2008
Bishop's Barbecue
We spent much of today recovering from Thursday's run, but had a good evening at Great Missenden at the Bishop's Barbecue. Although the invitation encouraged us to meet the bishop, the best thing about this event is a chance to meet old friends. It was good to see Kay Peck - now priested - and Derek West from Slough - Valerie and Ken - and so on... A good time was had by all - and it didn't rain!
Many thanks to bishop Alan and friends for making this such a good event!
Many thanks to bishop Alan and friends for making this such a good event!
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Checking out the half marathon
We spent this morning checking out the route of the MK half marathon. We ran most of it with occasional breaks for map reading - it's a long way! We only got lost three times...
The question now is, do we do it for real?
The question now is, do we do it for real?
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
Wednesday
Had a funny morning today. Went in to see Audrey and co. at Sutton House for Communion (having promised last month that I would). Audrey was waiting for a care assistant to come, and the rest had decided to have coffee instead. Lots of confusion...
Older people like to know where they are and need to feel in control of their lives - like we all do - but the best attempts to provide care can sometimes take it away. It's not easy. But it was good to see them.
Went for a run, wrote some emails, did some writing, helped Iona make a CD, had tea, time for bed...
Older people like to know where they are and need to feel in control of their lives - like we all do - but the best attempts to provide care can sometimes take it away. It's not easy. But it was good to see them.
Went for a run, wrote some emails, did some writing, helped Iona make a CD, had tea, time for bed...
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Danny Wallace
One of the great things about living in a town like Milton Keynes is that you get the chance to attend author events. We've been to a few over the years. Tonight we went to see Danny Wallace launch his new book, Friends Like These. He introduced it, read a chapter and told us what happened when he tried to track down some of his childhood friends. It was a good event - very funny.We've been Danny Wallace fans since he and Dave Gorman tried to find 50 Dave Gormans... I have a signed copy of Join me - which says I can I can still like Jesus and join Danny's Karma Army.
The girls became DG fans when he hosted Castaway. Danny's Diary was must see TV from their point of view. As Danny admitted, they may have been the shows only fans...
He was witty and charming as ever. Haven't read the book yet. Apparently it's not out officially until the third, but we've got one already! (Not suitable for younger readers, I suspect...)
Richard on TV
Our dear friend Richard Davis was on telly today - one of these house buying shows where they get you to look at three houses and tell you to pick one. I know they didn't go for one of the houses on the show but it's worth seeing anyway. I did note they were both referred to as 'vicars'. Isn't ecumenism wonderful...
Monday, 30 June 2008
Deanery Finance Committee
I attended the Deanery Finance Committee tonight. This was a break in my sabbatical, but one that I'd planned back in April. The reason for the occasion is that the diocese has just released its figures for 2009, we are therefore able to set parish shares for 2009.
We found 3 mistakes in the diocesan figures. They don't affect our figures this year, but they might be significant for the future - and it would be daft for the diocese to budget for posts we no longer have...
We set our share allocation (most of it) following the formula we set in place last year. This moves slowly towards an 80% target in 2013 and a 100% target in 2018 - long term planning is the only way out of the MK muddle. We'll get there, as long as people can find the share we've negotiated...
There are a couple of parishes which we still need to talk to, so we can set an achievable target. We'll do that in the autumn.
It was good to see people again.
We found 3 mistakes in the diocesan figures. They don't affect our figures this year, but they might be significant for the future - and it would be daft for the diocese to budget for posts we no longer have...
We set our share allocation (most of it) following the formula we set in place last year. This moves slowly towards an 80% target in 2013 and a 100% target in 2018 - long term planning is the only way out of the MK muddle. We'll get there, as long as people can find the share we've negotiated...
There are a couple of parishes which we still need to talk to, so we can set an achievable target. We'll do that in the autumn.
It was good to see people again.
Not quite a smashed record
I thought I was going to break the 24 minute barrier when I went for my run this morning. I managed the first mile in 8 minutes flat and the second in 8:22. I was on target to finish in 24 minutes but somehow couldn't squeeze the extra speed out for the last mile, finishing in 24:40. Still a good time but not quite as fast as I'd hoped... Maybe next time...
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Picnic
We went with James to the Ashridge Estate and had a rather splendid picnic. This was followed by a pleasant walk. A good afternoon. We rang our friend Dave, who is apparently back in the UK from Prague, but he didn't answer
.
"A tree in summer;
a tree in winter;
a bunch of flowers;
April showers"
Izzy attacks James with some grass...
. "A tree in summer;
a tree in winter;
a bunch of flowers;
April showers"
Izzy attacks James with some grass...
Leighton Buzzard
We went to Leighton Buzzard today for their 9:15am Matins service - which felt incredibly early after two months of sabbatical. We had decided to visit our friend James who took us to church with him. The girls enjoyed the Sunday Club and Isla appreciated a full choir. It was a good morning.
It struck me that the resources of a market town like LB enable them to produce a high quality "performance" - including choral music which their own notice sheet described as beautiful. This is a church which deserves to be "mystery worshipped" because it stands or falls on the basis of its public face...
This, of course, is in stark contrast to some of the smaller rural churches we've been visiting in which the "performance" is never going to be quite so slick but the depth of community is lifegiveing...
You can't really compare churches. They're all prescious to God...
It struck me that the resources of a market town like LB enable them to produce a high quality "performance" - including choral music which their own notice sheet described as beautiful. This is a church which deserves to be "mystery worshipped" because it stands or falls on the basis of its public face...
This, of course, is in stark contrast to some of the smaller rural churches we've been visiting in which the "performance" is never going to be quite so slick but the depth of community is lifegiveing...
You can't really compare churches. They're all prescious to God...
Saturday, 28 June 2008
The Healthy Churches' Handbook
by Robert WarrenThe material in this book has been around for a while and has become fairly influential. This felt like a good time to re-read it.
Put briefly the argument is that churches grow (towards wholeness) when they exhibit seven key characteristics or marks:
- Energised by faith
- Outward-looking focus
- Seeks to find out what God wants
- Faces the cost of change and growth
- Operates as a community
- Makes room for all
- Does a few things and does them well
Healthy Churches has been on my mind for a number of reasons:
1. Back in 2005 we suggested that parishes use Natural Church Development (a similar but more expensive project), Healthy Churches, or some other mechanism as a way to encourage development. This was part of our Deanery Plan - and we set aside money for it! It's odd that no single church took the money or gave it a go. Why? As we start the deanery planning process up again is there some way we can learn from the past and incorporate this more fully in our thinking? What would be required?
2. In his new vision, Sharing Life plus, bishop John also mentions Natural Church Development and Healthy Churches. This concept is clearly back on the agenda.
3. The LSM Project Group is thinking of developing a system of companions/mentors who work with communities who are working towards LSM. There is a reasonable overlap between the intention of the companions and the ideals of Healthy Churches. The Handbook has a lot to say about the need for fascilitators, which I found helpful in my thinking, particulalry in its' discussion about training. Robert Warren suggests minimal raining with ongoing support and mutual reflection. This may be helful for us in our thinking...
Bringing all this together I wonder if there might be a place for Healthy Churches within the new Deanery Plan and whether the LSM Project Group might incorporate it as part of its development work... What do you think?
Trip to the sea side
I missed a great day out today. The people of ST Frideswide's in Water Eaton have been knitting balaclavas for sailors. They've made between 70 and 80 and went on a nice day trip today to deliver them. Apparently the coach company ran out of vehicles so they were given the MK Don's coach!
I was invited to join them but unfortunately had other commitments - and am on sabbatical. They have promised to provide pictures and I'll post them as soon as I get them.
I was invited to join them but unfortunately had other commitments - and am on sabbatical. They have promised to provide pictures and I'll post them as soon as I get them.
Friday, 27 June 2008
Collaborative Ministry
by David RobertsonIt's not often that I find a book that I think other people must read, but this is one of them. David Robertson has written a classic, which explains in very simple and straightforward ways what collaborative ministry is, why it's important and how you might develop it in an ordinary church.
He begins by exploring some of the theory behind collaboration contrasting the classic pyramid approach to leadership with the "Jesus model" which puts Christ at the centre of a circle. He says, "If Jesus is replaced with the minister, then the church is proclaiming, in effect, that Jesus died on the cross but never rose from the dead."
This is one of the finest critiques of current leadership thinking that I have yet seen and challenges the current habit of viewing incumbent clergy as CEOs, leading the church in mission. The minister is one amongst many disciples gathered around the risen Christ, sometimes s/he leads, sometimes s/he follows... This is a view of leadership that emphasises faith, gifts and community.
Having established what he thinks CM is, Robertson then takes us on a journey through Acts, demonstrating how God always act collaboratively. One example of this involved Peter (appropriate for this weekend) who was involved in a collaborative journey with God and Cornelius as the Church opened its doors to the Gentiles...
Robertson also looks at images of priesthood, marriage, temple, body and covenant, demonstrating how our misunderstanding of scripture has tended to warp our concepts of leadership and church.
The final section explores how collaborative ministry might evolve in practice. He takes us through the development of CM in a classic Anglican parish (which can be extrapolated to other contexts). The journey to CM begins when the minister takes the lead (since only the minister has the power to do so). This is followed by a period of learning, moaning, and collaborative leadership - which eventually morphs into true all member collaborative ministry. The end result of the process is usually a minister with more time but less prestige... A lot of this was fairly familiar, but good to see in print.
