Enabling your leaders in their future ministry
Explore Huron University's Licentiate in Theology Program church leaders courses: https://huronu.ca/programs/theology/life-long-learning/
GROWING BEYOND THE DOORS
By Rev. Canon Grayhame Bowcott
VESTRY SEASON is upon us! And one of the challenges that many congregations dread each year is the process of finding leaders to serve in the capacity of Church Wardens, Treasurers, Administrators and Counsellors.
Some congregations are very small, and so the opportunities to find new leaders, often seeking to relieve those who have served for many years, can be a burdensome responsibility for both clergy and congregations.
Throughout our Vestry season transitions, it is important that we hold fast to the practices of prayer and of ministry discernment. Holding fast to the belief that God has a plan for each of our congregations, and that He is always raising up leaders for Christian ministry and service all around us. Vestry season, therefore, becomes an annual time of discernment within the Church.
Congregations would be well served to include prayers of discernment in their normal worship services. Not only do these prayers express our needs and concerns to God, but they also cause us to reflect on where God is calling us, personally, to put our faith into action within the wider life of the Church.
A simple prayer, included within the Prayers of the People, might serve to both inspire and encourage individuals who have the right gifts for service, but who might be hesitant to step forward. An example might be: God of calling and vocation, we give thanks for the leaders who have faithfully stewarded this congregation for generations past. In our upcoming Vestry season, help us to raise up leaders to shepherd us into the future. Enable those who have the seeds of leadership planted in their hearts to have the resources and encouragement they need to step into new ministries, and may each of us find our own way to serve You, and this congregation, as we follow in the footsteps of your Son, Jesus Christ. This we ask, in His name. Amen.
All baptized Christians are called to offer their gifts to the Church in some way. Within each congregation is the capacity to raise up the necessary leadership gifts to meet the ministry needs of the year. However, not all leaders choose to step into this calling. Some are hesitant because they feel they lack certain skills or training necessary to do the ministries that God is calling them to.
Equipping future leaders for their service in ministry is one of the missional priorities of our Diocese – to be a Learning Church. In support of this priority, the Diocese of Huron has sponsored a subscription service with Huron University’s Licentiate in Theology Program. This subscription allows for any church leader in the diocese to access theological training and ministry courses, hosted online outside of the 9-5 work hours, free of charge!
Among the many courses being offered are a series of Parish Administration and Leadership training courses especially designed for Wardens, Treasurers and Administrators. These courses, hosted over three Saturdays (once a month in April, May and June), provide new ministry leaders with all the tools they need to be both confident and successful in their ministry. Students enrolled in these courses also receive a video recording of their lectures to allow for them to review and consult the materials at any time throughout the year. Graduates of these courses are currently serving in various ministries throughout the Diocese of Huron, made possible through the coaching and mentorship that they have received from their instructors and classmates. Any current or future church leaders seeking to explore these courses can find them at: https://huronu.ca/programs/theology/life-long-learning/
Best wishes to each and every congregation in our Diocese as we enter into Vestry Season. Remember to hold fast to prayer and to ask God to unlock the vocational potential that is inherent in each of us.
Rev. Canon Dr. Grayhame Bowcott is passionate about fostering congregational relationships and sharing our Anglican vocation with others. He serves as Rector of St. George’s, The Parish of The Blue Mountains, and as Program Director for the Licentiate in Theology program at Huron University.