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How Can We Lead Effectively
In A Changing World?

First Lesson:
Listen!

If you’ve ever been in a situation where others follow your example
or suggestions, you’ve experienced what it is to be a leader. No
followers, no leader! Followers follow the leader.

The United Reformed Church, in every Synod, is facing similar
grave issues – highlighted in the Theos report. Numbers are
declining, and congregations are aging – as with so many other
denominations. Our buildings aren’t getting any younger either, nor
are they becoming cheaper to run. In short, our Church needs a
fresh type of leadership that can thrive within the strange culture we
find ourselves in… And there are not enough ‘leaders’ to go
round. That is, if we define ‘leader’ as ‘minister’. Of course, this
has never really been the Congregational model which believes in
the priesthood of all believers. We are all priests, ministers,
leaders, equals.

Respecting the priesthood or ministry of all believers is one reason
the URC provides the Church Leadership Programme. The
programme is open to all who hold a position of responsibility in a
congregation. Thanks to you, I’ve been able to attend this year’s
course. So, how does it equip us to face the challenges of 2023
and beyond?

The programme is built upon four pillars:

à The Gospel of Mark
à The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People –
by Stephen R Covey
à Emotional Intelligence (Daniel Goleman et al)
à The Rule of Saint Benedict

Whilst being no stranger to corporate training, this is the first
programme that I’ve attended that has worship and spiritual
development as threads running throughout the heart of what we
learn together.

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