As I say this is a book that should be read. Every member of the All Saints' Servant Leadership Team should own a copy, and the St Frideswide leadership team, and the Watling Valley Ministry Team, etc, etc...
There is a danger that Collaborative Ministry is just another cheap phrase that is dropped into mission plans without being thought through properly. It can easily be confused with delegation, or shared ministry, but it is more dynamic and more challenging. David Robertson's book sets this out very clearly.
My one criticism of this book is that it doesn't go far enough in thinking about how churches might be structured and ministry developed when there is not one vicar per church. He assumes a fairly traditional inherited model of church - which is backed up by Anglican rules and regs. Unfortunatley we are already moving into an age when this can no longer be assumed, and may infact need to be challenged. How many rural churches have a resident vicar? How should a fresh expression or emerging church model collaborative leadership?
David Robertson has written a really super book which will be invaluable to anyone who really wants to get stuck in to collaborative ministry, but further thought is probably needed if small and emergent communities are to reap the benefits...
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Run
Seven miles this morning.
Otherwise this has been a quiet week with little to report. I've spent most of the time writing, which isn't an exciting thing to blog about...
Otherwise this has been a quiet week with little to report. I've spent most of the time writing, which isn't an exciting thing to blog about...
Monday, 23 June 2008
Eye Test
I've spent the day working on a re-write of my introduction and a chapter on the purpose of church.
This afternoon I popped into town for an eye test, which I've been meaning to do for the past two years, but never really been able to justify - time wise. My eyes haven't changed much but I do need new frames to hold the new lenses properly in place - apparently.
I followed the eye test with a quick trip to the gym. I'm clearly still recovering from Friday...
This afternoon I popped into town for an eye test, which I've been meaning to do for the past two years, but never really been able to justify - time wise. My eyes haven't changed much but I do need new frames to hold the new lenses properly in place - apparently.
I followed the eye test with a quick trip to the gym. I'm clearly still recovering from Friday...
Sunday, 22 June 2008
40th Birthday Bash
Today we celebrated our friend John's 40th birthday with a party in Grange Farm. Another "East Malling in Milton Keynes" event with familiar faces from years ago. Isla enjoyed the event, but probably felt a bit unsure about where she was...
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Common Purpose
Today I took part in a Common Purpose course in Milton Keynes. Common Purpose is an initiative to provide community "leaders" with an opportunity to learn more about their community and network with others. It was a fascinating course to be part of and I did learn more about the city - although I've been here for 8 years.
Under the rules of the game, I have to be careful what I say about who said what, but I was struck by the continuing visionary and entrepreneurial nature of MK enthusiasts which I found encouraging and inspiring. We do have an interesting problem with the 19+ age group and the "brain drain". I am now a believer in the idea of an MK University. I'm also reflecting on the formula:
An interesting day which will undoubtedly lead to more...
Under the rules of the game, I have to be careful what I say about who said what, but I was struck by the continuing visionary and entrepreneurial nature of MK enthusiasts which I found encouraging and inspiring. We do have an interesting problem with the 19+ age group and the "brain drain". I am now a believer in the idea of an MK University. I'm also reflecting on the formula:
basic skills + emotional intelligence + creativity = future workforce skills
An interesting day which will undoubtedly lead to more...
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
New Computer part 2
I spent today sorting out the new computer. This involved a long process of loading programs and files onto it and trying to set it up properly. Internet security proved tricky since most packages are not compatible with a 64 bit XP system...
By the time the girls came home I still hadn't tackled email, but at least I can now get on line...
Bought a new shirt today for my course. Haven't bought a white shirt in a few years...
By the time the girls came home I still hadn't tackled email, but at least I can now get on line...
Bought a new shirt today for my course. Haven't bought a white shirt in a few years...
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
New Computer
I spent the day with my dad, building a new computer. We ordered an assortment of parts over the internet and spent the day putting it together. Remarkably, nothing major went wrong - in fact it all came together very well. The star feature of the whole project is undoubtedly the massive fan sitting over the CPU - it's really quite something - shame you can't see it when the whole thing is closed up - makes you fancy a transparent case...
Got home late...
Got home late...
Monday, 16 June 2008
Monday...
Following a very busy weekend, we were pleased to discover in Iona's bookbag this morning that she had been selected to throw a cricket ball at this evenings sports event in MK. Suddenly we had to be in three places at once, since Isla had her final course tutorial, Izzy had gardening club and Iona now needed to be in Stantonbury - with only half an hour to spare before her choir! This all made the evening somewhat fun but we survived - although I may have had a moment of despair when Iona returned from her choir rehearsal without her rucksack...
This was never going to be a great day - following such a busy weekend - but we weren't expecting this... (or the Spanish Inquisition)
This was never going to be a great day - following such a busy weekend - but we weren't expecting this... (or the Spanish Inquisition)
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Walthamstow Hall Reunion
Isla went down to Sevenoaks today for her school reunion. There were only three girls from her year group, but they had a good time.
Baptism in Manchester
We went to Manchester today for the baptism of Isabelle Daisy Dew - daughter of Simon and Alison. I'm now her godfather - poor child!It was a long day, but a good one. We set off at 6am and returned home at 6pm - six hours of driving, an interesting service, a good party and a lot of chat. All good fun!
It was good to be able to get to the service since I can't usually make weddings and baptisms for family and friends. We wouldn't have made it this time if I hadn't been on sabbatical - so thank the Lord for sabbaticals. Once again, I get to find out how the other half live...
Father's Day
The girls bought me a badge today. We're still trying to work out whether it says:No! Dad or
No one's dad or
Number 1 Dad
It does change the meaning...
Friday, 13 June 2008
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Mutual Ministry in Bristol
I had a super day in Bristol today. It involved getting up at five o'clock and spending several hours in a car, but it was worth it.
I met with a very interesting man called Alister Palmer who is working in one of the estates in South Bristol where he's doing some really interesting work with "transformation" - particularaly with the non-church community.
He was instrumental in setting up Enabler Supported Ministry in Tasmania with a group of six (now nine) congregations, and has recently been back to review the life of these communities as part of a sabbatical. He was particulalry interested in looking at the missionarly life of these communities (which he thinks is developing) and at their leadership. I've already seen the first draft of his report which is fascinating...
Alongside Alister I also met a group of people, most of whom had been part of a visit to Auckland a couple of years ago to take part in Enabler Training. We had a really good conversation about Mutual Ministry which I hope they found encouraging...
A couple of issues came out of the day. First, there is the whole question of leadership/mission. This visit confirmed my suspicion that the Church of England is currently focussing on a model of leadership which is primarily individualistic, heroic and inspirational - and laying this model on vicars, priests, LLMs etc... who are to be "Leaders in Mission". This tendency has some major weaknesses, not least that it doesn't recognise the richness and diversity of call - the Spirit may have other ideas... It also reafirms the traditional identification of clergy with ministry - if we are to have churches which are thriving as missionary/ministry fellowships we need to encourage collaborative approaches rather than heroic leadership.
I mentioned the book Wikinomics which I've been rereading recently - "How mass colaboration changes everything". As churches we often think that we need to learn the "command and control" techniques of business, when, in fact, there are people in the business world who are promosting and exploring a very different way of doing things... There was a rich strand in this conversation about chaos theory, self-organisation and collaboration. Some interesting stuff here...
The second lesson I took away from today was the need to do more work on helping people to understand the underlying theology of collaborative/mutual/local shared ministry. The Bristol group were plunged into enabler training in Auckland without first taking part in the AMEND course which is normally used in NZ to introduce the concept to members/ministers etc...
This fits in with some of my recent reading, e.g Thew Forrester's "I have called you friends..." and David Robertson's very helpful book, "Collaborative Ministry". Both of these contain some very deep and moving theology, which is probably needs to be grapled with before people can begin thinking and acting in a collaborative way. I've begun toying with the idea of a short course which I'm going to propose to the LSM Project Group...
We all agreed that this had been a good day and we'd like to keep the link alive. Maybe "mass colaboration" will help us all...
So back to MK and time for a bit of sleep...
I met with a very interesting man called Alister Palmer who is working in one of the estates in South Bristol where he's doing some really interesting work with "transformation" - particularaly with the non-church community.
He was instrumental in setting up Enabler Supported Ministry in Tasmania with a group of six (now nine) congregations, and has recently been back to review the life of these communities as part of a sabbatical. He was particulalry interested in looking at the missionarly life of these communities (which he thinks is developing) and at their leadership. I've already seen the first draft of his report which is fascinating...
Alongside Alister I also met a group of people, most of whom had been part of a visit to Auckland a couple of years ago to take part in Enabler Training. We had a really good conversation about Mutual Ministry which I hope they found encouraging...
A couple of issues came out of the day. First, there is the whole question of leadership/mission. This visit confirmed my suspicion that the Church of England is currently focussing on a model of leadership which is primarily individualistic, heroic and inspirational - and laying this model on vicars, priests, LLMs etc... who are to be "Leaders in Mission". This tendency has some major weaknesses, not least that it doesn't recognise the richness and diversity of call - the Spirit may have other ideas... It also reafirms the traditional identification of clergy with ministry - if we are to have churches which are thriving as missionary/ministry fellowships we need to encourage collaborative approaches rather than heroic leadership.
I mentioned the book Wikinomics which I've been rereading recently - "How mass colaboration changes everything". As churches we often think that we need to learn the "command and control" techniques of business, when, in fact, there are people in the business world who are promosting and exploring a very different way of doing things... There was a rich strand in this conversation about chaos theory, self-organisation and collaboration. Some interesting stuff here...
