Spiritual Foundations of Congregational Leadership

Congregational leaders are invited to think about governance in terms of spiritual discernment, cooperative focus and deep listening.

In this workshop, participants will:

• Explore the idea that the single most important capacity that congregational governing boards must seek to develop is that of listening to God, one another and themselves. They can then respond more effectively to what they discern.
• Examine the richness of the voices (inside and outside the church) and the necessity of hearing those voices in our governing activities.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between listening deeply and acting effectively.

Being part of a governing board is an invitation to hear God’s call for shaping the work of the congregation. Board leaders can effectively discern their roles and lead their faith communities to respond to God’s invitation and the needs of the community and of the world, rather than getting sidetracked by hierarchy, control, task accomplishment and Robert’s Rules.

The workshop’s four segments are:

• Why we seek to lead, organize, and govern in the way we do;
• The critical role of listening together;
• The experiences of others who have sought change;
• Re-imagining governance.

Workshop facilitator Donald Zimmer draws from his rich and diverse background in scripture, science, spiritual formation, the military, private business, and contemporary leadership studies. He also highlights the experiences of 111 church leaders from 21 denominations to challenge congregations to see the crucial function of governing with new eyes.  Zimmer is a teacher, artist, spiritual director and mentor to leaders in congregations, education and business. He holds a doctor of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary.

The workshop is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Zionsville Presbyterian Church, 4775 W. 116th St. in Zionsville and Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Unity of Fort Wayne Spiritual Center, 3232 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. The cost is $30 a person, or $25 a person for congregational teams of three or more registered together. This fee includes lunch and a copy of Zimmer’s book Leadership and Listening. Events limited to Indiana congregations.