Moving forward with “Leadership Training”
On the basketball court there are ten players each having their particular assignment. Each team has two forwards, two guards and a center. One of the guards is commonly referred to as the point guard. The point guard generally handles the ball and runs the floor, making sure he/she knows where the other team members are at all times so they can be in a position to get the ball for the score. Also, the guard needs to be able to see the entire floor while keeping in mind that the score must be made, always looking for the forwards, the center and the other guard or taking the shot him/her self. Further, the guard must anticipate constantly what the next play is while thinking five minutes ahead as to how he/she needs to set up the play.
The point guard is a leader with the skills and insight to make things happen.
The point Guard constantly practices to insure they are running the court with the outcome-scoring the point. My desire for the Southeast Conference pastors and spiritual leaders is that we have the skills and spiritual fortitude to lead our congregations to make things happen that will honor God and nurture churches and communities. This will help us “score” big with God; and help us win with our churches and the communities. I believe that if pastors/leaders are to lead with the “point guard mindset” they must constantly be on the learning and self-improvement curve.
One of the initiatives that we will push this year is the leadership cohort. The leadership cohort is designed to select ten pastors and credentialed ministers from across the Southeast Conference and put them in a learning community. Together they will foster and enhance leadership skills and be better informed about “best practices”. This leadership cohort will help these leaders to create healthy practices that enrich their ministry and vocation. Additionally, it will help them to develop and improve on spiritual rhythms, both personally and professionally.
This will be an intentionally selected community led by Dan Pietrzyk and funded primarily by the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Grant. The cohort will last for six months, starting in October 2009 and ending in April 2010. The first ten participants will be given an invitation by the SEC Superintendent. You will hear more about this at the upcoming SEC Ministerium meeting in April and at the SEC Annual meeting.
Keep the faith, and move in the power of His Might!