The second lesson I took away from today was the need to do more work on helping people to understand the underlying theology of collaborative/mutual/local shared ministry. The Bristol group were plunged into enabler training in Auckland without first taking part in the AMEND course which is normally used in NZ to introduce the concept to members/ministers etc...
This fits in with some of my recent reading, e.g Thew Forrester's "I have called you friends..." and David Robertson's very helpful book, "Collaborative Ministry". Both of these contain some very deep and moving theology, which is probably needs to be grapled with before people can begin thinking and acting in a collaborative way. I've begun toying with the idea of a short course which I'm going to propose to the LSM Project Group...
We all agreed that this had been a good day and we'd like to keep the link alive. Maybe "mass colaboration" will help us all...
So back to MK and time for a bit of sleep...
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Playing Churches
I've spent most of the day thinking about ministry. On the one hand, there is a need to re-invent the concept of "the minister" so that we stop focussing all our attention on "professionals" - but on the other hand we have the reality that we do have ministers to deploy... This is a thorny issue...
I noticed a while ago that some of our denominations have key posts that they simply couldn't exist without. This is why the directory of churches in Milton Keynes lists Church Secretaries and Treasurers for each congregation - because those who produce the directory assume that the Church Secretary is the most important person in the Church - which doesn't always follow. There must be a secretary in each Church, otherwise no-one would know who to talk to - apparently. The same goes for Team Leaders, who, I was once told, only exist so that the Mission Partnership knows who to send communications to...
We have Vicars, Rectors and Pastors because people need to have some way of relating to a church. I am often rung up by people who ask, "Is that St Mary's Church?" I'm never quite sure how to answer. I'd like to respond in a deep stone-like voice...
It's a convenience, but it also plays into the image of a church as a "community gathered around a minister". Having a single, individualised, minister in each church (when financially possible) makes everyone feel safe, but also disempowers the people of God, isolates the clerical professionals and denies the leadership of Christ - amongst other things...
So, what's the alternative?
Well, there are probably thousands of different ways of remodelling a parish. Take Watling Valley for instance. At the moment we have a vacancy for a URC minister. There will probably be a rush to fill this vacancy with another multi-functional URC minister. If I were to leave we would also look for another multi-functional Anglican minister. Why? Because that's what everyone expects... but hang on a minute, if we were to assume that Watling Valley can afford three full-time ministers (which is just about possible) wouldn't it be more sensible to think through what we actually need and then employ/call the appropriate people?
Here's an alternative mad plan:
Let's have a couple of non-stipendiary priests or LLMs in each congregation working within a local ministry team. We'd need a couple more, but we've probably got a few likely candidates. These local ministry teams would sustain and grow the churches.
In order to sustain the local ministry teams, volunteer ministers, etc... we'll appoint one minister as "Ministry Enabler" for the whole partnership. He or she would be responsible for supporting ministers and churches.
Alongside the "Ministry Enabler" we'll appoint a "Youth Minister" and a "Pioneer Minister" who will each support teams who work in those areas. Sorted!...
Or, we could make one church a Minster and make one minister the "Leader" of a ministry team (lay and ordained) who serve the whole area...
Or, we could...
The list of possibilities are, of course, endless... (and I'm not going to push any one idea.)
We need some more radical approaches to ministerial deployment if we're going to tackle the challenges of church development and mission in postmodern Britain. It's time for a few more dreams...
A few years ago I suggested to Deanery Chapter that it would be a good idea to cut back on our parochial ministry (to what we could justify financially) and use the "spare" clergy for primary mission. I received a few blank looks - why would you want to? A few years further on and we're slowly reducing our clergy numbers to a sustainable level. In the meantime we've lost the opportunities that our relatively high numbers would have provided! We need to stop holding on to inherited expectations and start investing our "human resources" in growth.
It's time to "play churches" with a bit more courage and creativity - and hope.
I noticed a while ago that some of our denominations have key posts that they simply couldn't exist without. This is why the directory of churches in Milton Keynes lists Church Secretaries and Treasurers for each congregation - because those who produce the directory assume that the Church Secretary is the most important person in the Church - which doesn't always follow. There must be a secretary in each Church, otherwise no-one would know who to talk to - apparently. The same goes for Team Leaders, who, I was once told, only exist so that the Mission Partnership knows who to send communications to...
We have Vicars, Rectors and Pastors because people need to have some way of relating to a church. I am often rung up by people who ask, "Is that St Mary's Church?" I'm never quite sure how to answer. I'd like to respond in a deep stone-like voice...
It's a convenience, but it also plays into the image of a church as a "community gathered around a minister". Having a single, individualised, minister in each church (when financially possible) makes everyone feel safe, but also disempowers the people of God, isolates the clerical professionals and denies the leadership of Christ - amongst other things...
So, what's the alternative?
Well, there are probably thousands of different ways of remodelling a parish. Take Watling Valley for instance. At the moment we have a vacancy for a URC minister. There will probably be a rush to fill this vacancy with another multi-functional URC minister. If I were to leave we would also look for another multi-functional Anglican minister. Why? Because that's what everyone expects... but hang on a minute, if we were to assume that Watling Valley can afford three full-time ministers (which is just about possible) wouldn't it be more sensible to think through what we actually need and then employ/call the appropriate people?
Here's an alternative mad plan:
Let's have a couple of non-stipendiary priests or LLMs in each congregation working within a local ministry team. We'd need a couple more, but we've probably got a few likely candidates. These local ministry teams would sustain and grow the churches.
In order to sustain the local ministry teams, volunteer ministers, etc... we'll appoint one minister as "Ministry Enabler" for the whole partnership. He or she would be responsible for supporting ministers and churches.
Alongside the "Ministry Enabler" we'll appoint a "Youth Minister" and a "Pioneer Minister" who will each support teams who work in those areas. Sorted!...
Or, we could make one church a Minster and make one minister the "Leader" of a ministry team (lay and ordained) who serve the whole area...
Or, we could...
The list of possibilities are, of course, endless... (and I'm not going to push any one idea.)
We need some more radical approaches to ministerial deployment if we're going to tackle the challenges of church development and mission in postmodern Britain. It's time for a few more dreams...
A few years ago I suggested to Deanery Chapter that it would be a good idea to cut back on our parochial ministry (to what we could justify financially) and use the "spare" clergy for primary mission. I received a few blank looks - why would you want to? A few years further on and we're slowly reducing our clergy numbers to a sustainable level. In the meantime we've lost the opportunities that our relatively high numbers would have provided! We need to stop holding on to inherited expectations and start investing our "human resources" in growth.
It's time to "play churches" with a bit more courage and creativity - and hope.
"I have called you friends..."
by Kevin L. Thew Forrester
This is a wonderful little book by the Ministry Development Coordinator for the Diocese of North Michigan. It tells the story of Mutual Ministry in North Michigan (briefly) but also explores some of the underlying thought. He borrows heavily from feminist theology, and picks up Walt Winks' concept of "domination". He also hints at choas and organisation theory, implying that order emerges from chaos through a process of self-organisation. Hence church leaders should resist the temptation to impose order, since a liberated community will generate more creativity...
Although he does have a lot to say about the practicalities of Mutual Ministry, this is not a "how to" manual, so much as a "why do" introduction. Thew Forrester acknowledges that Mutual Ministry became possible to meet the needs of small rural communities, but sets out a strong and enthusiastic case for change based on a Christ-centred call for justice. Patriarchy and dominion are overcome by mutuality and awareness...
I liked this book, but recognise that the flow of his thought may not be to everyone's taste. Some of our more thoughtful reflector -theorists would probably love it, but some of my colleagues would wonder what he was talking about...
Jesus said, "I have called you friends..." Kevin Ther Forrester, would like to show us how to turn clerical domination structures into the kin-dom of heaven. Amen to that!
This is a wonderful little book by the Ministry Development Coordinator for the Diocese of North Michigan. It tells the story of Mutual Ministry in North Michigan (briefly) but also explores some of the underlying thought. He borrows heavily from feminist theology, and picks up Walt Winks' concept of "domination". He also hints at choas and organisation theory, implying that order emerges from chaos through a process of self-organisation. Hence church leaders should resist the temptation to impose order, since a liberated community will generate more creativity...
Although he does have a lot to say about the practicalities of Mutual Ministry, this is not a "how to" manual, so much as a "why do" introduction. Thew Forrester acknowledges that Mutual Ministry became possible to meet the needs of small rural communities, but sets out a strong and enthusiastic case for change based on a Christ-centred call for justice. Patriarchy and dominion are overcome by mutuality and awareness...
I liked this book, but recognise that the flow of his thought may not be to everyone's taste. Some of our more thoughtful reflector -theorists would probably love it, but some of my colleagues would wonder what he was talking about...
Jesus said, "I have called you friends..." Kevin Ther Forrester, would like to show us how to turn clerical domination structures into the kin-dom of heaven. Amen to that!
Gym
Twenty minutes on the cross-trainer, fifteen on the treadmill, ten on the rowing machine, and a few weights - and then I remembered that I hadn't had breakfast...
Monday, 9 June 2008
Collaborative Leadership
I've been trying to write about collaborative leadership today and struggling, partly because I want to keep it brief, but also because words and terms are used by different writers in very different ways...
