conferences + training
Rethink Leadership
At last year's My Job: Leadership event, District Superintendent Bobbi Kaye Jones invited all in the District to consider the options for United Methodists here and around the world. She challenged those present to consider whether we most desire "deep change or slow death."
On January 30, 2010, lay and clergy are invited to Rethink Leadership, the first in a series of training events that the Austin District will offer to resource congregations for deep change.
Along with an introductory course for those new to administrative committees (finance, pastor/staff parish relations, and trustees), Rethink Leadership will offer workshops on several of the United Methodist Church's areas of focus. These include renewing existing congregations and starting new ones, raising a new generation of leaders, and doing ministry with the poor.
District Superintendent Bobbi Kaye Jones will offer a plenary session at the start of the day. Other presenters include Melissa Wiginton from the Fund for Theological Education, Gina Campbell from The Center for Family Process, Linda Murdoch from the Texas Methodist Foundation, and Mike Renquist, who consults on human resources.
A full list of workshop opportunities is as follows:
- Rethink Change: the End of the Quick Fix
- Who's Sitting in My Pew: New Places for New People
- Stewardship as a Spiritual Practice
- Small is Beautiful: Strengthening the Small Church
- Creating a Culture of Growth: Revitalizing Existing Congregations
- Ministry with the Poor: Moving from Hand-outs to Help Up
- How Serious are We? Assessing Clergy and Staff effectiveness and Providing Good Feedback
- Awakening Our Young People to God's Call
- Introduction to Trustees
- Introduction to Finance
- Introduction to Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations
Rethink Leadership will be at Westlake UMC on Saturday, January 30. Doors open at 9:00 AM for fellowship and light refreshments. Workshops will conclude by 12:30. The event is free and all are welcomed. Childcare is available when reserved by January 15, 2010. To reserve childcare or with any questions, please contact admin@umcad.org or 512-444-1983.
Important Dates of Upcoming Events:
District Professionals:
Wednesday, February 24, Grace UMC
Thursday, April 29, site TBA
Austin District Conference and Board of Missions meeting - Sunday
afternoon, May 16, Wesley UMC