I am still convinced by the concept of circular leadership in which each individual relates to Christ. Around the circle, all are fellow servants, exercising leadership/ministry according to gift and call. Alongside this, I do recognise the need for an individual to act as guarantor, guardian or holder of the circle - note my refusal to use the term "overall leader" which is used by John Adair and others... The person who chairs, presides or oversees must not become the leader - although he or she will lead occasionally - because if this happens, Christ is supplanted...
I was struck by the image of a diocese in the States where the bishop does all his episcopal business with a team who meet once a month - apparently it's a very small diocese. I like this idea of modelling collaborative leadership but recognise the challenge that it lays down - can I, in my "leadership" roles, create and maintain an authentic Christ-centred collaborative model?
The danger is that we slip back into the far simpler pattern of DIY - Decide it Yourself - because that's quicker and easier to do, but not as empowering for other people - and not good practice in a discipleship focussed church...
I am still convinced by the concept of circular leadership in which each individual relates to Christ. Around the circle, all are fellow servants, exercising leadership/ministry according to gift and call. Alongside this, I do recognise the need for an individual to act as guarantor, guardian or holder of the circle - note my refusal to use the term "overall leader" which is used by John Adair and others... The person who chairs, presides or oversees must not become the leader - although he or she will lead occasionally - because if this happens, Christ is supplanted...
I was struck by the image of a diocese in the States where the bishop does all his episcopal business with a team who meet once a month - apparently it's a very small diocese. I like this idea of modelling collaborative leadership but recognise the challenge that it lays down - can I, in my "leadership" roles, create and maintain an authentic Christ-centred collaborative model?
The danger is that we slip back into the far simpler pattern of DIY - Decide it Yourself - because that's quicker and easier to do, but not as empowering for other people - and not good practice in a discipleship focussed church...
Good Run
My fastest run of the year so far: 5k in 25:41 - it's been a while since I've done it this fast, although I have beaten 25:00. I think I could have pushed it a little more this morning... It might be easier on a treadmill, since I could pace it more accurately.
Sunday, 8 June 2008
False Walls
We went to Bourn today to go to church with some of our friends. It was an all age service - Patterns for Worship with sermon and children's activities. The pianist was brilliant - and delivered the sermon - his third. The girls gave this service a high score, largely, I suspect, because they had friends with them. This was a good service, but the girls' reaction confirms my suspicion that it's people and relationships that ultimately make a piece of worship work...
Which brings me to Wimpole Hall, where we had a picnic in the afternoon. There's a wonderful folly on the hill, which we really wanted to visit. After various attempts we succeeded. The great thing about it is that behind the stone façade, it's made out of bog-standard red bricks - all neatly hidden away. On one level, I was disappointed by this blatant bit of cheating, but I also enjoyed the brazen trickery of it!
Worship is a bit like the Wimpole folly, it can be made to look perfect, with all the right bits put in place, but the real measure of worship is found behind the scenes in the structure that holds it all together - the Church. The quality of the community is crucial, which is why I believe in the local church as a force for good. It doesn't need money, or massive resources to change the world. All it needs is people who love...
Which brings me to Wimpole Hall, where we had a picnic in the afternoon. There's a wonderful folly on the hill, which we really wanted to visit. After various attempts we succeeded. The great thing about it is that behind the stone façade, it's made out of bog-standard red bricks - all neatly hidden away. On one level, I was disappointed by this blatant bit of cheating, but I also enjoyed the brazen trickery of it!
Worship is a bit like the Wimpole folly, it can be made to look perfect, with all the right bits put in place, but the real measure of worship is found behind the scenes in the structure that holds it all together - the Church. The quality of the community is crucial, which is why I believe in the local church as a force for good. It doesn't need money, or massive resources to change the world. All it needs is people who love...
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Family Day
Quiet family day: gym, music centre, rain, games, Doctor Who...
...plus a couple of pages written...
...plus a couple of pages written...
Friday, 6 June 2008
Time to be
Had a great evening with Ernesto and Marie. We took the kids round for pizza and ice cream after school and had a good time together.
Some Definitions
There is a tendency to speak about a number of different movements as if they were really the same thing. I think we need to tease them apart in order to understand what we're trying to do:
Fresh Expressions: A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church. (See the Fresh Expressions web site.)
Emerging Churches: Emerging churches seek to explore and create new forms of church that both understand and challenge our emerging postmodern culture. According to Gibbs and Bolger, "Emerging Churches (1) identify with the life of Jesus, (2) transform the secular realm, and (3) live highly communal lives. Because of these three activities, they (4) welcome the stranger, (5) serve with generosity, (6) participate as producers, (7) create as created beings, (8) lead as a body, and (9) take part in spiritual activities." (See Emerging Churches, SPCK, 2006.)
Mission Project: The work of any group or community focused on (1) proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, (2) teaching, baptising and nurturing new believers, (3) responding to human need by loving service, (3) seeking to transform unjust structures of society, and/or (5) striving to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain the life of the earth. (See the Five Marks of Mission.)
While there is clearly an overlap between each of these, I think it would also be helpful to hold them apart in our thinking. While an emerging church may fulfil the criteria to be a fresh expression, a fresh expression may not necessarily be an emerging church, etc, etc...
I'm not arguing that we should focus on any one of these, or require all of our groups, communities or projects to fit each definition, but I think it may be helpful to recognise the distinctions between them so we understand what each of our activities are trying to achieve...
Fresh Expressions: A fresh expression is a form of church for our changing culture, established primarily for the benefit of people who are not yet members of any church. (See the Fresh Expressions web site.)
Emerging Churches: Emerging churches seek to explore and create new forms of church that both understand and challenge our emerging postmodern culture. According to Gibbs and Bolger, "Emerging Churches (1) identify with the life of Jesus, (2) transform the secular realm, and (3) live highly communal lives. Because of these three activities, they (4) welcome the stranger, (5) serve with generosity, (6) participate as producers, (7) create as created beings, (8) lead as a body, and (9) take part in spiritual activities." (See Emerging Churches, SPCK, 2006.)
Mission Project: The work of any group or community focused on (1) proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, (2) teaching, baptising and nurturing new believers, (3) responding to human need by loving service, (3) seeking to transform unjust structures of society, and/or (5) striving to safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain the life of the earth. (See the Five Marks of Mission.)
While there is clearly an overlap between each of these, I think it would also be helpful to hold them apart in our thinking. While an emerging church may fulfil the criteria to be a fresh expression, a fresh expression may not necessarily be an emerging church, etc, etc...
I'm not arguing that we should focus on any one of these, or require all of our groups, communities or projects to fit each definition, but I think it may be helpful to recognise the distinctions between them so we understand what each of our activities are trying to achieve...
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Befriending the Scapegoat
There is an old line about escaping from a bear. How fast do I need to run? The answer: faster than you!
For various reasons, groups and communities often feel the need to identify an individual who is the slowest runner, or the one perceived as "the problem". In a time of crisis or uncertainty this need is aggravated. The crisis can lead to "violence" between groups who could otherwise co-operate. Removing, or marginalising this scapegoat can restore peace and order within the group bringing about co-operation and general well-being - at least for a time.
I've just been reading an interesting paper by Thomas A Michael which looks at the issue of scapegoat. It's on the web: How to Scapegoat the Leader: A Refresher Course. I'll just quote his final paragraph:
"Both the authority and subordinates are fearful of chaos, so everyone demands rules, procedures, hierarchies and prohibitions to maintain order. Any member of the group who becomes too much like the leader may be accused of causing trouble. Any member who deviates too much from the norm may be singled out for scapegoating. When there is a lack of differentiation, the tendency is to search for one who is different. If the disorder becomes too widespread, so that nobody within the ranks can be singled out, then the result will be the scapegoating of the leader. It is not just because he or she is in a position of authority, but because by being in that position, the leader is Other. “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” (Shakespeare, Henry IV, part II)"
As I reflect on my experience of churches, groups and communities, I've seen this phenomenon take place a number of time, and I have to confess, have often been one of the people who was glad not to be the slowest runner when the bear is loose. How many times have I been happy that someone else was identified as "the Other" so that I had a hope of being part of the newly reconciled group?
Reconciliation through scapegoating does have some biblical resonance, but it's Christ who achieves peace by being set aside as the ultimate "Other" on whom all our "violence" is placed. He achieves peace by absorbing our weakness. Atonement could be described as a divine decision to turn and face the bear...
Within our churches, groups and organisations we do indulge in scapegoating, either consciously or unconsciously. Victims can include those perceived as a bit odd, those who's opinions are a bit "off the wall" or those who challenge our perceptions about how things should be... Bishops and other church leaders are not immune from the process. I remember Richard Holloway saying that there was a vacancy for a nutty bishop in the UK and media picked on him...
What's the Gospel message for us. Well, I suspect we start by recognising that scapegoating does happen within our organisations and that we all have a natural tendency to indulge in it - largely out of self defence (to avoid the bear). The awareness that it happens - and how it happens may help us to avoid participating in it... Perhaps we should also start to befriend our scapegoats, since a) we can't really get rid of them, and b) they are ultimately within Christ's redemptive will... Reconciliation is best achieved by hugging your goat - not abandoning it...
Of course, I also recognise that many of our clergy, and lay leaders, easily become scapegoats for the churches they serve. This is not an easy burden to bare, but is, as Thomas A. Michael suggests, an inevitable consequence of being "the Other". Perhaps this is another good argument for Mutual Ministry - or Collective Leadership - since our churches would then have to deal with one another, rather than bury the hatchet in the nearest available authority figure...
In the meantime, I'm tempted to get a t-shirt printed (there's a cartoon in here somewhere) which says "Love your Scapegoat".
For various reasons, groups and communities often feel the need to identify an individual who is the slowest runner, or the one perceived as "the problem". In a time of crisis or uncertainty this need is aggravated. The crisis can lead to "violence" between groups who could otherwise co-operate. Removing, or marginalising this scapegoat can restore peace and order within the group bringing about co-operation and general well-being - at least for a time.
I've just been reading an interesting paper by Thomas A Michael which looks at the issue of scapegoat. It's on the web: How to Scapegoat the Leader: A Refresher Course. I'll just quote his final paragraph:
"Both the authority and subordinates are fearful of chaos, so everyone demands rules, procedures, hierarchies and prohibitions to maintain order. Any member of the group who becomes too much like the leader may be accused of causing trouble. Any member who deviates too much from the norm may be singled out for scapegoating. When there is a lack of differentiation, the tendency is to search for one who is different. If the disorder becomes too widespread, so that nobody within the ranks can be singled out, then the result will be the scapegoating of the leader. It is not just because he or she is in a position of authority, but because by being in that position, the leader is Other. “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” (Shakespeare, Henry IV, part II)"
As I reflect on my experience of churches, groups and communities, I've seen this phenomenon take place a number of time, and I have to confess, have often been one of the people who was glad not to be the slowest runner when the bear is loose. How many times have I been happy that someone else was identified as "the Other" so that I had a hope of being part of the newly reconciled group?
Reconciliation through scapegoating does have some biblical resonance, but it's Christ who achieves peace by being set aside as the ultimate "Other" on whom all our "violence" is placed. He achieves peace by absorbing our weakness. Atonement could be described as a divine decision to turn and face the bear...
Within our churches, groups and organisations we do indulge in scapegoating, either consciously or unconsciously. Victims can include those perceived as a bit odd, those who's opinions are a bit "off the wall" or those who challenge our perceptions about how things should be... Bishops and other church leaders are not immune from the process. I remember Richard Holloway saying that there was a vacancy for a nutty bishop in the UK and media picked on him...
What's the Gospel message for us. Well, I suspect we start by recognising that scapegoating does happen within our organisations and that we all have a natural tendency to indulge in it - largely out of self defence (to avoid the bear). The awareness that it happens - and how it happens may help us to avoid participating in it... Perhaps we should also start to befriend our scapegoats, since a) we can't really get rid of them, and b) they are ultimately within Christ's redemptive will... Reconciliation is best achieved by hugging your goat - not abandoning it...
Of course, I also recognise that many of our clergy, and lay leaders, easily become scapegoats for the churches they serve. This is not an easy burden to bare, but is, as Thomas A. Michael suggests, an inevitable consequence of being "the Other". Perhaps this is another good argument for Mutual Ministry - or Collective Leadership - since our churches would then have to deal with one another, rather than bury the hatchet in the nearest available authority figure...
In the meantime, I'm tempted to get a t-shirt printed (there's a cartoon in here somewhere) which says "Love your Scapegoat".
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Team Meeting
Another break in the sabbatical - this time for the Ministry Team, to discuss All Saints.
Back home in time for "You've been Fired" - not suprised it was Lucinda, but thought she was a good project manager. She blew it when she needed to follow...
Back home in time for "You've been Fired" - not suprised it was Lucinda, but thought she was a good project manager. She blew it when she needed to follow...
Keith Lambdin
Went to Oxford today for a session with Keith. We discussed collaborative ministry, priesthood episcope and the deanery. Much to think about.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Gill Calver (Kent)
Today, Bev Hollins and I went down to Stapplehurst in Kent (where Bev was brought up) to meet the Rector, Gill Calver. Gill has visited the diocese the Diocese of North Michigan where they have a very well developed approach to Mutual Ministry. It was really good to compare notes on the research we've each done; comparing Auckland, Michigan, Nevada, Tasmania, Christchurch, etc... She gave us an abreviated version of the presentation she usually gives to groups in Kent, which we thoroughly enjoyed. After lunch we continued the conversation, and spent some time thinking about the developement of Mutual/Total/Local Shared Ministry in the UK. We agreed it would be good to keep in touch and possibly meet up again with others in the UK at some point...
It was a great day, although I would rather not have spent six and a half hours in the car!
It was a great day, although I would rather not have spent six and a half hours in the car!
Monday, 2 June 2008
Training Day
Most schools in MK back to work (including the college). Christ the Sower has a training day. Isla is at work and I have the kids for the day. We do some reading, Star Wars Monopoly, lunch at Morrisons and watch the Golden Compass. The girls seem to have enjoyed their day.
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Great Horwood
Today we decided to go on a trip down memory lane, visiting Great Horwood, where I lived from 1976 to 1983. Mary Saunders (who must have overlapped with us slightly) did spot me - but she works for the Diocese. A couple of people remembered our family, although many of the people in the congregation seemed to be relatively new. The Norwoods are not entirely forgotten - which seems strange to me. It was odd to go back to a place I once knew so well.In the Church I particularly remember the backs of the pillars, and the sides of the pews, which probably reflects the parts of the building I spent most time staring at during services. We went for a wander around outside and they still have the old oil tank that we used to hide behind. Either it's shrunk or I've grown - I couldn't hide behind it now....
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Race for Life
Isla ran the Race for Life with Carol today. We all went to watch. They had some difficulty starting, due to a large number of "walkers" who seemed to be in the "runners" section, but after a bit of overtaking they were able to get going. I think they enjoyed it. The weather was fine - overcast but warm. All good fun!As always I am stunned to learn that 1/3 of runners don't hand over their sponsorship money! So if you did the Race for Life this year - do remember to pay up! The running is fun, but the cash may be life saving!
Friday, 30 May 2008
Cleaning up...
We're hitting the house today giving it a jolly good clean up - after a busy half-term and in preparation for tomorrow's excitement...
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Leadership under development
One of the greatest influences on my thinking about leadership was a woman called Trish who worked for SCM in the early nineties. She was really interested in anarchistic organisational theories - which may sound slightly contradictory. She then went on to be a consultant to radical campaigning groups who wanted decision making structures to fit their egalitarian beliefs - rather than the power ethic of big business.
Her basic argument was that in order to allow each person to be heard - which is basically what an anarchist would want - you actually need tighter rather than looser structures of organisation. Anarchist organisation is not an oxymoron, it's actually essential - and prevents a slide back to "he who shouts loudest gets heard!"
She demonstrated her theory through a very neat decision making game which I've used at various time since then - once enabling a ministry team on the brink of crisis to actually talk to each other!
As I said yesterday, I believe that the Spirit is active in each person, so the leading voice of Christ can be found in each church member. This is a kind of Christian, anarchistic, democratic, pneumatological theory of leadership. Each person is a leader, whether they know it or not. Their actions, words and ideas contribute to the life of the whole - even if it is by withdrawal or abstention. The task of "leaders" is to enable the collective voice to be heard - which includes the voice of minorities or individuals. This is not majority rule - all must be heard, since it is often through the forgotten or seemingly unimportant that Christ's Word can be received. The Magnificat is a great warning to those who seek power or control.
I've just been reading the chapter on leadership in "Emerging Churches" which talks about participation, gifting, servant leadership, leading as a body, etc... It's made me reflect on our journey in Watling Valley. When John left there was a general desire to reform the Ministry Team as a "leaderless group" - that was the majority view. In the end we decided to have a Team Chair/Leader - which is the role I found myself in. From the beginning this was a challenging appointment since I was tasked with facilitating or enabling collective leadership in the Team without acting as a leader. Over time I developed a number of techniques for doing this, including listening, chairing, structuring conversations, reflecting back, etc... I also did a certain amount of "servant leadership" - through the Service Planning, central admin, etc... Through it all I made many, many mistakes as I found myself slipping into traditional roles, or taking the easy options. At the end of this period I think I've learnt a lot about collaborative leadership whether I was any good at making it happen or not.
I've also used a non-directive approach to leadership in a number of churches - which has not always been fun. Refusing to act as the mediator or ultimate authority can be unpopular with people who want you to impose their will on other people! Ultimately I agree with Rolland Allen who insists we "tell it to the church" - rather than sort it out for them.
The negative side of non-directive, facilitative leadership is that you can be seen as weak. The negative side of enabling and empowering ministry is that you are no-longer seen as the hero. More and more, I find myself less central to the stories of ministry that I'm involved in. Others get the praise, the status or the respect. I begin to wonder if people think I'm any good myself? All this, of course, is the necessary side effect of "lifting up the humble" and "bringing down the mighty from their thrones". We would all like to be the downtrodden poor who get lifted up, but sometimes we need to be the rich who are sent empty away. As an ordained, professional minister, "I must decrease that he may increase" - to borrow the words of John the Baptist.
So what is leadership in the church today? It is, I believe, the gift of each church member, but some individuals will act as focusses of that leadership at particular times. We all have our "leadership moments" so to speak. There are some, however, who are called to make that collective leadership possible. This is a challenging and sacrificial calling which involves a real responsibility to listen for the authentic voice of Christ - wherever it may be found..
Power does corrupt, but through the grace of Christ leaders can lay it down at his feet, perhaps recovering their own lives in the process...
Her basic argument was that in order to allow each person to be heard - which is basically what an anarchist would want - you actually need tighter rather than looser structures of organisation. Anarchist organisation is not an oxymoron, it's actually essential - and prevents a slide back to "he who shouts loudest gets heard!"
She demonstrated her theory through a very neat decision making game which I've used at various time since then - once enabling a ministry team on the brink of crisis to actually talk to each other!
As I said yesterday, I believe that the Spirit is active in each person, so the leading voice of Christ can be found in each church member. This is a kind of Christian, anarchistic, democratic, pneumatological theory of leadership. Each person is a leader, whether they know it or not. Their actions, words and ideas contribute to the life of the whole - even if it is by withdrawal or abstention. The task of "leaders" is to enable the collective voice to be heard - which includes the voice of minorities or individuals. This is not majority rule - all must be heard, since it is often through the forgotten or seemingly unimportant that Christ's Word can be received. The Magnificat is a great warning to those who seek power or control.
I've just been reading the chapter on leadership in "Emerging Churches" which talks about participation, gifting, servant leadership, leading as a body, etc... It's made me reflect on our journey in Watling Valley. When John left there was a general desire to reform the Ministry Team as a "leaderless group" - that was the majority view. In the end we decided to have a Team Chair/Leader - which is the role I found myself in. From the beginning this was a challenging appointment since I was tasked with facilitating or enabling collective leadership in the Team without acting as a leader. Over time I developed a number of techniques for doing this, including listening, chairing, structuring conversations, reflecting back, etc... I also did a certain amount of "servant leadership" - through the Service Planning, central admin, etc... Through it all I made many, many mistakes as I found myself slipping into traditional roles, or taking the easy options. At the end of this period I think I've learnt a lot about collaborative leadership whether I was any good at making it happen or not.
I've also used a non-directive approach to leadership in a number of churches - which has not always been fun. Refusing to act as the mediator or ultimate authority can be unpopular with people who want you to impose their will on other people! Ultimately I agree with Rolland Allen who insists we "tell it to the church" - rather than sort it out for them.
The negative side of non-directive, facilitative leadership is that you can be seen as weak. The negative side of enabling and empowering ministry is that you are no-longer seen as the hero. More and more, I find myself less central to the stories of ministry that I'm involved in. Others get the praise, the status or the respect. I begin to wonder if people think I'm any good myself? All this, of course, is the necessary side effect of "lifting up the humble" and "bringing down the mighty from their thrones". We would all like to be the downtrodden poor who get lifted up, but sometimes we need to be the rich who are sent empty away. As an ordained, professional minister, "I must decrease that he may increase" - to borrow the words of John the Baptist.
So what is leadership in the church today? It is, I believe, the gift of each church member, but some individuals will act as focusses of that leadership at particular times. We all have our "leadership moments" so to speak. There are some, however, who are called to make that collective leadership possible. This is a challenging and sacrificial calling which involves a real responsibility to listen for the authentic voice of Christ - wherever it may be found..
Power does corrupt, but through the grace of Christ leaders can lay it down at his feet, perhaps recovering their own lives in the process...
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
The problem of ecclesiatstical language
I've been thinking about ministry again today - in particular the key principles of ministry as it develops in the twenty first century. Not too big a job then!
I've also been thinking of some of the odd conversations I've had over the years that have tended to indicate that I wasn't always speaking quite the same language as the people around me. We have some funny words, like "service" which can sound like a function provided as part of a religious service industry, or can imply a deep call to seek the good of another person. I have often been struck by the fact that Jesus came to serve and yet his greatest act of "service" was to die for people who didn't want anything to do with him. When we ask people how they would like us to "serve" them, we may be missing something...
And then there's leadership... I was fascinated by the way a number of people connected our Growing Leaders course with leading worship. Having done it twice I can confirm that there is nothing in the course about leading worship, and yet it seems that our concept of church leadership is intertwined with the function of leading worship - but I still can't see why it should be... although there are some interesting links between liturgical role and community function. Of course, it all depends on what you mean by leadership. I still have this sneaking suspicion that all God's people are leaders - my pneumatological, democratic leanings are still there... If the Spirit is present in each member, then the Spirit will speak through each member - what, therefore, is the function of those we call leaders?
Anyway, I'm rambling... The basic issue is that the words we use can be really tricky. I say one thing, and I know what I mean, but another person may use the same words in completely different ways - and then, of course, there are exceptions and complications which may be more important to some people than others. Navigating your way through such a fog of meaning can be quite tricky. I've often had the experience with some of my ministry team colleagues (naming no names) of saying one thing and then be attacked for what I hadn't said...
Of course there are times when I have chosen to be naughty with words. I went for a job once and was asked by one of the interviewers what I thought was wrong with the world. I kind of sensed that he wanted me to talk about sin, but I suddenly felt disinclined to use the S word. I'm not sure why, looking back. Maybe I felt it was too easy to drop in a throwaway line about sin, faith and justification. The evangelical in me could easily produce the words, but my post-evangelical side wouldn't let me... Oh words... Didn't get the job, by the way - but it was only a gap year thing.
I've also been thinking of some of the odd conversations I've had over the years that have tended to indicate that I wasn't always speaking quite the same language as the people around me. We have some funny words, like "service" which can sound like a function provided as part of a religious service industry, or can imply a deep call to seek the good of another person. I have often been struck by the fact that Jesus came to serve and yet his greatest act of "service" was to die for people who didn't want anything to do with him. When we ask people how they would like us to "serve" them, we may be missing something...
And then there's leadership... I was fascinated by the way a number of people connected our Growing Leaders course with leading worship. Having done it twice I can confirm that there is nothing in the course about leading worship, and yet it seems that our concept of church leadership is intertwined with the function of leading worship - but I still can't see why it should be... although there are some interesting links between liturgical role and community function. Of course, it all depends on what you mean by leadership. I still have this sneaking suspicion that all God's people are leaders - my pneumatological, democratic leanings are still there... If the Spirit is present in each member, then the Spirit will speak through each member - what, therefore, is the function of those we call leaders?
Anyway, I'm rambling... The basic issue is that the words we use can be really tricky. I say one thing, and I know what I mean, but another person may use the same words in completely different ways - and then, of course, there are exceptions and complications which may be more important to some people than others. Navigating your way through such a fog of meaning can be quite tricky. I've often had the experience with some of my ministry team colleagues (naming no names) of saying one thing and then be attacked for what I hadn't said...
Of course there are times when I have chosen to be naughty with words. I went for a job once and was asked by one of the interviewers what I thought was wrong with the world. I kind of sensed that he wanted me to talk about sin, but I suddenly felt disinclined to use the S word. I'm not sure why, looking back. Maybe I felt it was too easy to drop in a throwaway line about sin, faith and justification. The evangelical in me could easily produce the words, but my post-evangelical side wouldn't let me... Oh words... Didn't get the job, by the way - but it was only a gap year thing.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Making and Sticking
Isla was at work today so I spent a very productive day with the girls. We went to Ikea for breakfast where we bought a new desk for ten pounds and a couple of swivel chairs - one red, one blue. After a quick trip into town, we returned to the house for an entertaining afternoon of flat-pack construction.
I had just completed a major sort of my study, so had created a nice space for them to use. It was perfect for the new desk. They spent the rest of the afternoon doing craft in my study - a small zoo of fuzzy creatures was created...
Monday, 26 May 2008
A Damp Cub Camp
This day was dominated by the collection of cubs from a very damp camp. Mud everywhere. The clean-up will last for days!
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Mursley
This is the first Sunday in my sabbatical when we haven't had something planned, so we decided to do church. I did a quick scan of "Church near you" to find a service in one of the villages outside Milton Keynes. Only one of the churches I looked at had included full details of the services at a time we could make, so we headed off to Mursley.
I knew the previous rector and curate fairly well but have yet to meet the new guy. He now has five villages to contend with, so was off somewhere else doing communion (I guess).
The family service was small but friendly, with a great feeling of community. We could tell that people knew each other pretty well but were also willing to pounce on us as visitors - "Who are you visiting?". The service was led by one of the church wardens and her husband who between them delivered an engaging piece of all age worship with a sermon which was clearly part of a series on the creed. Music was provided by two younger people with guitar and violin.
Obviously in a small community like this you are not going to get a seven piece rock band and a nationally recognized preacher, etc, etc... This was a small local congregation not a mega church - but it was good to see the church doing what it does best - building deep, committed local Christian community. More churches like this, please!
The church warden's husband was pleased to hear that I'd found them through "A Church Near You" since he'd only got the password two weeks ago...
Friday, 23 May 2008
Night out with the boys
I tried again to organise a dads' night out. There's always some enthusiasm about the idea of a curry night, but no-one seems to have the time or the energy. Three of us managed to go to Stony last night and had a good evening. It is important to create space for this kind of thing but really hard to make it happen. I'll try again soon...
Iona "Newton" in a Collar
Today's school collective worship was based on year 4's trip to Olney this week. They had taken part in one of the wonderful days produced by Duncan Barnes, Bridgebuilder, etc... about John Newton and the Slave Trade. I had seen a bit of the drama (at Trinity Fishermead last year) and must say they have produced a very splendid package.
Iona dressed up as John Newton (in one of my clerical shirts!). She did a super take of John Newton at his desk.
It was a good assembly and I'm a proud parent - but it was a bit odd to see my daughter in vicar gear...
Thursday, 22 May 2008
Early up - Six miles again
Was woken at 3 this morning by a badly behaved mp3 player. Couldn't get back to sleep so finished off the first draft of my write up on ministerial theology. It was good to feel I'd achieved something.
Ran another six miles - not in the rain this time - a few minutes faster than last week. Sore legs...
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Wednesday Morning
It's sunny but cool in Milton Keynes. I've been to the gym again and braved the torture machines and the cross trainer. My aim today is to finish the writing I started on Monday. Time for some concentration!
The danger, of course, when you're sitting at your desk is that the world wide web is only one mouse click away...
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Drive-Through Church
Here's a great video from the US demonstrating the potential of drive-through church. This is what happens when you get what you want...
New ways of being gym
Went to the gym today and tried to change my work out. I was brave and experimented with some of the strange torture machines with weights attached - I think I remembered my induction training...
I was aware today that I'm comparing myself with those around me. It intrigues me that I seem to have this inbuilt need to compete or lead - is it not possible to merely belong? As usual with such experiments, I'm learning more about myself and about church than I am about other people...
I've spent most of the day working on the question of priesthood. This has been a big theme of my discussions with others over the past year, since it has an impact not only on the ordained ministry but on a useful theology of lay/shared ministry. I've been trying today to put some thoughts down on paper, but struggling to do it concisely. After a few hours of concentration I need a break but may go back to it later...
Monday, 19 May 2008
Ministry-shaped Questions...
I spent most of today wrestling with a thorny question, principally the need for an appropriate theology of ministry to help us with developing shared ministry in MK. It's not as easy as you think.
As far as I can see most approaches are either dualist - dividing the visible church from the invisible, the professional from the lay - or functional - identifying different roles for different individuals. There is also a tendency to focus on the "minister shaped hole" believed to be at the heart of every church...
Hence Robin Greenwood gives us an excellent theology of priesthood and our own John Pritchard tells us how it should work. I've also been looking at some fascinating books from the 1980s which are still relevant in many ways, but a million miles from the kind of collaborative ministry that we need to build...
I am drawn to Steven Crofts', Ministry in Three Dimensions, but am inclined to develop his concept of three "dimensions" as a model for understanding the expression of Christ's ministry through all creation - as a circle rather than a box...
As you can see, I'm having fun!
This evening it was time for another non-sabbatical activity - a wedding interview that should have happened a few weeks ago. It was a good session.
Running
Run: 3miles in 27:41
too much BBQ food on Sunday (and pimms, wine, cream, ice-cream, crumble and chocolate with Solloways...)
Popped into school. Anne and Tracy said I seemed to have recovered my bounce!
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Sunday Scouts
As I continue to find out how the other half live, today we once again avoided normal church life and opted instead to join a scout treasure hunt. This turned out to be a mad drive through the wilds of north Bucks following clues as we went. You'll be pleased to know that there were some ecclesiastical elements to the journey:
Which road in Little Horwood might the Vicar live on? (actually I happen to know that the Vicar of Little Horwood is the Rector of Mursley) - Church Street.
Who made this tree (photo provided) famous in Stony Stratford? Wesley (Unfortunately the photographed tree has been removed).
Where is the home of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? - Holy Trinity Wolverton (the Car park was full so there must have been someone in).
We finished at the Quarries Scout Camp where I helped with the BBQ - swapping my normal Sunday Communion Table for a flaming altar of meat. I'm sure I was more in diaconal that priestly mode... but ministry was performed...
We weren't the only potential church attenders present (names and addresses will be provided to the appropriate Bishops).
Once again there were interesting parallels with usual Sunday practice. A group of people met, engaged in an activity through which learning took place. They ate corporately and tried to make small talk. Some people knew each other better than others and there was an inner group with their own established code of language and behaviour. Belonging could be achieved by making yourself useful - hence the cooking gear.
What am I learning about church and culture? - lots! How do I feel about it? - a bit confused...
How do we as Christians step out of our boxes and connect with the world around us? Does high-maintenance church prevent us from doing so? You tell me...
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Fresh Expressions of Gym
Saturday gym visit: Running - 20mins at 11kph and Rowing - 5k in 26mins.
This is my third Saturday morning gym session.
At CRE this week Mike went to a Fresh Expressions talk where he was challenged to think about stepping into unfamiliar territory. The woman leading the session said she had asked a friend to church. The friend couldn't come, but invited her to Bingo. She went along and found it an alien experience; not knowing what to do and how to behave. She compared this to the experience of a visitor in church. Mike was quite taken with this image and wondered if it would be a good challenge for a congregation? - go to a place you wouldn't normally visit and see what it feels like.
Going to the gym has been this kind of experience for me. I was very uncertain when I went for the induction, feeling like a fish out of water. Everyone else seemed younger - or fitter - and obviously knew what they were doing... Even after three weeks I feel very self-conscious - am I too fat or too slow? Am I doing the exercises in the right order? Am I wearing the right thing?
As I track my weight, time and speed, I also ought to track my inculturation. Am I becoming part of this "community" of body-improvers? What sort of community is it? What does it teach me about church? Lots to ponder
After Sunday
I've just been looking at the web site of an organisation called After Sunday. It focusses on the vocation of Christians to serve God in their normal lives. It looks quite helpful, but I only had a brief look. Check it out for yourself.
When I was living and working in a Root Group in Southampton I was, for a while, the one who worked full-time to support the group (and pay off our debt). At the time, some of my fellow Rooties thought I was missing out, but I soon came to realise that I was learning more about being a Christian in my working life than I was in church. As a library assistant I learnt how to serve joyfully - with a focus on the needs of another rather than my need to get the job done. As a monorail driver (!) I was a chaplain to the line - stopping off at the stations to cheer up and encourage the hard-trodden staff...
At the time I wanted to explore spirituality in the work place more, but there were no organisations to help me. I joined one but it wasn't quite what I was looking for.
As the Church we need to refocus our attention on those who are the Church in the World - there's a great Dave Walker cartoon on the After Sunday site which I can't reproduce - go have a look...
Friday, 16 May 2008
Clergy Stress: Childcare vs. Ministry?
Today's Church Times contained the following question: Are there guidelines for stipendiary clergy (male and female) with a working spouse and young children about the ratio of their "Parish" to their "childcare" time?
Isla was witness to my initial response - which wasn't polite!
This question brought to mind a colleague who was criticised for not working hard enough, although he was active in the "parish" during the day and the evening. His "boss" came up with the innovative idea that the "ladies of the parish" come to the house in the early evening to help his wife with bathing and putting the children to bed - then he could be available for "parish" work all day! How's that for thinking outside the box!
I'm sure better legal brains will be able to give a more accurate answer to this question, but my response would be something like this:
No, there are no guidelines for stipendiary clergy about the ratio of time they give to the church and the to their family, but they must take both responsibilities seriously. They are both callings under God. Clergy also have a duty to study, meet God in prayer and look after themselves - enabling them to be effective servants of Christ and "fully alive" human beings. They are not bond-servants to the PCC but love-servants of Christ and must prioritise this calling expressed through the catholic witness of the Church.
Clergy must do their job (and will be called to account if they are neglectful) but this accountability must also consider reasonable working hours and good practice. I was once encouraged to think in terms of working 40 hours per week (equivalent to a normal employee) and volunteer a further 20 (because that's what church members do(!)). If a minister cannot fulfill their "duties" within this time-scale the fault is with the post not the individual!
I suspect a very human story lies behind this question. My instinct is to side with the minister against a dehumanising campaign of bullying and emotional blackmail. I could be wrong in my assessment of the situation, but I've been around long enough to fear that I'm probably right... My prayers are with the family in the firing line.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Back to the Sabbatical
Spent most of the day writing. It was good to get back to the main sabbatical project.
My aim at the moment is to write a first draft - 11,000 words so far...
The Future of the Parish System
edited by Steven Croft
If you're looking for one book about the development of the church in England then this may be the book for you. It contains a series of essays by some of the key thinkers in current debates about Fresh Expressions, Church and Society, Mission, Ministry, etc... Graham Cray, Grace Davie, George Lings, Michael Moynagh, and others, who provide good summaries of their thoughts about particular subjects (or rather summaries of their books). In a couple of instances they actually expand on what they have said elsewhere, developing their thinking in new and intriguing ways... Worth a read...
I particularly like Steven Croft's proposal for a set of key Anglican Values:
- a commitment to Scripture
- a commitment to the dominical sacraments of baptism and Eucharist
- a commitment to listening to the whole of Christian tradition and seeing that tradition expressed in the historic creeds
- a commitment to the ministry and mission of the whole people of God and to the ordering of ministry through the threefold order of deacons, priests and bishops
- a commitment to the mission of God to the whole of creation and to the whole of our society as defined and described in the Anglican Communion's five marks of mission
Now that's a Covenant I'd be happy to sign!
Ministry in the Local Church
Edited by Howard Belben, 1986
I've been challenged to look seriously at Methodist thinking about Local Ministry, so when I saw this book in SPCK in Cambridge (quite an achievement to find a book in SPCK these days) I picked it up.
It's a collection of essays about local ministry from a variety of methodist theologians and practitioners, including my old New Testament prof, I. Howard Marshall. His essay was the most interesting and I've already passed it to few others to look at. It's basically a challenge to traditional concepts of ordination which raises some very significant questions. He points out that many people in the NT were set aside for particular ministries through the laying on of hands. Why do we limit such "ordinations" to a few "professionals"?
He was writing in 1986, of course, but this is a useful discussion to run alongside Steven Croft's Ministry in Three Dimensions, which focusses on a dynamic understanding the traditional "orders" of deacons, presbyters and bishops (1999).
Six miles in the rain
We decided to go on a six mile run this morning as part of Isla's preparation for the Race for Life. This seemed like a really good idea until we got to Emerson Valley and the heavens opened. We were so wet, it was like running with weights.
Despite the elements being against us, we made it round in about an hour; wet but pleased to have done it.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Sandown again
This was the second and final day of my sojourn with Scripture Union at Christian Resources - another two and a half hour drive to Sandown Park to talk about SU resources in the Royal Box.
I met Dave Walker from the Church Times (who does those funny cartoons) and tried to introduce him to Light for the Lectionary - in the hope that a few more anglicans might find out about it...
It was a good day, filled with interesting encounters. I'm already looking forward to next year...
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Christian Resources
As part of my sabbatical I was invited to join the Scripture Union team at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park. We spent the day in the air-conditioned Royal Box talking to people about their work with children and young people. We were also trying to promote the new online resource LightLive which makes all of their regular youth and children's work material available for free online. To help us with this we had a computer set up with a (very slow) mobile connection.
It was great to meet all sorts of interesting people who are trying to develop their work. I met one older couple who were hoping to put on an all-age service in their village church. I also spoke to a pentecostal pastors wife about their hope to move their congregation on from 1950s pentecostal worship - isn't it interesting that these themes are repeated across denominations? All in all a useful day - I hope...
CRE is an interesting event. I only had a short opportunity to roam but it's always astonishing to take in the massive variety of resources and projects that Christians are involved in. You can come away feeling overwhelmed by the range of things that you are not doing (or failing to do) or you can be inspired to try something you've never thought of before. I came away with a bit of both - and a pile of bargain books...
Monday, 12 May 2008
I'm a winner!
Blogging finally pays off! I have won ten tshirts from Webjam - the system I've been looking at for a number of possible uses. All I had to do was update my profile before May 1st and I'm now one of the five winners. Is it too geeky to wear a tshirt saying "I'm a Webjammer"?
Local Shared Ministry
A very good Project Group meeting today. We spent time looking at action plans in connection with our new remit.
Run
Ran 3 miles in 27 minutes. I'm beginning to get my speed back but need to do a few longer runs for endurance - or drink less beer...
New Minister Appointed
Today we had the good news that Nick (the visiting URC minister) has agreed to come as the next Chaplain at Christ the Sower. Good News!
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Friday, 9 May 2008
Preach with a View Weekend
Today marks the beginning of the "Preach with a View" weekend for our URC Special Category Minister. The candidate's first challenge was to lead collective worship at Christ the Sower School this morning. This is a key element of the weekend because (if called) he will be the chaplain.
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Visit from Eastern Europe
Dave visited this afternoon and bought some trousers.We learnt all about Prague, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna and Ischia.
He brought the girls some chocolate carrots from Italy!
Ministry in Three Dimensions
by Steven Croft
Steven Croft is currently well known for his work in fresh expressions, but he's also penned a number of extremely helpful books, including Transforming Communities which I loved...
This book is about ministry and contains some very helpful wisdom - which I wish I had read back in 1999 when this was published. It's a great statement of vision about ordained ministry in the local church and really should be a "must read" for all clergy.
His central message is that ministry should always be seen in three dimensions, following the pattern of the traditional three-fold ministry: diakonia, presbyteral ministry and episcope. He explores each in depth and successfully weaves them together, suggesting that all three are needed in the local church in one form or another. Ministers need a "portfolio approach" which adopts different aspects of these callings at different times and in different ways.
While I loved the book, I was disappointed by the focus on individual, ordained ministry. Although Steven Croft talks about lay people and does say a lot about how the minister might share their ministry with others, I felt that this book ultimately stops short of delivering a coherent vision for a fully collaborative local church. It was helpful, but my gut feeling is we need more...
Six Miles
I went for a three mile run at 7:30 this morning. Isla then wanted me to run home with her. I have now done 6.5 miles today. (Not fast)
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
The Substance of Church
I went to see the Cramps this morning for home communion - I know I'm not supposed to be working but they couldn't give me time last week. The number of jobs still hanging over from pre-sabbatical work is slowly diminishing...
I had a very interesting conversation today with John Punshon (Quaker historian and conveener of the MK Theology Forum). He wanted to discuss the remit of the Theology Forum in relation to its work on Local Shared Ministry.
The issue that they are wrestling with is how we can develop Local Shared Ministry in an ecumenical context. Each denomination has a different approach to ministry which is both functional and theological. This makes it extremely difficult to develop coherent and radical local practice. It's easier to go for a lowest common denominator approach - what must you do, rather than what can you do.
John's suggestion was that the Theology Forum look at the way different traditions express the same basic features of church in their own way. By doing so, it may be possible to give LSM Ministry Units a bit more clarity about how they relate to the wider church and how they exercise their own ministry... Some simple guidelines may be produced.
I look forward to seeing how this work progresses...
After coffee with John, I went to the gym and rowed another 5k and ran for another 20 minutes. Home to do some SU work until it was time for bed.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Getting Fresh
This is the first proper day of my "study leave" but was fairly familiar.
I started the day with a three mile run, then tackled the emails piling up in my computer. I had a long conversation on the phone with Mary Coates about churches, and then attended a meeting in Oxford.
Although this sounds like an ordinary working day, there were some important differences:
1. I had time to get to Oxford in plenty of time, so was able to raid a useful library. I came away with four interesting books which will be very helpful...
2. The meeting was the Fresh Expressions Oversight Group (technically part of my sabbatical programme). We discussed a rather useful list of questions to be considered when looking at Pioneer Ministry - not "guidelines" as such, but ways of making sure that those involved connect with the right people and groups. I thought this was a very useful meeting and could become really significant for future conversations in MK and beyond...
3. When I got home at half past five I didn't have to do any more work! Alleluia! I have forgotten the joy of evenings. I mowed the grass, watched and episode of Monk and went to bed. Very nice.
Monday, 5 May 2008
May Day
Bank Holiday Monday: We went for a walk at Stowe, with picnic and a long sit in the sun... lovely...
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Party for me!
My first Sunday on sabbatical!
I had the choice that most of our members/attenders have every week. Do I go to church or do something with the family. I chose family.
We had a great party with the Solloways and Catherills (who had also skipped church) organised by Jane to celebrate my sabbatical. We had a great time with lots of good food.
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Saturday
This is the first full day when I'm officially on sabbatical - hooray!
In fact it was like any other quiet Saturday without a wedding or special event.
We did music centre and Iona had a birthday party. I cut the grass.
In the morning I had my first proper visit to the local gym. I ran for 20 minutes and rowed 5k.
The big difference was that I didn't feel the need to check emails and deal with a dozen minor items of admin - the normal process of sneaking work in around family life... An I didn't feel the faintest bit guilty - well, not much anyway...
We took Izzy in to see the Colectomania stalls. She was excited to see anything to do with Star Wars. I bought the Trivial Pursuit Star Wars set for £5 and we played it with Iona in the afternoon. We nearly finished the game before Doctor Who started. It was the second part of a Sontaran story. I've been looking forward to seeing Sontarans since the new run of Doctor Who started. They were my monster as a child. The first Doctor Who monster I remember and the one I hid behind the sofa to avoid. Great fun!
Friday, 2 May 2008
Ken Moore
It was the first official day of my sabbatical today. We went for a run on the way back from school and then popped into town.
The main event of the day was Ken's funeral which was quite an event.
Chris Purdue's funeral also took place today.
The main event of the day was Ken's funeral which was quite an event.
Chris Purdue's funeral also took place today.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Time to go
Went for a three mile run this morning - my first since we went to France and I got a cold. Still not feeling great and my running reflected this - not quick.
Met Chirs Batten from the Methodist Circuit this morning for "wide-ranging talks" as they say on TV... It was good to catch up and think together about the next stage of our shared history in Milton Keynes...
This afternoon we had a good Local Shared Ministry Project Group Meeting. We tidied up our proposal for the Exec next week - a new remit for the group which will make it a more active project in MK - very exciting!
I am involved in no-less than four major proposals that will all be put forward while I'm away: LSM, Miniterial Support in LEPs, Strategic Planning in the Deanery, and the creation of a part-time Area Dean post - all big and interesting projects... I hope people remember to let me know what happens....
This evening was my farewell service - combined with Ascension Day festivities. Jesus went on sabbatical on the first Ascension Day - after all, he did promise to come back! Mins will only be three months and I'm not going anywhere...
We celebrated with Bucks Fiz and non-alcoholic drink served by an ecclesiastical barman (above). Time to go...
Met Chirs Batten from the Methodist Circuit this morning for "wide-ranging talks" as they say on TV... It was good to catch up and think together about the next stage of our shared history in Milton Keynes...
This afternoon we had a good Local Shared Ministry Project Group Meeting. We tidied up our proposal for the Exec next week - a new remit for the group which will make it a more active project in MK - very exciting!
I am involved in no-less than four major proposals that will all be put forward while I'm away: LSM, Miniterial Support in LEPs, Strategic Planning in the Deanery, and the creation of a part-time Area Dean post - all big and interesting projects... I hope people remember to let me know what happens....
This evening was my farewell service - combined with Ascension Day festivities. Jesus went on sabbatical on the first Ascension Day - after all, he did promise to come back! Mins will only be three months and I'm not going anywhere...We celebrated with Bucks Fiz and non-alcoholic drink served by an ecclesiastical barman (above). Time to go...
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